Throughout its run, Radiant Black has put its own unique spin on superhero tropes. It’s done the origin story, the team-up, and even the event storyline, and in a world that’s chock-full of superhero books, these takes actually feel fresh. Co-creators Kyle Higgins and Marcelo Costa zig where most comics would zag, and in Radiant Black #38, they tackle another longtime trope: a superhero’s doppelgänger.
The “doppelgänger” in question is Horizon, the mysterious trenchcoat-clad figure with powers similar to Radiant Black’s. He joins forces with Pulse and Vector, the costumed influencers from Radiant Black #37, to enact the Franklin Group’s will. While he isn’t dealing with Horizon stealing his spotlight, Radiant Black is trying to carve out a personal life for himself – including dating the beautiful yet mysterious Mariposa (who he doesn’t know is the mysterious golden figure he encountered in the “Rebuild” arc.)
I have to give a hand to Higgins and Joe Clark for balancing all the different elements within their script. Radiant Black #38 doesn’t just feature more of the mystery surrounding Horizon, his boss Jack Marlow, and the Franklin Group; we also get Marshall singing (horribly) at karaoke and having to deal with a massive hangover afterwards, while also watching more movies with Mariposa. The best moment comes toward the beginning of the issue, which features a group of people who seemingly gather in Chicago’s Millennium Park to watch Radiant Black…only to reveal Horizon hovering there.
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This is a stunning image, and it’s one of many that Costa brings to Radiant Black #38. Moments like Marshall singing his heart out or trudging through a Target for a hangover cure have just as much effort put into them as Horizon descending from the sky; all of it is lit in vibrant color by Rod Fernandes. The real standout comes when Radiant Black has to stop an arson, with the Horizon Group’s heroes following close behind. In a glorious two-page spread, Costa and Fernandes draw attention to how each superpower operates: Radiant Black charges straight into danger, Pulse and Vector work together as their powers feed off of each other, and Horizon hovers above it all. The lettering by Becca Carey also draws attention to each action, especially in the case of Horizon, as it’s depicted in cold black and white.
Radiant Black #38 feels a bit piecemeal in how it advances its main story, particularly since we don’t learn much about Horizon. All we know is that he’s working for the Franklin Group and doesn’t seem too into what they’re doing. His identity will probably be revealed later down the line, but I hope that the next issue picks up the pace a little, especially with the bombshell reveal that comes at the end.
I also have to shout out the return of the “Marshall’s School of Business” backup stories, which made their return. Not only does this series remain hilarious as ever, but it’s also a great way to spotlight new artists — in this case, Thomas Phillipson writes and draws Marshall’s idea for an app that stops people from drunk texting. Yes, it’s as hilarious as it sounds.
Radiant Black #38 once again flips the script on a long-standing superhero trope, as it introduces a new hero (or potential foe) in the form of Horizon. Future issues will no doubt reveal the answer, but I love that even after all this time, the creators can still make their superhero story feel fresh.
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