NO/ONE #4 (IMAGE COMICS via BLACK MARKET NARRATIVE)

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

For this entry, the story that transcends normal comic storytelling is back with an all new issue from Image Comics and Black Market Narrative. With an equally important companion podcast, the mystery that has taken comics most exciting line, the massive-verse, by storm shows no signs of letting up its’ hold on comic fans. NO/ONE #4 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou brings the identity of the masked vigilante closer to the truth behind the question haunting Pittsburgh: Who Is No/One.

Let’s not wait another minute and jump right into the latest chapter, shall we?

NO/ONE #4 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING *** PREVIOUS ISSUE REVIEW

How much weight can a city hold before it breaks? That has been a question circling around the city of Pittsburgh since a figure known as “The Accountability Killer” started their attacks. Aaron Kern is behind bars, publicly recognized as “No/One”. Some would think the danger is over but they were wrong. With a rising body count and copycat killer running loose, the city and their residents are doing all they can to hold things together.

Former Assistant Chief Ben Kern (Aaron’s father) has started his own investigation. Pittsburgh Ledger Editor Teddy Barlow and reporter Julia Paige are covering the story via podcast, putting them into some uncomfortable situations. Detectives Singh and Harper are doing what they can, but the pressure feels too great Amidst this chaos, a new person has emerged, appearing to be the real No/One!

Last issue, “No/One” stopped Kenneth Chbosky from harming Julia. This is coming off the heels of Julia’s mother, reporter Alanna Paige trying to get Julia to speak out about the case. Meanwhile, Ben Kern starts following Chuck Tate, a star football player with ties to No/One victim Coach Nathan Cade.

This issue begins dated June 2023. A corrections officer picks off a letter for Aaron Kern and what he sees shocks him to the core. Elsewhere, Ben has become a regular at a sports bar where Tate frequents. On the TV is Alanna Paige, who is speaking out publicly against her daughter. Tate walks in the bar and makes small talk with “Jim” aka Ben. When a message interrupts the conversation, Tate makes an excuse to leave but Ben follows him to see it’s a lie

At the same time, Senator Noah Kemp unveils a new legal bill with HUGE ramifications involving No/One! Speaking of the vigilante, another potential victim’s name has been revealed in a certain way. How does this tie back to the vigilante? Has he been set-up? Readers are thrusted into action as No/One races to stop the next dead body. Will he get there in time? Who is behind this attack? What of Ben and Julia’s side stories. Rest assured, the mystery behind this series brings a fair balance of drama and action. The slow burn pace is in full effect and things now shift towards the podcast from this must-have issue.

BREAKDOWN: Higgins and Buccellato delve further into the mystery without showing their playing cards. Ben Kern’s story stands out a bit more than the others this issue with his detective work and emotional break point in the latter half. Seeing how Kern speaks with Tate about why he does what he does made a loud statement. The banter with Aaron in prison is always strong material. It feels like “Silence Of The Lambs” lingers around their moments. Senator Kemp’s play adds to fuel more conspiracy elements. Readers can start getting the sense that No/One’s case runs deeper in the heart of Pittsburgh than anyone can fathom. The action moments give a nice break to the character build but, as the final page cements, the book builds up the slow play for an even greater reveal yet to come.

Borges and Englert give Kern’s story more detail with his reactions to what he’s uncovering. Playing naïve to the initial talk with Tate, the body language given off connects with readers of how desperate he is to solve the case. There’s a solid 1 page panel where this component shines through. There is no shortage of action within these pages as Borges constructs 4 page panels for all the high-rise visuals. The pace feels fast and reflects the intensity of the fighting. Its great storytelling which has become synonymous with this series. Excellent close-out visuals to set things forward towards the latest podcast.

FINAL POINT: 9.5 OUT OF 10

In a short amount of time, Higgins, Buccellato, Borges and the team have taken readers into deep waters with a mystery that presents more questions than answers. Superb writing and exceptional art carries the slow-burn drama into another unforgettable chapter. Don’t miss this (and the companion podcast) on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of No/One #4. Thanks for reading.

DEEP CUTS #2 (IMAGE COMICS)

Welcome to a brand-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH podcast!

For this entry, we’re checking out the next chapter into one of the most intriguing series hitting the local comic shops. Considering this book comes from the team over at Black Market Narrative, there’s no surprise on why it’s generating all the buzz it’s making. Deep Cuts #2 by KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, HELENA MASELLIS, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou continues to highlight the history of Jazz music with a stop in Chicago 1928. Let’s not wait another minute and see (and hear) what’s happening here, shall we?

Deep Cuts #2 - On Sale May 31st (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)

Creative: KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, HELENA MASELLIS, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Last Issue, the journey started in New Orleans in 1918, showcasing a young musician’s rise in finding his voice in the city’s music scene. This issue kicks off in a dark theatre in 1928. A man is on stage, talking to the audience about how his instrument and the music it plays gives him life. As he continues to speak, the lights come on to start a musical number. However, this moment proves to be a rehearsal and the direction it goes in is one not hitting the high notes.

Immediately, the production is stopped by its’ director Gail Gelstein, who emerges from the empty seats with changes in mind. However, the pressure is building for a hit show because Gail’s show “Kansas, Oh Kansas”, is featured on Broadway. The theatre manager Herman challenges her to double down on the strengths of the show: the music. If there’s anything to save a bad show, it’s a great song. He gives her an ultimatum: Deliver a hit jazz song in 48 hours. The story centers around someone becoming a jazz man, so Gail is questioned why there’s no jazz music.

Gail reveals she doesn’t know Jazz, but Herman tells her to make it happen, no excuses. With time not on her side, Gail heads home to Chicago for a wedding. When she’s talking with her parents about the song she’s working on, Gail reveals it has no title. Her dad gives her a tip for help in the form of Ray Stroh. Stroh works for Wolverine Publishing and might be Gail’s only hope for making a hit.

Can Gail and Ray pull this off? Will the show be saved? Readers see Gail’s quest into making a great song isn’t such an easy path. There are many stumbling blocks to overcome but Gail’s not letting go of finding the hit she desperately needs. The story shifts into some different directions leading to a surprising final act. Gail’s search for the music might not be the only thing she (along with the readers) discovers along the way before closing off this chapter.

Deep Cuts #2 - On Sale May 31st (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)

Creative: KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, HELENA MASELLIS, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Deep Cuts #2 - On Sale May 31st (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)

Creative: KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, HELENA MASELLIS, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

BREAKDOWN: Higgins and Clark continue to display the power of jazz with another strong issue. Gail’s story is one of determination mixed with self discovery along the way. Knowing she needs to incorporate jazz into her production while not knowing anything about it made for a unique dilemma. The dynamic between her and Ray works well as his excitement to help is balanced out with her drive to secure the song. Another great sequence is the banter with her brother Toby. His unlikely advice plays a big part in sending the story into a new direction. The revelation of why Gail wants to make this song work so badly is a great twist that readers can easily comprehend. It all ties back to the power of music and the connections it makes. This all leads into the final act which comes off as a bit of a surprise, but plays out showcasing the impact the music has truly made in one person’s life.

MASELLIS makes a huge splash with the art in this issue. The style feels vintage with elements of abstract mixed in. The time period is fully captured within the panels. There are many incredible full-page panels sprinkled throughout this issue. The one kicking off the musical start sets a huge tempo for the rest of the issue. Gail’s train ride form New York to Chicago is another noteworthy visual montage capped off with her starring out the window while the conductor announces the arrival. Gail’s attention is lost in the song she’s building and the color scheme used to transition (excellent work by Monti) shows how lost in thought she had been in. This comes back full circle on the train ride back, led in by the panel with Gail standing in front of her suitcases. Masellis delivers on projecting the energy of live music with Gail’s time in a few night spots. The crowd reactions let loose on how the music affects them. The emotional reaction isn’t left there as sharp readers will see through the issue: the only times Gail smiles in this issue is when she’s listening to music. It’s a testament to how impactful music can link with someone’s soul.

Deep Cuts #2 - On Sale May 31st (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)

Creative: KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, HELENA MASELLIS, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

Deep Cuts #2 - On Sale May 31st (Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative)

Creative: KYLE HIGGINS & JOE CLARK, HELENA MASELLIS, Igor Monti and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou

BREAKDOWN: 8.5 OUT OF 10

The music doesn’t skip a beat with Deep Cuts #2. Higgins, Clark, Masellis and the team guide readers through Gail Gelstein’s stop in Chicago with superb writing and exceptional art. There is literally nothing like this book on the shelves of the local comic shops. The series continues to be a must read for all fans & can’t be missed on New Comic Book Day.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Deep Cuts #2. Thanks for reading.

SUPERMASSIVE (2023) - IMAGE COMICS

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

In January of 2022, an event debuted spiraling out of the pages of the hit Image Comics series (via Black market Narrative): Radiant Black by Kyle Higgins and Marcelo Costa. The event welcomed comic readers to new heroes such as Rogue Sun, Inferno Girl Red and The Dead Lucky (via cameo). From that book, an exciting universe was born that has energized fans with its creativity and characters. The event was SuperMassive. The universe was The MassiveVerse!

The fallout from the book kicked off solo series for both Rogue Sun (by Ryan Parrott & Abel) and the Dead Lucky (by Melissa Flores and French Carlomagno). Inferno Girl Red by Mat Groom and Erica D’urso made its’ transition from Kickstarter to Image in January of 2023. With the success of those series alone, fans have been clamoring for the heroes to reunite in another crossover. Their wishes have been granted with another Massiveverse event hitting the local comic shops on May 24th, 2023!

SUPERMASSIVE by KYLE HIGGINS, RYAN PARROTT, MELISSA FLORES, MAT GROOM, DANIELE DI NICUOLO and WALTER BAIAMONTE (editor: Michael Busuttil) brings together the heroes of the MassiveVerse for an epic adventure. Let’s not delay any longer and take a closer look at what’s happening here, shall we?

SUPERMASSIVE (2023) by KYLE HIGGINS, RYAN PARROTT, MELISSA FLORES, MAT GROOM, DANIELE DI NICUOLO and WALTER BAIAMONTE

Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative - On Sale May 24th, 2023

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

For anyone needing a quick refresher on each character and what they do: Here’s MassiveVerse 101

The story begins Enfield, England in 1412, A battle is taking place between the Rogue Sun of that era and a mysterious figure known as Thomasin. In Rogue Sun’s possession is an obelisk that he is going to great lengths to keep. It is in a losing effort as Rogue Sun is defeated by Thomasin. She takes the obelisk and uses it to open a portal, leading to an unknown location. As she walks thru, she leaves the obelisk behind.

Fast forwarding to present time, Rogue Sun is sneaking into a museum in New York looking for the obelisk which has a personal connection to Caleb Hawthorne. With the object in hand, Rogue Sun flies to Lockport, Illinois to recruit Radiant Black on his latest mission. Readers see an awkward moment with Marshall, Nathan, Caleb and Dylan “meeting” for the first time. All the while, the actions of Rogue Sun have garnered the attention of Morrow and its’ latest security addition: Bibiana Lopez-Yang aka The Dead Lucky.

What is so special about this obelisk? Readers quickly find out it is the key to opening the door to the Holy Grail! With the power that could come from finding it, it is no wonder why all parties have varied vested interest in acquiring it. “With Great power comes great responislbilty” takes a whole new meaning as this story progresses. Once all parties finally meet in Enfield, the heroes open the door into an adventure they (and readers) won’t soon forget.

Readers will be glued to the pages seeing how these individuals survive the challenges in their way of acquiring the grail. The action is box-office as they progress thru on their quest. There is no shortage of drama with all the personalities involved. They make for some of the best moments in this issue when the clashes arise. However, no one is ready for the surprises mixed in for the latter portion of the book. The closing act will catch readers off-guard, but the payoff is sure to please. If that wasn’t enough, just wait for the final pages. I can’t stress this enough, when you hear “Massive-Verse Event” that means AN EVENT! Readers get a total picture that all ties together for a satisfying conclusion and why when all these heroes come together, readers can only describe it as “Super Massive”!

SUPERMASSIVE (2023) by KYLE HIGGINS, RYAN PARROTT, MELISSA FLORES, MAT GROOM, DANIELE DI NICUOLO and WALTER BAIAMONTE

Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative - On Sale May 24th, 2023

SUPERMASSIVE (2023) by KYLE HIGGINS, RYAN PARROTT, MELISSA FLORES, MAT GROOM, DANIELE DI NICUOLO and WALTER BAIAMONTE

Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative - On Sale May 24th, 2023

BREAKDOWN: The Massiveverse writing team plays to the strengths of their characters to make for a very enjoyable read. Marshall’s comedic timing is spot-on in breaking up the more dramatic moments. Bibiana also sneaks in a well timed “Indiana Jones” line that works perfectly as well. The story itself is an intriguing one as each hero is tested on how far would they go to get everything. The emotional toll the mission takes is easy to connect with as there are deep personal roots behind each motivation. The action scenes are well paced, giving the characters enough time to properly interact in-between, making for the best scenes. Not everything goes smoothly and that makes for added tension. It comes off very organic and not just “another super-hero team-up”. Each character gets an ample amount of panel time to move their own stories along with the main plot. The final act has great surprises that raises a few questions along the way, but that’s for another time. No spoilers on those moments, but rest assured, the readers will be excited to see them transpire. The fallout ends things with complete closure before sending everyone onto their next paths. The epilogue is something special that fans won’t be expecting but this goes into how creative the teams are behind this event. Get ready!

Di Nicuolo and Baiamonte add such energy to the pages of this event. The action panels waste no time in setting a frenetic pace. There are a few 2 full page panels that are absolutely incredible with one being a game-changer later in the issue. The art team also presents Thomasin as a compelling character through the various panels. Her story comes across as one of redemption moreso than sheer searching for power. The interactions she has with Bibiana come across as if they both share some common themes between them and why they are invested in the Grail. The comedic expressions Marshall shows in more serious moments work with giving the readers a solid break before diving back into the drama enfolding. The closing moments ramp up the action before slowly bringing everyone down to say goodbye for now. Excellent epilogue to close out the event with an image that will have readers talking without question.

SUPERMASSIVE (2023) by KYLE HIGGINS, RYAN PARROTT, MELISSA FLORES, MAT GROOM, DANIELE DI NICUOLO and WALTER BAIAMONTE

Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative - On Sale May 24th, 2023

SUPERMASSIVE (2023) by KYLE HIGGINS, RYAN PARROTT, MELISSA FLORES, MAT GROOM, DANIELE DI NICUOLO and WALTER BAIAMONTE

Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative - On Sale May 24th, 2023

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

When a book has the billing “Super Massive”, it gives itself a high benchmark to hit. Without question, The Massive-Verse team accepts and exceeds the challenge mixing in superb writing and energetic artwork in an adventure fitting for the title. There’s a reason why this universe is comics’ most exciting one. The event is an absolute must have on New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Supermassive 2023! Thanks for reading!

NO/ONE #3 (IMAGE COMICS)

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

For this entry, we’re following the clues surrounding the biggest mystery in comics: WHO IS NO ONE? The Image Comics series via Black Market Narrative has been an absolute smash hit with readers as both #1 and #2 have gone into 2nd and 3rd printings. The way that this series has branched outside traditional comics promotion is incredible with its companion podcast and viral shorts. “No/One” feels more like an event rather than a series. Note, this is only after two issues of the series. To cause that strong of a reaction after only two issues is a testament to the amazing work being done with this series.

NO/ONE #3 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou dives back into the story after last issue’s shocking ending. All bets are off where the fallout goes from here, but let’s not wait any longer. Shall we resume the mystery of “Who Is No One”?

NO/ONE #3 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou for Image Comics via Black Market Narrative

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Louis Capel. Michael Kern. Coach Nathan Cade. All dead with a possible common thread connecting them. That common denominator is the mysterious vigilante known as “No/One”. However, it is more complicated that it seems. “Richard Roe” aka “the accountability Killer” or No/One is publicly known as Aaron Kern. Kern has been in Allegheny County Jail after being caught and confessing to being the killer. So if he’s behind bars, who is the copycat attacking under the mask? This is on top of Assistant chief Ben Kern (Aaron’s father) being attacked and saved by No/One?!

No/One also has caught the eyes of Pittsburgh Ledger Editor Teddy Barlow and reporter Julia Paige who are covering the case via podcast. Detectives Singh and Harper are on the case, trying to make sense of it all. The City of Pittsburgh is on edge. Senator Noah Kemp (who survived a No/One attack) arrives and makes a public plea to bring swift legal change to protect the people from No/One. Tate looks to Kern for support and is answered with a public resignation instead.

This issue opens Police Sergeant Vince Harmon sitting with Ben Kern setting up an exit interview to tie up loose ends. This is interrupted by Lieutenant McGarrity, who barges in with questions of his own for Kern. The conversation is heated as the frustration of the case is boiling over. Once cooler heads prevail, the case file is given to Kern for one last attempt to find a clue to solve the case.

Meanwhile, Julia and Teddy are discussing Aaron Kern’s timeline when she receives a call from her mother, FOC News host Alanna Page, who is going on-air to talk about the case. When declined, Alanna’s attention shifts to another case. That case involves a man by the name of Kenneth Chbosky. Shortly after the show, Chbosky reaches out to Julia for an interview due to her No/One coverage.

How does things fare with another profile case? How does this fit in with the No/One case? Readers witness what transpires and what dangers follow. With the spotlight burning hotter on all the major players, the case shifts into new directions. With so many vested parties searching for answers, there is no shortage of enjoyment for readers to have with this series.

NO/ONE #3 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou for Image Comics via Black Market Narrative

BREAKDOWN: Higgins and Buccellato focuses heavy on the tension the No/One case is having on the citizens of Pittsburgh. Right from the opening segment, they set the tone of anger and bitterness directed at Ben Kern. It’s countered with his own tormented feelings with how his family is attached to the case. The story with Julia this issue presents an interesting dynamic with her mother that has only begun to scratch the surface. It is overshadowed by the events involving her and Chbosky, which the writing team shows how dangerous her line of work can be. The fallout changes some preconceived notions surrounding her investigation and raises more questions heading further into the mystery. Even with the focus being on Julia for the majority of this issue, the main supporting characters get enough panel time to advance their parts. The conclusion brings one character full circle as anyone involved with this case simply just can’t walk away from it.

First off, how fantastic is the main cover by Borges and Mark Englert! It’s subtle but makes a statement. Heading into the issue, the emotional outbursts pour out of the panels when it involves Ben Kern and Lieutenant McGarrity, Readers can easily connect the pent-up frustration that explodes when Kern tries answering the questioning. Julia and Chbosky’s portion of the story comes off brooding and tense, which pairs perfectly with the blunt writing of Chbosky’s character, The fallout is swift and impactful as no panel goes wasted in redefining Julia’s opinions concerning the story she is diving into. There’s a great near fill page panel that readers can fully see the change unfolding surrounding Julia’s case. Panel structure is also giving this series a more powerful feel to how No/One’s actions have grabbed the city’s attention. There’s a certain energy that this book brings that gets amplified by the amazing art.

NO/ONE #3 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou for Image Comics via Black Market Narrative

NO/ONE #3 by Kyle Higgins, Brian Buccellato, Geraldo Borges, Mark Englert & Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou for Image Comics via Black Market Narrative

FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

The Massive-Verse’s biggest mystery heads into uncharted territory with its’ latest entry. Shifting the focus away from the main case to highlight a smaller one is a risky gamble, but Higgins, Buccellato, Borges, and the team tie it all together with compelling writing and phenomenal art. The mystery has only just begun but there is a reason why this series gets all the praise it does: It’s simply THAT Good! Don’t miss this series and the companion podcast when it drops!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on No/One #3. Thanks for reading.

RADIANT BLACK #24 (IMAGE COMICS)

Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review for the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, it’s the last stop for the flagship title of comics’ most exciting line of books before its’ monster crossover later in May. This issue also serves as the final point before heading into what will be its’ most talked about story in July known as “The Catalyst War.” Suffice to say, the summer of 2023 will be a memorable one for Image Comics and Black market Narrative. RADIANT BLACK #24 by Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa, Igor Monti and Becca Carey sets the stage for Nathan Burnett and Marshall with the consequences of failure never set higher. Let’s see how the heroes fare on the final stop before “Supermassive 2”, shall we?

RADIANT BLACK #24 - On Sale May 2nd, 2023

Creative: Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa, Igor Monti and Becca Carey

Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

In his wildest dreams, Nathan Burnett could never have imagined when he returned home to Lockport, Illinois from Los Angeles how much his life would change. After coming into contact with a mysterious object, Nathan became the figure known as Radiant Black. Since that moment, his life has been a non-stop roller coaster with his best friend Marshall now intertwined in this superhero world. Both have done heroic actions, but their latest challenge may be too great to overcome.

Something is coming to Earth. Something they might not be able to stop. Factor in that their powers are not working properly and it’s a blueprint for disaster. With the future looking dire, a choice was made. Nathan and Marshall make a return to a place where both are familiar with. They return to Existence.

This issue kicks off with Nathan and Marshall crashing back into the realm of Existence. The pair is greeted by an old “frienemy” in <001>, who readers haven’t seen in quite some time. He assumes the role as guide into the vastly changed landscape. Existence as they knew it is no more. It is devasted and fragmented. <001> speaks of what is needed to try fixing things but it is not an easy road.

Nathan and Marshall must search for a key element that could be the missing piece to save Earth from impending doom. On this journey, Nathan and Marshall are challenged to confront their own self reflections to move forward. As the line goes… “There is only truth in Existence.” It really pushes the pair into uncharted water? Will they succeed? Readers find out very quickly that there is no easy way out for what Nathan and Marshall need to deal with. The later portion of the book hi readers direct with addressing a discord long suspected. This all leads to a resolution with a final parting image that has huge ramifications heading into the Catalyst War.

RADIANT BLACK #24 - On Sale May 2nd, 2023

Creative: Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa, Igor Monti and Becca Carey

Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative

RADIANT BLACK #24 - On Sale May 2nd, 2023

Creative: Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa, Igor Monti and Becca Carey

Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative

BREAKDOWN: Throughout the course of this series, Kyle Higgins has crafted challenges that have tested the bond of Nathan and Marshall on many levels. This issue harkens back to the theme and emotions of another classic issue in the series: Issue #10. Whenever Existence has been in play, it brings out something special within the story. The journey they embark on makes both characters face lingering plot points directly in front of the readers. Higgins depicts their friendship as their greatest strength and weakness at varying moments. There is a very strong portion of the story where this comes to light and gives the readers a sense at what each is going thru heading towards their fateful ending. Once at that stage, the closing portion presents a very direct ending which readers will have feelings about. It’s also noteworthy that the final image featured proves once again why what Kyle Higgins and company at BMN continue to push the creative bounds like no one else in the business.

Marcelo Costa and Igor Monti paint an eye-popping landscape throughout this issue. Existence feels worn down and barely hanging on. The opening two-page spread is absolutely phenomenal. It sets the pace for what lies ahead. As previously mentioned, there are some homages to Issue #10 that long-time readers will pick up on and see what compares and contrasts. Monti’s coloring adds such a new element to the already impressive visuals. The whole landscape feels different and energetic at the same time. There is a great deal of two-page spreads throughout the issue that gives the moments showcased that much more gravity to the story. The sequences leading into the final act demonstrate to the readers the anguish and eventual truth of the lingering plot points. It pays off big once the final image hits the page. A perfect closing full page panel to conclude this crucial timeframe of the MassiveVerse’s flagship book.

RADIANT BLACK #24 - On Sale May 2nd, 2023

Creative: Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa, Igor Monti and Becca Carey

Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative

RADIANT BLACK #24 - On Sale May 2nd, 2023

Creative: Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa, Igor Monti and Becca Carey

Credit: Image Comics via Black Market Narrative

FINAL POINT: 10 out of 10

All roads lead to the next phase of the MassiveVerse’s flagship title with an incredible issue concluding this prelude arc. Higgins, Costa, Monti and Carey present two heroes outmatched for what lies ahead but refusing to surrender with superb writing and an amazing visual experience. There is a reason this line of books are comics’ most exciting line and led by Radiant Black. The buzz surrounding this series never fails to deliver and this issue will be one fans will be talking about this week on New Comic Book day. Highest possible recommendation.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Radiant Black #24. Thanks for reading.