Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points!
For this entry, The game changing event that has seen both individuals bearing the mantle of RADIANT BLACK has now arrived at their pen-ultimate chapters. The main series has been split into two ongoing series. Each tells the side of Nathan and Marshall respectively.
RADIANT BLACK #29 & 29.5 by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark, Eduardo Ferigato, Marcelo Costa, Raul Angulo, Rod Fernandez, and Becca Carey looks to pick up the pieces of loss for both heroes. Will it be enough to end the war?
Let’s take a deeper dive and see what happens now!
RADIANT BLACK #29 & 29.5 by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark, Eduardo Ferigato, Marcelo Costa, Raul Angulo, Rod Fernandez, and Becca Carey (black market narrative/Image Comics)
RADIANT BLACK #29 & 29.5 by Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark, Eduardo Ferigato, Marcelo Costa, Raul Angulo, Rod Fernandez, and Becca Carey (black market narrative/Image Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Marshall's story delves into the themes of pain and loss. The writing shows the burden of choices. With every action he has taken, Marshall just can't find a way to have a good outcome. This becomes clearly evident as he makes a decision that alienates himself from allies. The thoughts of the greater good maybe noble but it is not without a cost.
The writing reflects the dire consequences of Marshall's call. The brooding tension with fellow radiants finally boils over. Its' resolution comes with grave results. Marshall becomes increasing frantic until his breaking point is hit. Pacing shows how this has been growing to the perfect crash point. Judging by where things lead now, the worst for Mr. Ward may be on the horizon.
29.5 shines the spotlight on Nathan's path. Much like Marshall, Nathan has had to make choices. However, the heroic nature seems to shine through more. Where Marshall seems more uncomfortable to what plays out, Nathan regroups quickly to dive for more answers.
When a certain Radiant makes his appearance, the story leans into more of a direct path for answers. Readers will be locked in as the War's end starts becoming clearer. The writing dictates Nathan's new grasp of what is transpiring. It gives the sense of here might be some possibility of winning, even if short lived. The closing act shows the definite difference between the radiants as a call is made. The chapter closes with a great ending that will set the show-stopping conclusion into overdrive next issues! Get ready.
Ferigato and Costa bring the best out of their chapters. Marshall's fragile state carries into his drastic choice. The action sequence flow with a high velocity. It's resolution gives one character a half page final moment. Readers won't even have time to react as the battle rages onward. Excellent closing full page panel to lead readers into the ending chapter.
As for Nathan, the coloring of Fernandez elevates a few panels to new heights. The key radiant entrance gets a two page splash with a donut shop stealing scenes. This is backed up by Nathan and Marshall flying through a trippy two page splash of their own. Seeing how they enter this chapter's end pages mirrors the ugliness of the conflict. The parting image sets the table for fans to feast on a showdown for the ages. There is much to praise both teams about.
FINAL POINT: 9.2 (#29 - 9, #29.5 - 9.4)
With the Pen-Ultimate chapters of the Massive-Verse's biggest event, there was a fair balance of emotions and action. Higgins and Clark weave into the decent of a breakdown with Marshall. This is balanced by the more heroic calm of Nathan once clues come to life. The art teams construct incredible imagery as the worlds of Nathan and Marshall speed towards an eventual collision of epic proportions.
Hit me up on ODPHpod social media and let me know your thoughts on Radiant Black #29 and 29.5 (#TeamNathan). Thanks for reading!