Radiant Black’s current story arc has Marshall Ward through Wringer. He had to go through some deep introspection following the events of the Catalytic War. He had to upload his superhero game for Jaeger, an incredible new person. Radiant Black #35 will end the Jaeger and Marshall conflict and showcase Marshall’s growth throughout the ARC.
He also reveals details about Jager, including why he hates Marshall so much. It’s probably a twist that sparkling black fans have speculated, but it endures the words of co-writer/co-creator Kyle Higgins that the Catalyst War will have lasting consequences for the ongoing narrative. Similarly, the final page significantly raises Marshall’s interests in ways fans don’t expect, but is even more excited about future issues. In particular, one line of dialogue sat me straight and went “What?!”
Higgins and co-author Joe Clark know how to build tension across the glowing Black #35, and timing big, obvious things to maximize impact while cutting off the story with a burst of action. A great example is about the opening page that is pretty close to Jaeger (in his civilian identity) killing Marshall’s mother. Enter a very upset marshal. Another moment comes when Pink and Black teleport to another location to confront Jager, meeting face to face with his group of armored disciples. This kind of tension kept me glued to the cartoon.
So are co-creators Marcelo Costa and Eduardo Feligato. The duo grows everywhere, especially in that sequence where Marshall tackles Eagers through the building. The building has its own pool, literally split in half as Marshall attacks Jaeger. It’s a visual that shows the power of the characters and creates a manga worth the cover price. That same sense of scale applies to remaining issues, such as scenes where the explosion of bicycles and concert halls are turned into tiled rubs. Costa and Feligato appear to have an explosion depicting the mysterious Mariposa that Marshall encountered in the sparkling black #32. It turns out she can embrace herself in the fight.
This art will not appear without the colours of Rod Fernandez and the lettering of Becca Carrey. I spoke at length about how Carey’s letter made the sparkling black a unique comic. That continues with Radiant Black #35. During one sequence, Jaeger’s words literally droop in the air, creating an eerie effect only enhanced by the black and red colours applied by Fernandez. When the characters get angry, their words get bigger…and there’s a lot of things that get angry.
Radiant Black #35 puts an end to the current story arc and closes with some big surprises in the process. It’s all thanks to a creative team dedicated to wearing the best cartoons they can and being successful at every level.
“Radiant Black” #35 closes the current story arc in style
Radiant Black #35
Radiant Black #35 puts an end to the current story arc and closes with some big surprises in the process. It’s all thanks to a creative team dedicated to wearing the best cartoons they can and being successful at every level.
Higgins and Clark maximize the big obvious things in the story, especially in order to have the most impact when Jaeger is concerned.
Costa and Feligato grow everywhere with art – the opening page is intense.
Thanks to Fernandez and Carrie, Jaeger remains a truly terrifying villain.
Closes the current story arc in style.
