Radiant Black #37 is chock-full of surprises. Not only does it follow up on the major cliffhanger from Radiant Black #35, which saw the mysterious Franklin Group deploying troops across Chicago to keep the peace in the wake of the Catalyst War, but it also finally sees the return of Radiant Red…and Radiant Black’s arch-nemesis, Shift! If that wasn’t enough, there’s a new pair of villains on the street, and the Franklin Group’s leader Jack Marlow has his own plans for Chicago.
Shift isn’t the only major return, as Radiant Black #37 finally sees co-creator Marcelo Costa returning to the series’ interiors. While I’ve been loving Eduardo Ferigato’s work on the “Rebuild” arc, it’s a joy to see Costa drawing Radiant Black once again. Whether it’s showcasing Marshal’s transformation into Radiant Black, or a two-pager showing Radiant Black soaring through Chicago’s skies, Costa has a great flair for the superheroic that fits this book. That’s especially true for the fight scenes, as a battle between Shift and the “Second Earth” conspiracy theorists showcase Shift’s teleportation abilities and his utter ruthlessness.
A new story arc means a new set of characters and a new set of designs. Costa and colorist Rod Fernandes don’t disappoint in that regard, delivering a pair of Kamen Rider-inspired villains; one sports a dark red color scheme and winged helmet, while the other’s wrapped from head to toe in purple and black armor. The standouts have to be the soldiers the Franklin Group deploys, as their uniforms feel like a mix between Radiant Black’s costume and a futuristic Ninja.
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Writing-wise, Kyle Higgins and Joe Clark continue to push the story of Radiant Black forward, leading to some genuine surprises. Case in point: the opening page reveals that Radiant Red and Shift are hooking up! It’s a great way to live up to the comic’s T+ rating, but it also raises so many questions, especially since these two previously had an antagonistic relationship. A bigger surprise concerns Marlow, as he has ties to another series in the Massive-verse; it’s a moment that made me go “Holy crap!” and there’s only a handful of comics that get such a reaction out of me.
For all the new elements contained within Radiant Black #37, the title character has fairly little focus. Marshall’s still in the book, and still his usual witty self, but I really wish that we got to see more of his date with Mariposa, especially since he doesn’t know that she’s the mysterious figure who helped him fight Jaeger and because the two have genuine chemistry. To Higgins and Clark’s credit, this sequence also lets them write a witty moment that will have certain fans laughing. I freely admit to being one of those fans.
Radiant Black #37 launches a new story arc that features new villains and new issues for its cosmic champion, in addition to some familiar faces. Judging from the way this issue ends, it looks like Marshall’s problems are only starting.
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