With the startling conclusion to the previous issue, many fans were left scratching their heads as to what would happen next. Within the first story arc we now have a new bearer of the Radiant Black mantle.
The individual with the mantle appears to have similar noble intentions, however, if I may make a comparison to Star Wars, our new protagonist may not be willing to carry out his good intentions with moral tactics. Marshall is mad. His quest for justice is now fueled with rage. His best friend, struggling to make ends meet finds something miraculous which the two friends shared, until Nathan’s ideals appeared to have gotten him killed.
Yes, “appears” as we get just a single panel which gives the impression he may not be dead, however the medics are pretty clear there is no apparent brain activity. I’m going to file this one away, I have a feeling this specific mention will be important.
This wraps the first part of the issue, which I would say has three. First, the aftermath of Nathan’s heroism. Second, we are given a glimpse into the mental connection Marshall and the suit have, who continues to warn Marshall of the impending arrival of “The Radiant” who seems to have the sole intent of wiping out humanity.
Marshall, doesn’t care. He wants revenge on the “Red” before he even shows any willingness to work with this alien species. I feel this is very much a story of how a hero could lose one’s path and turn to a dark place. Couldn’t say I blame him though. If it were me, and I were given the superpowers, I would feel the emotional drive to exact justice.
The third part of the story takes us to battle! Marshall, as Radiant Black unleashed on Red who responds in kind. This one is going to a finish, and potentially a fatal one at that. Red initially seems to hold back, but she sees the rage is just too much. Yes, I said she. It’s a girl if you haven’t figured it out by now. She responds by using her own unique skill, which takes a turn when a moment flashes her back to Nathan’s demise.
This opening allows Marshall to go for the kill, moments when Red admits she never intended any harm to anyone. It’s all over until a sudden emergence of MORE RADIANTS! We’ve got Yellow and Pink, and suddenly I’m getting a Super Sentai vibe as we are thrown into an immediate team-up as…
… The Radiant arrives.
