The Catalyst War rages on, pushing Marshall and Nathan to their limits in their respective timelines. They face the third trial, challenging our protagonists to navigate a seemingly unwinnable situation. Radiant Black issues #28 and #28.5 delve deeper into the diverging timelines, asking who is truly deserving of the Radiant Black mantle and can they stop The Catalyst War.
For new readers, starting from issue #26, the series has been releasing two Radiant Black issues monthly: one where Marshall holds the power, and the other where Nathan does. Each face the trials of the Catalyst Empire, with every decision further splintering the timeline.
In issue #28, readers witness Marshall’s emotionally-charged response to profound personal loss, while #28.5 showcases Nathan’s typically independent nature crumbling under the burden of war. The war centers a very human story and highlights the differences in their responses to adversity, grief and the trials they face.
Image Comics
Writers Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark excel in creating narratives that feel mirrored yet distinct. Issues #28 and #28.5 remind readers that the dual narrative isn’t a gimmick, but an expertly-crafted exploration of two closely intertwined yet fundamentally different individuals. Their decisions, flawed yet honest, echo the overwhelming challenges posed by the Catalyst War.
If there’s a drawback, it lies in the density of the narrative. The series hasn’t revealed too much about the origins of the Radiants and their place in the wider universe over its two year run. A host of new lore, concepts and characters are introduced in rapid succession over a few issues, which is compounded by tracking the fracturing timelines. At times, the Catalyst War arc can feel a bit overwhelming for a reader.
Image Comics
However, being full isn’t necessarily negative, especially with such skilled creative teams on each issue. Issue #28 is penciled by Eduardo Ferigato and colored by Raúl Angulo, while #28.5 features pencils by Marcelo Costa and Rod Fernandes’s colors, with both being expertly lettered by Becca Carey.
The visual identity of Radiant Black is unmistakable, thanks to the talents of the creative teams. From the design of enemies to the vivid hues of Radiant Black’s aura and the distinct lettering, each panel is a testament to their skill and passion. Issue #28’s climactic pages particularly standout by doing incredible job of driving home the destruction of this war.
Radiant Black #28 and #28.5 live up to the creators’ promise of grand-scale storytelling. While at times it can be hard to keep everything straight for the reader, between the new and exciting lore to the fracturing timelines, this doesn’t dampen the experience. With stellar artwork and a human-centered story at its core exploring decisions and consequences amidst cosmic war, Radiant Black #28 and #28.5 are more great installments in the series.
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