Radiant Black #40
(W) Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark (A) Marcelo Costa
For months now, Marshall has been the one and only Radiant Black, constantly striving to be better, to do better, to be the hero Chicago deserves.
Not everything can be saved.
Radiant Black #39
(W) Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark (A) Marcelo Costa
With Chicago on edge, Marshall tries to carve out one single normal evening — but something wrong is looming on the HORIZON, and sometimes all it takes is a spark…
Radiant Black #38
(W) Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark (A) Marcelo Costa
Chicago needs a hero. There’s gangs on the streets and superpowers in the suburbs and anyone you meet could be a secret double from a parallel world.
Chicago needs a hero — and Jack Marlow is going to give them one.
Radiant Black #38
(W) Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark (A) Marcelo Costa
Chicago needs a hero. There’s gangs on the streets and superpowers in the suburbs and anyone you meet could be a secret double from a parallel world.
Chicago needs a hero — and Jack Marlow is going to give them one.
Radiant Black #37
(W) Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark (A) Marcelo Costa
Series co-creator MARCELO COSTA returns for an explosive new arc of RADIANT BLACK! With his latest foe dealt with, Marshall is ready to take his place as Chicago’s favorite superhero — but tensions are rising in the city, and the Post Office may have other plans.
The Radiant Black co-creators, writers Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark, artists Eduardo Ferigato and Marcelo Costa, and Massive-Verse editor and designer Michael Busuttil, will be kicking off the 2025 “Rebuild” era by conducting a video conversation this Thursday, January 16, at 6pm PST on YouTube Live to spill the secrets on the critically-acclaimed series’ massive February return. It’s a bold new era for The Massive-Verse and the creative team behind Radiant Black will be taking you inside it all with a live discussion, Q&A, and more.
In the meantime, readers can brush up on their knowledge of Radiant Black, including the events of The Catalyst War, with the free “The Story So Far” recap issue, which is available in comic book stores and digitally on the Image Comics site. Perfect for new readers and longtime fans alike, this issue recaps the thrilling journey of Nathan, Marshall, and the Radiants as they battle cosmic threats, face personal struggles, and navigate the power of being a hero. Packed with stunning art and compelling storytelling, it’s the perfect way to catch up before the next chapter unfolds. Fans can also stay up-to-date with Massive-Verse news with the Black Market Narrative Substack newsletter.
In Radiant Black #31, the “Rebuild” era begins; in the wake of the Catalyst War, Marshall Ward is the one-and-only Radiant Black! But not everyone in Chicago is happy with their new hero—and with old foes returning and new threats rising, will Marshall’s time as Radiant Black be abruptly cut short? A new era of Radiant Black begins in this perfect jumping-on point for new readers!
Radiant Black #31 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, February 26 (the Final Order Cutoff deadline for comic shop retailers is Monday, February 3):
Radiant Black #30 and #30.5, the latest issues in the bestselling Image Comics series by all-star Massive-Verse creators—Eisner Award-nominated writers Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark, and fan-favorite artists Marcelo Costa and Eduardo Ferigato—are being rushed back to print in a special combo issue to showcase the epic ending of the Catalyst War series arc. The second printing combo, featuring a brand new cover, is being fast tracked in order to keep up with escalating demand for the issues.
The Massive-Verse has been a highlight at this week’s New York Comic Con, with two Thursday panels, one about the overall storytelling initiative and one about Kid Cudi’s Moon Man, revealing exciting news about what’s in store for fans this year. On Friday, celebrated composer Bear McCreary will take over the Main Stage at 2:30 p.m. to discuss his Massive-Verse project The Singularity and more, joined by co-collaborators Higgin and renowned writer Mat Groom. Fans can also catch Higgins at booth #G40 throughout the event. Radiant Black Vol. 5, which kicks off the Catalyst War, is also nominated for Book of the Year at this year’s Harvey Awards, taking place on Friday night of the show.
In Radiant Black #30, the Catalyst War continues and pieces fall into place. Endless possibilities collapse. The end of the world is at hand. Then, in Radiant Black #30.5, the final issue of the story arc, the paradigm is forever changed. In the wake of the unmissable conclusion to the Catalyst War, there can only be one Radiant Black.
The Radiant Black #30 and #30.5 combined second printing (Lunar Code 0924IM881) will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, November 13 (with FOC this Monday, October 21) for a special price of $4.99, featuring a brand-new cover by Ferigato.
As the Catalyst war rages on across two timelines, Marshall and Nathan make their choices as the respective Radiant Black in their timelines to decide who will solely hold onto the mantle. Yet, as the tide drastically turns against Earth, all hope seems lost. With the eventual convergence of the timeline on the horizon, could the potential salvation of the planet be discovered by one of the duo’s desperate actions to save it? Radiant Black #29/29.5 by Kyle Higgins, Joe Clark, and Marcelo Costa forces Marshall and Nathan to reckon with a doomed timeline to attempt to change the future.
Following the dual timeline split in issue 25, all of the build-up across the past issues has led to this issue as the explosive consequences of Marshall’s and Nathan’s decisions come to fruition, specifically with Marshall’s role as Radiant Black, which has led to the worst timeline outcome for him. Over the past couple of issues, we have seen what led Marshall down this path by making a selfish decision in a tough choice. It all feels aligned with his characterization and previous actions, as Higgins and Clark do not paint him as a villain but as someone wholly human and vulnerable who ended up picking the wrong thing.
I also appreciate how different the timelines are from each other, where releasing two issues does not feel like a cheap gimmick but is an essential part of telling this trial between Marshall and Nathan. Instead of simply copying and pasting events, they are two unique narratives where Nathan and Marshall impact them in distinct ways. And I appreciate how Radiant Black #29/29.5 shifts the story arc from being about them choosing who will be Radiant Black to how they both use the identity to save Earth with Marshall’s present timeline occurring ahead of Nathan’s. As a result, it justifies Marshall’s timeline with existing because it impacts how Nathan, Marshall, and the other Radiants can approach the Catalyst war in his present.
Considering how Costa drew two issues for the July release, I am amazed at how he handled a large monthly comic book workload. His art demonstrates how much of his incredible visuals are a strong selling point for the title as he can switch from the sci-fi action to the more grounded aspects and finally with the weirder cosmic elements. He is impressive, especially in delivering two stories instead of just one issue per month. With colorist Rod Fernandes and letterer Becca Carey, the art team is working as a well-oiled machine to meet the schedules and continue his high artistic standards.
While Marshall and Nathan’s future may not look bright, they do find a possibility to change it in Radiant Black #29/29.5. As one of the hottest titles currently at Image Comics, Higgins, Clark, and Costa showcase two explosive issues that further the deadly Catalyst war. They are truly two interconnecting stories that you do not want to miss.
Story: Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark Art: Marcelo Costa
Color: Rod Fernandes Letterer: Becca Carey
Story: 8.8 Art: 9.4 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Read
Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase Radiant Black #29: TFAW – Kindle
Purchase Radiant Black #29.5: TFAW – Kindle
Known for pushing the envelope with unique twists, easter eggs, and multimedia tie-ins, the Massive-Verse’s Radiant Black, by Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa, Eduardo Ferigato, and Joe Clark, will have fans doing a double-take next month yet again—literally—with the release of two issues: Radiant Black #26 and the Radiant Black #26.5.
One storyline follows Marshall, one storyline puts the spotlight on Nathan, but both issues are a must-buy for readers to get the full experience. There are, after all, two sides to every story.
“Catalyst War” has been two years in the making and an event told across timelines featuring two different art teams telling two different stories each month. Both timelines are integral to the event featuring the choices of Marshall and Nathan and how those choices impact their worlds. By the end, readers will find out who will be Radiant Black going forward.
The “.5” storyline will run through Radiant Black #30 and Radiant Black #30.5 before hitting fans with another jaw-dropping plot twist.
Available at comic book shops on Wednesday, October 25:
Available at comic book shops on Wednesday, November 22:
Available at comic book shops on Wednesday, December 20:
The upcoming miniseries Deep Cuts—co-written by Massive-Verse architect Kyle Higgins and award winning composer Joe Clark—will feature connecting covers across all six issues of the series. Image Comics has revealed the connecting cover image (artwork by Chris Brunner and colors by Rico Renzi) which highlights a span of 60 iconic years of music history explored throughout the story.
The superstar talent on deck to provide interior art for each issue include: Danilo Beyruth, Helena Masellis, Diego Greco, Ramón K Pérez, Juni Ba, and Toby Cypress with all issues colored by Igor Monti.
Bonus backmatter material for each Deep Cuts issue will also include lead sheets of original songs by Chicago jazz composers, inspired by and connected to each issue’s story.
Inspired by real events, Deep Cuts tells stories of the interconnected struggle, joy and hope in jazz as well as the (sometimes) stray connections that ultimately inspire each new generation.
Deep Cuts #1 is set in New Orleans, 1917. In the city’s bustling red-light district, a young clarinet player lands a job with his hero—but he’ll soon discover there’s more to the music business than playing the right notes.
Deep Cuts #1 (Diamond Code FEB230009) will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, April 26.
Deep Cuts #2 (Diamond Code MAR230125) will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, May 31.
Deep Cuts #3 (Diamond Code APR230235) will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, June 28.
