Radiant Black # 7
When we last caught up with the colorful collective…sorry I couldn’t resist. It’s just after last month’s solo story spotlighting Radiant Red I wondered how this issue would continue the action from issue # 5. Marcelo Costa’s artwork answered that immediately as the first panel picks up perfectly from that ending page. Unfortunately, that means the “Radiants” need to become more than just a bunch of Color Kids. And fast.
Writer: Kyle Higgins
Artist: Marcelo Costa
Colorist: Natalia Marques
Letterer: Becca Carey
One thing this series does well is the pacing of its reveals. Kyle Higgins has illuminated the inner working of the plot a little more about this issue. For starters, both Radiant Yellow and Pink get more face time and displays of their powers. Each member seems to have a distinct set of uses for the “black hole” they acquired. I did notice a few mentions of “Leveling Up” which seems to imply at some point they could utilize the others’ abilities as well as their own. Until that point, these strangers simply must rely on each other to avoid the attacks of the “Glitchy” one.
this enemy seems to have most of the “radiants” abilities and then some. this seems to align with the possible motive of the attacks being to eradicate individuality or radiance from existence.
The most interesting moments come from Marshall as Radiant Black and Radiant Pink this issue. While we don’t get her name we catch much of her attitude, as does Marshall. Although you can’t see it with her helmet up Higgins dialogue suggests she has a very smart mouth. Meanwhile Radiant Yellow seems more of a mentor, and not merely due to his age. His wisdom and calm seem to be what has kept Pink alive so far. This has me worried about how much longer he will last as they face this threat.
With ALL the colors (so far) getting showcased Natalia Marques does not let them get washed out. This is perhaps the most vivid issue of the series. Meanwhile, Marcelo Costa has new characters and landscapes to illustrate. The illustrator does not do abstract with every portion being as distinct as the very existence the heroes are seeking to save.
The mysterious “black hole” has been the key component of this series. Each individual has attested to receiving their powers from one. Scientifically speaking, it is stated that not even light can escape from the pull of a black hole. Now it seems that the “Radiants” have something else to escape from and conquer. Hopefully, there is enough light left for them to succeed.
Score: 9.7
Marshall School for Business # 3
Writer: Melissa Flores
Artist: Danilo Beyruth
Colorist: Dee Cunniffe
Letterer: Becca Carey
This issue keeps the end credit scenes coming again and I’m happy to see another spotlight on Marshall before he wore the suit. While he may not have ever left home that didn’t stop him from dreaming big. If you haven’t kept up you are missing out as these shorts show the genius of both Marshall and Melissa Flores. While each of his ideas has validity this one seems a bit different. It seems this current venture has a tie into his feelings about a certain bedridden friend.
Score: Invest Worthy