Have you ever experienced a time where you felt lost or uncertain of where your future would lead? Imagine yourself at a point where you don’t know what is next. You wish for something life-changing to happen.
Imagine picking up a floppy at your local comic book shop, reading this story about an aspiring writer who resorts to taxi driving to make ends meet. Then, imagine yourself moving back in with your parents, because you couldn’t.
This is a story of Nathan Burnett, in a situation many of us encountered at one time or another. In the second issue of Radiant Black, Nathan gets a serious sit-down from his father implying to let go of his dreams and pursue the dreaded “real job.” Could you imagine how disheartening that must feel? Perhaps you, the reader, have felt it too.
Powers come into play as the big reveal from the conclusion of last issue, Nathan is not the only one with this mysterious new power. While his costume radiates black and blue, someone else is seen in black and red. This someone else is using the power for less than noble intentions, such as robbing banks.
Nathan and his friend Marshall attempt to hide their secret from his parents, however the police officers encountered from the previous issue have tracked them down. However, these events lead Nathan agreeing to work in an uber-like capacity, resulting in clues to tracking down this costumed robber.
The altercation does not go well, but does give Nathan the opportunity to do some good. The final pages of the issue end with some reconciliation between himself and his father, in a conversation some of us would appreciate.
I like the letterer also gets credit on the front cover, with Becca Carey featured with writer Kyle Higgins and artist Marcelo Costa. The writing and artwork complements this somber trek of reality yet is also a heroic tale.
This series is enjoyable because it resonates. Radiant Black #2 resonates with my inner child of what if something incredible would happen, and I suddenly had powers like Superman or the technology of Iron Man at my disposal. It would open up worlds but also a new set of responsibilities.
Like Spider-Man, Nathan finds himself with the responsibilities of the rare world and slowly but surely encountering the responsibilities are being a super-powered hero.
Radiant Black #2 is now available at your local comic book retailer.
All Photos Credit: Image Comics
