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
