The Catalyst War is in the past. Marshall Ward’s future is uncertain. After becoming the sole Radiant Black, Ward has walked into a new stat quo. The world doesn’t hold him in high regard. Nathan Burnett is on the west coast. Plus, there’s someone from the other timeline looking to settle the score.

His name is JAEGER. He’s adding to a body count. Next on his list is Marshall’s mother!

RADIANT BLACK #35 by Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark, Eduardo Ferigato, Marcelo Costa, Rod Fernandes and Becca Carey dives further into the Jaeger mystery with the latest chapter.

Let’s take a closer look at the Massive-verse’s latest!

***RADIANT BLACK #35*** by **Kyle Higgins**, **Joe Clark**, **Eduardo Ferigato, Marcelo Costa,** **Rod Fernandes** **and Becca Carey (Image Comics/Massive-verse)**

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

One area of the Massive-Verse that has been needing attention is their rogues gallery. They have good antagonists but few reach the level of Shift. In a few short issues, Higgins and Clark have firmly cemented Jaeger onto that list of GREAT villains. Having him systematically attack is one thing. Making it personal with Marshall’s mother is crossing a few lines. This allows many themes to unfold. None greater than pushing Marshall out of his comfort zone.

The opening attack is pure adrenaline. The writing steps on the gas with the pacing. It leads into a disturbing moment of reflection. Jaeger’s depiction of Thalia Hall events sets forth more emotional blows on the fragile Ward. Even with the assist of a new character, readers attention never leaves the big showdown. There’s no hesitation in the punches thrown. The dialogue brings forth many buried feelings. It results in a steady finish before the closing. Once at this stage, the writing adds one more surprise into the mix. How this is going to play out should be something special for the Massive-verse faithful.

The art team doesn’t miss on starting off events with a bang. Marshall’s last minute save is rewarded with a near full page image. There’s no slowing down from here. Readers watch as the action picks up. Jaeger’s onslaught holds nothing back. After the full page decree, Jaeger’s motorcycle tricks cause a well placed transition to a more dramatic state.

Watching Jaeger recite the Thalia Hall events of the timeline establishes a dire mood. This revs up the action as Marshall attempts to fight back. His latest ally crashes via half page image. This leads into another invested throwdown. Where this fallout leads is to a more hurtful discussion. The panels never let Marshall’s guilt stop being on display. It pushes the fight into the finish. There’s a few near full page visions that wrap up events before the Lakeview epilogue. Marshall’s mannerisms go through quite a range before the last panel. Seeing what lies ahead throws everything in an uncertain place. One thing is for certain: there’s never a quiet moment in the massive-verse.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.5

The Jaeger arc concludes in thrilling fashion. Higgins and Clark’s writing bring out the rage and frustration of The Catalyst War fallout. The art team gives readers plenty to enjoy with the action. There’s no doubt after this issue why the Massive-Verse is a must read each time out.

Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on Radiant Black #35. Thanks for reading!

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast!

For this entry, we’re taking another dive into the vision of the Incal, the universe created by Alexandro Jodorowsky and Jean “Moebius” Giraud. Readers last visited this universe with The Incal: Dying Star and with a future film coming out with Taika Waititi (THOR: RAGNAROK, THOR: LOVE & THUNDER) tagged to direct, the franchise is making some big moves to watch for. Hitting the comic shops on May 31st is the oversized edition* of one of the most popular characters in the Incal Universe: The Metabaron. Weapons of the Metabaron by Alexandro Jodorowsky, Travis Charest, and Zoran Janjetov from Humanoids brings their universe’s most feared warrior into the spotlight with a special showcase that is sure to please fans of this line. Let’s take a closer look and see what unfolds here, shall we?

Editors Note: The original TPB of this story was released in December of 2016

Weapons of the Metabaron (Oversized Edition) - On Sale May 31st, 2023 Creative - Alexandro Jodorowsky, Travis Charest, and Zoran Janjetov from Humanoids — Weapons of the Metabaron (Oversized Edition) - On Sale May 31st, 2023
Creative - *Alexandro* *Jodorowsky, Travis Charest, and Zoran Janjetov* from Humanoids

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The story begins with the mysterious figure known as No-Name flies toward the Omphal, the humongous asteroid located in the center of the universe with more secrets inside. There is a group of individuals inside the rock known as the Eight Intra-sleepers waiting for his arrival. No-Name has an artifact in his possession that they have a vested interest with.

No-Name brings them the Omnigraal, which on the surface looks like an artifact but it is revealed to be much more than that. Once presented, No-Name activates it by pulling it close and absorbing it. The elders divulge that the artifact is a receptive weapon that absorbs everything, including No-Name’s memories. The elders set him down and mind-link with No-Name to restore his thoughts. The life story of the Metabaron is set to be revealed.

The past begins with a young No-Name and his father-mother on a mission to slay a beast known as a Leodactyl. The pair embark on their dangerous task with precision strikes. Readers witness first hand how dangerous and violent the pair can be to accomplish their goals. However, that was only the tip of the iceberg. One they return from their mission, No-Name is given his final test to prove his status as the heir apparent. He is challenged by his father-mother to a duel to the death! “Victory or Death” are the only options. Readers witness the brutality and the emergence of No-Name’s ascension to becoming a Metabaron.

The journey doesn’t stop here as No-Name begins his quest to acquire the most powerful weapons in the universe. Can he step up to the mantle left for him? With have has previously transpired, does he have enough strength and determination to finish the mission? Readers are taken on a wild ride as No-Name attempts to conquer such weapons like the Transpineal Eye and the sword of Dreams known as Praxis to name a few. The action raises the stakes at each turn all leading to an ultimate confrontation. The conclusion will leave no doubt in anyone’s mind on why the legend of the Metabaron is known and feared throughout the Incal universe.

BREAKDOWN: The story of the Metabaron is a very unique one. The mentality of No-Name is one of “mission over everything”. From starting out as an ambitious fighter to evolving into a cold and ruthless warrior, Jodorowsky takes readers into a fascinating journey into pushing limits over self-sacrifices. The duel with father-mother establishes that point directly. Knowing that there is only one way to grasp the mantle, both know what to expect from their face-off. It sends No-Name into an emotionless void which becomes a frightening strength. Readers see this play out in the final act as No-Name fully becomes the Metabaron he envisions. Most of the other elements of this story play into the Incal formula of sci-fi, intense action and particular creativity. Readers are left with a definitive mark of why this character is a legend.

The art is where this issue shines above anything else. if you have never seen a Travis Charest book before, you are in for a treat. His style is so realistic and detailed, it raises any story to a new level. The visuals of the fight between No-Name Father-Mother and the Leodactyl establish a strong pace for where the story is heading. The fight between Father-Mother and No-Name will be another moment readers will be raving about as the sequences play out like a movie. The same goes for the initial quest for Praxis. “Stunning” feels like an undersell when it comes to his work. The only drawback is Charest only worked on pages 11-39, with this oversized edition featuring Charest’s sketchbook which is worth buying this issue alone!

It is explained in the book on the reasons for the art change which Janjetov fills in the rest of the book very well. Janjetov’s style plays into the final product of these trials for weaponry. The closing portion of the book leaves no doubt on where the evolution of No-name has formed into.

FINAL POINT: 8 OUT OF 10

The origin of one of the most feared characters in the Incal universe is brought to life through the visionary art of Travis Charest in a special edition not to be missed. Solid writing matches the incredible artwork to deliver fans a story that won’t soon be forgotten. Keep an eye out for this on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Weapons of the Metabaron. Thanks for reading.

RADIANT BLACK #35 (IMAGE COMICS/MASSIVE-VERSE)

WEAPONS OF THE METABARON (HUMANOIDS)