Nathan Burnett is down of his luck. He’s not making money as a writer and is forced to move back with his parents. While out at night drinking with his friend, a weird black ball of energy bonds with him, causing him to transform into a mysterious being of incredible power.

I feel like ever since Invincible wrapped up, I’ve kinda been jonesing for a good Image Comics superhero book. Did I find it with Radiant Black? My magic 8-ball answer would answer that as, “as I see it, yes.” Again, it’s your run-of-the-mill way of getting powers but it had things about it I liked. The hero that’s down on his luck, right outta the “Peter Parker School of Life” works well for me. I love a flawed hero, one who doesn’t have the easiest route to where he is. It always feels a bit more like I understand where they come from. And while the origin might be ordinary, Kyle Higgins delivers good dialogue for a small cast, making it easy to jump into it. It could have used a bit more action but it is what it is.

Remember that Invincible talk from earlier? I felt like Marcelo Costa had a bit of a Ryan Ottley vibe to his art. I love the look of this book. The art is detailed but not stiff. Also, I love the design of Radiant Black. It’s a bit simple but striking.

Overall, it’s a good-but-not-great first issue but I think it’s enough to get me excited for the next issue and I feel like I can see the potential of Radiant Black. Not all origins need to be great. What’s more important is what happens after you get your powers. Radiant Black also gave us a look at the other side of the coin, so to speak, with the emergence of a foe who popped up at the end of this issue. Image has a history of superhero books and while they’ve done a colossal job of expanding from that. It’s awesome to see a book like Radiant Black usher back the Image Comics age of heroes.

Story: Kyle Higgins Art: Marcelo Costa Letterer: Becca Carey
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

It’s always interesting to read a superhero comic not published by the “big two”. They have such a foothold in the genre, it’s hard to not compare what else is released to them. There’s been some success from indie and small press publishers but generally, few have come close to matching the classic formula. Radiant Black #1 kicks off a new superhero adventure and the result is… ok.

Writer Kyle Higgins brings something personal to the world of Radiant Black. The debut issue introduces us to Nathan, a failed writer deep in debt who is forced to move back in with his parents. Back in his home town, he stumbles upon a mysterious object during a night of drinking that covers him in a powerful suit.

Radiant Black #1 is a bit mix in the end. While it shows a lot of potential, the comic doesn’t quite have the magic, excitement, or hook to really create that memorable origin. It’s not bad at all but it also doesn’t excite. Higgins delivers us a relatable character in Nathan but also a depressing lead to start.

Nathan has failed as a writer and is tens of thousands of dollars in debt. It’s something many can relate to but it’s a reminder that we can relate to that. It removes that escapist quality delivering a sad, depressing lead. The “discovery” moment of Nathan’s new powers also doesn’t have that spark. It happens and then he gets into an argument with his friend along for the journey. There’s never any point of excitement or glee from Nathan, he’s the hero you want to punch for being a sourpuss.

And that’s possibly part of the point of it all. Higgins states in his letters page this is a personal character to him. It’s possible in Nathan and Radiant Black #1 he delivers a character that’s more “him” than anything he’s written yet. But, that more grounded take on the hero has implications on the escapist nature of the superhero genre.

The art by Marcelo Costa is solid. Joined by letterer Becca Carey, the comic and characters have a great design to it all. Despite the rather depressing nature of Nathan, the comic itself never drags down. The colors pop on the page and when big moments arrive, they stand out visually due to the comic delivering more of a “slice of life” up to that point. The comic has a look and style that reminds me a bit of Invincible, another superhero comic published by Image and Skybound. Overall, it looks good but like the story itself, never quite has memorable visuals.

Radiant Black #1 is an ok debut. Hopefully, it’s the start of something greater but on its own, it never quite stands out. While it features solid writing, relatable characters, and really nice art, it also never quite stands out with bigger than life moments or characters. It’s muted in a way and hopefully, it gets past that as the series progresses.

Story: Kyle Higgins Art: Marcelo Costa Letterer: Becca Carey
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.5 Recommendation: Read

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW