Chicago is not the same “Windy City” of old. In the wake of the Catalyst War, it is still recovering into its’ new stat quo. Another person trying to find his way is Marshall Ward. His life was forever changed in the Massive-verse event. After defeating Jaeger, Radiant Black wants to get back to a sense of normalcy. It seems that chances of that are all a dream.
RADIANT BLACK #37 by Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark, Marcelo Costa, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey begins its’ latest arc.
Let’s take a closer look at how events play out now.
RADIANT BLACK #37 by Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark, Marcelo Costa, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey (Massive-verse/Image Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Anytime you have Shift and Radiant Red in a book, it’s definitely got my attention. Making them a couple? This has some great storyline possibilities. It temporarily breaks away from the dictator-esque state of Chicago. Readers see how the city is under lockdown. Jack Marlow & The Franklin Group have enforced their grip on the people. The moments unfortunately mirror current events. It doesn’t escape the dialogue. Marshall’s voice becomes one of reason in a dire time.
Readers see more clues come into focus about Marlow’s moves. Watching a resistance group plan addresses the “Second earthers” dilemma. They are quickly thwarted by a certain pair of lovebirds. Adding them into the overall picture complicates certain areas. It also as previously eluded to makes for endless possibilities. Their interaction with Marshall sets forth new boundaries. Shift’s decree overshadows Date night with Mari. The writing shows Marshall’s attempt for a normal break. This becomes upstaged by the close. Marlow’s plans come into focus in a huge way. It is a clear message to readers how the stakes have been raised. Excellent chapter to read.
Costa returns to art duties for this chapter. The foreshadowing of Red and Shift works for the payoff later. Lakeview on lockdown sends a disheartening message to kick events off. The two page splash expands on that uneasiness. Marlow’s new “enforcers” make an impression as being reckless. This doesn’t go unnoticed as Radiant Black hits the scene. Another solid two page splash addresses the trouble brewing. From here, there is no looking back.
Shift and Red bring the action to a resistance group. They come barging in via full page panel. Readers will love seeing a Fastball special done in the melee. The art hits the fast paced points while Shift banters. It leads to an awkward meeting with Radiant Black. The expressions on display speak volumes. This gives a transition to date night. These panels tease some happiness in Marshall’s life. It is fleeting as the ending reminds readers of the new landscape. The closing page will cause many questions as more trouble is on the horizon. The art hits the bullseye with this chapter.
OVERALL GRADE: 9
Dark times loom in Chicago as Jack Marlow’s plans start taking form. Higgins and Clark bring this era in with string writing. Costa and Fernandes’ art deliver on action and tense situations. Readers are really going to see what kind of hero Marshall Ward is very soon.
Let me know your thoughts on Radiant Black #37 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!