Deron Generally
Deron Generally
Radiant Black #1
Image Comics
Written by Kyle Higgins
Art by Marcelo Costa
Letters by Becca Carey
The Rundown: A young man at his personal worst finds something that might give his life some purpose.
Nathan Burnett is not having the best time out in LA and he could really use a change in his circumstances. Unfortunately, that change is going to come in the form of him having to move back to his suburban Illinois town and back in with his parents. It’s not all bad for Nathan. Not only does he get to move back in with his parents and contemplate the book he never got to write, but he can hang out with his best friend from childhood who seems to take joy in reminding him of his failure.
After having a few drinks and coming to the bitter truth about his writing career, Nathan and his friend Marshall discover a mysterious object floating in the sky. When Nathan goes to touch it, he is given a suit and a series of superpowers. Powers that he doesn’t understand, but wants to. As the two friends map out their next move, a figure emerges with similar powers and an agenda of his own.
The Story: Higgins brings an interesting slant to a classic comic book trope. It would be easy to make the characters insufferable and unlikable, but there is a charming normalcy to them and their circumstances that makes the events more interesting. The story has a good plot and delivers on the its premise while adding some relatable humanity to the story. It will be interesting to see how the plot develops.
The Art: Marcelo Costa does some great work with the art in the issue. The style allows for the comedic aspects of the story to come forward while also tapping into the emotion and humanity of the characters and their surroundings.
Radiant Black #1
