Radiant Black, Vol. 1

Radiant Black, Vol. 1

  • Downloads:6727
  • Type:Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
  • Create Date:2021-10-28 09:51:54
  • Update Date:2025-09-07
  • Status:finish
  • Author:Kyle Higgins
  • ISBN:1534319166
  • Environment:PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle

Summary

"The perfect superhero comic for anyone missing Invincible。。。" - Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible)

THE MOST-ACCLAIMED NEW SERIES OF 2021!

Visionary writer Kyle Higgins (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Ultraman) and artist Marcelo Costa reinvent super heroes for a new generation! Nathan Burnett has just turned thirty and things aren't great -- he's working (and failing) at two jobs, his credit card debt is piling up and his only move。。。 is moving back home with his parents。

But when Nathan discovers the ethereal, cosmic RADIANT, he's given the power to radically change his fortunes。。。unless the Cosmic Beings who created them succeed in taking them back by any means necessary。 Oh, and did we mention there's a RED RADIANT who wants Nathan dead? The next must-read comic book series STARTS HERE。

Collects RADIANT BLACK #1-6

Download

Reviews

Daryl

Sometimes I buy first issues of new comics。 Very occasionally, they inspire me to continue buying after issue #1。 Once in a while I think, maybe I should check this out when the trade comes out。 Radiant Black falls into the latter category。 This book has been hyped as superhero comics for anyone missing Invincible, or Power Rangers for adults。 Either description feels accurate。 In the first issue, we are introduced to our protagonist, a struggling writer (such a trope for writers) who encounters Sometimes I buy first issues of new comics。 Very occasionally, they inspire me to continue buying after issue #1。 Once in a while I think, maybe I should check this out when the trade comes out。 Radiant Black falls into the latter category。 This book has been hyped as superhero comics for anyone missing Invincible, or Power Rangers for adults。 Either description feels accurate。 In the first issue, we are introduced to our protagonist, a struggling writer (such a trope for writers) who encounters a strange glowing object which gives him super powers。 Although this doesn't seem to be a superhero world, he takes this very much in stride and decides to become a superhero。 No angst, just a shrug。 And we're then introduced to another character with similar powers and suit, though in red, thus they're called "Red," who appears to be the bad guy。 Fights ensue。 There's a bit of a twist toward the end (**possible spoiler alert here**) where the main character gets severely injured and his best friend takes over the superhero role。 And then we meet a couple more similarly-powered and costumed characters。 That was interesting, but then the final chapter/issue of the trade tells a completely different story, the backstory of Red。 The art is mostly clear and serviceable (the final two chapters/issues are each done by a different artist - not usually a great sign), though nothing spectacular or inspiring。 I'm not sure I'm intrigued enough to read any more。 。。。more

Paulo Victor

3。5Some narrative problemas but quite fun overall。 I'm looking forward the next volume。 Reminded me of trashy TV shows I watched as a kid, but in a good way。 ~RaDiAnt~ 3。5Some narrative problemas but quite fun overall。 I'm looking forward the next volume。 Reminded me of trashy TV shows I watched as a kid, but in a good way。 ~RaDiAnt~ 。。。more

Chris Thompson

This started out great, but quickly grew uneven。 The first issue set a great tone with plenty of humor and sympathy for the main character。 But then it struggled with what to do after the initial setup。 A surprising chunk of this story is devoted to the main character writing and brainstorming a novel, which has nothing to do with the main plot at all。 There’s a great twist towards the end, but the final issue feels like it would have been better placed at the start of the next volume。 There is This started out great, but quickly grew uneven。 The first issue set a great tone with plenty of humor and sympathy for the main character。 But then it struggled with what to do after the initial setup。 A surprising chunk of this story is devoted to the main character writing and brainstorming a novel, which has nothing to do with the main plot at all。 There’s a great twist towards the end, but the final issue feels like it would have been better placed at the start of the next volume。 There is plenty to enjoy here, and I think Higgins could have made a much better story had he cut some of it out。 。。。more

Kai Charles(Fiction State Of Mind)

Really great start to a new superhero series。

Judah Radd

I liked it when I read it in singles as it was coming out, and I liked it as a trade too。This is special。 Right away, it’s easy to see how this is a modern spider-man in many respects… but it goes deeper。 The things the characters struggle with in their real life are uncomfortably relatable, and it’s balanced out by stunningly drawn and colored superhero action。 The aesthetics here are so exhilarating and kinetic。 This first volume leaves far more questions than answers, but the strength of the I liked it when I read it in singles as it was coming out, and I liked it as a trade too。This is special。 Right away, it’s easy to see how this is a modern spider-man in many respects… but it goes deeper。 The things the characters struggle with in their real life are uncomfortably relatable, and it’s balanced out by stunningly drawn and colored superhero action。 The aesthetics here are so exhilarating and kinetic。 This first volume leaves far more questions than answers, but the strength of the character development left me intrigued to find out what happens next。 。。。more

Brandon

The pull quote on the cover has Robert Kirkman saying that this is "the perfect superhero comic for anyone missing INVINCIBLE。。。" and boy oh boy was it right, I certainly did miss reading boring superhero stuff that everyone hyped up but felt generic and annoying。 Invincible, Radiant Black, whatever it is I don't care for it。 Radiant Black trades in the over-the-top ultraviolence and superhero pastiche for。。。 I'm not sure。 One could call it "toku", as people like doing, but it's not particularly The pull quote on the cover has Robert Kirkman saying that this is "the perfect superhero comic for anyone missing INVINCIBLE。。。" and boy oh boy was it right, I certainly did miss reading boring superhero stuff that everyone hyped up but felt generic and annoying。 Invincible, Radiant Black, whatever it is I don't care for it。 Radiant Black trades in the over-the-top ultraviolence and superhero pastiche for。。。 I'm not sure。 One could call it "toku", as people like doing, but it's not particularly toku。 It's standard superhero fair, but the character designs look more like Sentai/Power Rangers than they do superheroes。 But it's still a regular old superhero story, that feels like it got bored of its own conception and switch the premise three issues in。。。 then 5 issues in。。。 and still hasn't found its footing by the end of the first volume。 。。。more

Patrick

Much more intriguing than I expected it to be。

James DeSantis

This was SUPER FUN! So you have our main character, Nathan, is shit out of luck。 He went off to be a big time writer and failed。 Now he returns to his father's place to try and pick up the pieces of his life。 When he meets up with a friend he lets him know how shit things are, they argue, and then BAM, a black hole attaches to nathan and he becomes basically a superhero。 The origins itself is nothing new but it works。 What REALLY works is the characters。 Nathan and his friend have great chemistr This was SUPER FUN! So you have our main character, Nathan, is shit out of luck。 He went off to be a big time writer and failed。 Now he returns to his father's place to try and pick up the pieces of his life。 When he meets up with a friend he lets him know how shit things are, they argue, and then BAM, a black hole attaches to nathan and he becomes basically a superhero。 The origins itself is nothing new but it works。 What REALLY works is the characters。 Nathan and his friend have great chemistry。 Nathan himself is a interesting character since we can all see ourselves in him when we're down on our luck。 The fact he has good hearted parents but also pushy is something I can relate to personally as well。 The way it balances Nathan trying to figure out his life while also saving people is great, but issue 5 kicks it into high gear and so much crazy shit happens you won't expect。 The art is solid, though simple, works for this style。 I also think the suits a bit power rangers but they work overall as well。 It's not the most original idea but it's one of the most fun origin superhero books I read in some time。 A 4 out of 5。 。。。more

Shannon Appelcline

A fair new take on supers that turns out to be more Power Rangers than Invincible。 The majority of this volume is pretty typical。 It's well-written and well-characterized, but it's the story of a 30-something loser who gets super powers, which is not exactly an innovation。 But the whole series really opens up in the last few issues when Higgins begins to reveal an entire mythology 。。。 and a lot more characters。 A fair new take on supers that turns out to be more Power Rangers than Invincible。 The majority of this volume is pretty typical。 It's well-written and well-characterized, but it's the story of a 30-something loser who gets super powers, which is not exactly an innovation。 But the whole series really opens up in the last few issues when Higgins begins to reveal an entire mythology 。。。 and a lot more characters。 。。。more

Richard Howlett

If I had just picked up issue 1 I would not have read on。 Issue 1 was bland and uninteresting。 But then somehow it gets infinitely better from issue 2 onwards! 3* because of the poor #1, and because of the shoddily drawn hands in #6 😂

Matt

COLLECTS RADIANT BLACK ISSUES #1-6I'm very intrigued by the idea behind this story, but this volume just scratches the surface of where things seem to be heading。 I'm excited to read more。The first five issues in this collection tell one, ongoing story, and then the final issue in the collection gives us the origin story for one of the side characters。 Final rating = 4。5 stars (although I didn't love the sixth issue) COLLECTS RADIANT BLACK ISSUES #1-6I'm very intrigued by the idea behind this story, but this volume just scratches the surface of where things seem to be heading。 I'm excited to read more。The first five issues in this collection tell one, ongoing story, and then the final issue in the collection gives us the origin story for one of the side characters。 Final rating = 4。5 stars (although I didn't love the sixth issue) 。。。more

Robert

If your "ordinary schlubb mysteriously acquires superpowers" story is going to be this derivative, you need to concentrate on sublime art and execution。 And, fortunately, this one does!I'm keen on continuing, it's giving me mixed Invincible / The Sword vibes, in a good way。 If your "ordinary schlubb mysteriously acquires superpowers" story is going to be this derivative, you need to concentrate on sublime art and execution。 And, fortunately, this one does!I'm keen on continuing, it's giving me mixed Invincible / The Sword vibes, in a good way。 。。。more

André Habet

A few pages with great page breakdowns but otherwise damn。 Writers make boring pedantic superheroes。 Was grateful for the penultimate issue twist。 Will read the next volume。

Kevin P

As far as super hero stories go, it's pretty vanilla。 With that being said, Kirkman knows what he's doing and it's got some interesting elements that set it apart from his previous fare。 Will stick around to see what comes about from this run。 As far as super hero stories go, it's pretty vanilla。 With that being said, Kirkman knows what he's doing and it's got some interesting elements that set it apart from his previous fare。 Will stick around to see what comes about from this run。 。。。more

Trike

This seems to be a case of hype hurting a book, as those who’ve heard of this are disappointed。 Fortunately I’m in the other camp, having never heard of this until the other day and I got it just because it looked cool, and I was pleasantly surprised。At first I wasn’t terribly impressed, but then once the story kicks up a couple notches it really took off。 The beginning is stuff we’ve seen before, with a guy getting superpowers and not knowing how to use them。 It’s The Greatest American Hero or This seems to be a case of hype hurting a book, as those who’ve heard of this are disappointed。 Fortunately I’m in the other camp, having never heard of this until the other day and I got it just because it looked cool, and I was pleasantly surprised。At first I wasn’t terribly impressed, but then once the story kicks up a couple notches it really took off。 The beginning is stuff we’ve seen before, with a guy getting superpowers and not knowing how to use them。 It’s The Greatest American Hero or Heroes or Invincible, Vol。 1: Family Matters in that regard。 Higgins adds some writer angst for flavor, probably in a “write what you know” vein, which is slightly unusual, but then he throws in a few twists and that’s when the book gets more interesting。So yeah, I liked it。 It’s not breaking brand new ground but it’s different enough to have my attention。 。。。more

Kevin Lau

Collected in single issues and bought the volume too because I love it that much! Radiant Black is my favorite new comic that I've read this year and, now on issue #7, the series just gets better and better。 For my full thoughts, check out this episode of Committed Critics! Collected in single issues and bought the volume too because I love it that much! Radiant Black is my favorite new comic that I've read this year and, now on issue #7, the series just gets better and better。 For my full thoughts, check out this episode of Committed Critics! 。。。more

Chris

Well, when you have Robert Kirkman on the cover saying "The perfect superhero comic for anyone missing INVINCIBLE。。。" of course I'm going to check this out。Certainly has potential。 It didn't hook me right away, but that's okay as I've learned that some of these comics need a bit of a build up before they click for me。 It wouldn't surprise me that I later come back and re-rate this at 4 stars once I know where it's all going。I liked this superhero origin, it's gotta be hard coming up with new and Well, when you have Robert Kirkman on the cover saying "The perfect superhero comic for anyone missing INVINCIBLE。。。" of course I'm going to check this out。Certainly has potential。 It didn't hook me right away, but that's okay as I've learned that some of these comics need a bit of a build up before they click for me。 It wouldn't surprise me that I later come back and re-rate this at 4 stars once I know where it's all going。I liked this superhero origin, it's gotta be hard coming up with new and exciting origin stories, but Kyle Higgins manages to keep it interesting。Artwork is really nice too。 。。。more

LibraryLass

4。5 stars

Paul Allard

Superhero comic series which is pretty good with some original touches。A budding writer returns to his home town and becomes a superhero in strange circumstances。 With a friend to help him, he learns that he is not alone as a Radiant and they aren’t all heroic。 Fights and mayhem ensue。 The characters are interesting and quite well-developed and the plot has good pace。 My review does not cover #6 but I certainly enjoyed the story and the artwork which is effective and clear。 I received a copy of Superhero comic series which is pretty good with some original touches。A budding writer returns to his home town and becomes a superhero in strange circumstances。 With a friend to help him, he learns that he is not alone as a Radiant and they aren’t all heroic。 Fights and mayhem ensue。 The characters are interesting and quite well-developed and the plot has good pace。 My review does not cover #6 but I certainly enjoyed the story and the artwork which is effective and clear。 I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more

Caleb Bollenbacher

So far up my alley; this is filling the Invincible-shaped hole in my heart!

Rory Wilding

For many Westerners, including myself, Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was their introduction to the Tokusatsu genre, even though the American show was an adaptation of sorts on numerous seasons of the Super Sentai series, a unique Japanese take on superheroes。 Since then, this particular genre has expanded its horizons through numerous media, such as Kyle Higgins making a name for himself by writing the Power Rangers comics for Boom! Studios。 Higgins may no longer writes the colourful rang For many Westerners, including myself, Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was their introduction to the Tokusatsu genre, even though the American show was an adaptation of sorts on numerous seasons of the Super Sentai series, a unique Japanese take on superheroes。 Since then, this particular genre has expanded its horizons through numerous media, such as Kyle Higgins making a name for himself by writing the Power Rangers comics for Boom! Studios。 Higgins may no longer writes the colourful rangers piloting their Zords, but he presents a different take to the Tokusatsu genre with Radiant Black for Image Comics。Turned thirty and in financial trouble, struggling young writer Nathan Burnett makes the decision to move back to Lockport, Illinois at his parents’ house。 Don’t know what to do, despite his mother’s encouragement to continue writing and his father’s insistence on finding work, Nathan goes out for a drink with his friend Marshall, only to discover and unlock the ethereal cosmic “Radiant”。 Donning this cosmic suit that has gravity-based powers, could this be the answer to Nathan’s financial troubles, or should he use these abilities for something greater?Although properties like Power Rangers are aimed at children, it was interesting seeing Higgins taking an adult approach towards this genre, and I don’t mean throwing in sex and violence。 Nathan Burnett is compellingly relatable as having aspirations from an early age, here is a somewhat directionless adult。 However, the comic doesn’t drown itself in constant sorrow as the banter between Nathan and Marshall is fun and the few dramatic moments with his father are touching。You do see familiar tropes of the superhero origin, such as the initial training on how to use the powers and the responsibility that comes with having such abilities, but Higgins quickly and cleverly deconstructs the origin。 As this volume is subtitled “(Not So) Secret Origin”, the first people to find out about Nathan’s identity as Radiant Black are two policemen。 There are other aspects of deconstruction, such as finding out the true nature of the antagonist Radiant Red and halfway through the volume, there is a huge change in the status quo, which I’m still uncertain, though Higgins keeps bringing in the element of surprise, it’ll be interesting how it will play out in the long game。Reminiscent of the art style of Ryan Ottley, Marcelo Costa’s work is surprisingly multi-layered from his well-crafted action sequences to varying use of panel layouts。 However, his biggest accomplishment is how expressive his characters are, as you can see a wide range of emotions through his illustrations, even how the two Radiants are feeling through their masks。 A lot of issue #3 delves into Nathan going through writer’s block and you can see the level of concentration and difficulty from his facial expressions, contrasting alongside panels and even whole pages that is just text as Nathan writes his story。 There are a couple of guest artists in the fifth issue that is one explosive cliffhanger, whilst the sixth issue is a backstory issue that visually works on its own merit。 The first volume certainly feels like a tease for something bigger and more cosmic in the next arc, but Kyle Higgins and Marcelo Costa do so much right here and I’m excited to see where the characters and the world-building goes。 。。。more

Dan Schwent

When Nathan Burnett hits rock bottom and has to move back in with his parents, he finds a strange orb and becomes Radiant Black, a cosmic super hero。。。Radiant Black sparked my interest when I first saw the costume on twitter but I don't buy single issues anymore so I had to wait an eternity and a day before I finally got the trade, containing issues 1-6。The book is a lot more complex than my teaser indicates but I don't want to spoil too much。 The first couple issues are pretty standard, establi When Nathan Burnett hits rock bottom and has to move back in with his parents, he finds a strange orb and becomes Radiant Black, a cosmic super hero。。。Radiant Black sparked my interest when I first saw the costume on twitter but I don't buy single issues anymore so I had to wait an eternity and a day before I finally got the trade, containing issues 1-6。The book is a lot more complex than my teaser indicates but I don't want to spoil too much。 The first couple issues are pretty standard, establishing the hero and his powers, etc。 The pace was more Bronze Age than most modern books so I was into it。 The whole "Writing Day" issue felt like a misstep。Some serious shit happens not long after that and I now I'm all in on the book。 The writing is above average, some quips but not enough to undermine the action。 Higgins led me off by the hand and then pantsed me and took my lunch money, a great quality in a writer。The art is computer colored but not obnoxiously so。 It's a good looking book but not too flashy。 The use of perspective and panel design is pretty fantastic, though。It took a couple issues but it looks like I'm following another current comic。 Radiant Black。 Buy it。 Read it。 Four out of five stars。 。。。more

Jipi Perreault

Half way through, it goes in so many directions that I'm not sure what to think of it。 It certainly a pretty good beginning but I hope the pacing will fix itself eventuallyi。 Half way through, it goes in so many directions that I'm not sure what to think of it。 It certainly a pretty good beginning but I hope the pacing will fix itself eventuallyi。 。。。more

Adriana

It took me a while to figure out what I really think about this one。On one hand, we have a pretty original origin story for a likable character that has dark, foreboding undertones of what's to come。 It also has a very unexpected twist that completely changes the story in the final act and sets up a much larger world for future volumes。 On the other hand, and I fully admit that this might be a little petty, there's the other last act revelation that transforms the villain of the beginning of the It took me a while to figure out what I really think about this one。On one hand, we have a pretty original origin story for a likable character that has dark, foreboding undertones of what's to come。 It also has a very unexpected twist that completely changes the story in the final act and sets up a much larger world for future volumes。 On the other hand, and I fully admit that this might be a little petty, there's the other last act revelation that transforms the villain of the beginning of the story so thoroughly that it drastically changes the way their body is drawn。 It's something minor to the story, but it annoyed me how that character was suddenly drawn with a completely different body。 If the same person was always in the suit, they should have kept the shape the same。 I'm fully aware that it's a minor detail in what is otherwise a strong story, but it annoyed me enough that I ended up finding little holes in other parts of the story and then I just lost all interest in it。 。。。more

Jake

I knew people said Radiant Black was good but I also heard stuff from people I respect that said otherwise。 So I was surprised to see how good this is。This deals with a lot of modern issues, especially where finance comes in。 As a writer myself I can feel Nathan's sense of hopelessness。 The writer's block, the follow-ups, the need to post reminders, and even getting out of comfort zones to refocus on perspective。 But most importantly, how the plans fell apart because despite a good setup, he got I knew people said Radiant Black was good but I also heard stuff from people I respect that said otherwise。 So I was surprised to see how good this is。This deals with a lot of modern issues, especially where finance comes in。 As a writer myself I can feel Nathan's sense of hopelessness。 The writer's block, the follow-ups, the need to post reminders, and even getting out of comfort zones to refocus on perspective。 But most importantly, how the plans fell apart because despite a good setup, he got caught up in all of the risks involved。 It felt hard seeing him dealing with life back in his hometown, especially with a mountain of debt。Then there's how Nate handles the superhero plot he stumbled into。 It doesn't feel like an escape from all the misery or a curse; it's just something he picked up。 He didn't even do superheroing as a way to distract himself after a day of writer's block; he just decided to help people even if he fumbled at it。 He has that kind of everyman charm to him。 Also seeing the covers that served as spoilers for me a bit actually filled me with some anticipation to his fate, especially since his powersuit can't get off him less he's dead。I just hope his friend gets a little more development down the line because right now he's that comic relief guy who tries to be supportive but is really annoying。As for the other characters, apparently debt and plans gone awry is something of a theme here。 Like "Radiant Red" who after a few close calls was really looking to be a real bad guy; I still don't know how Red came across intel on Nate。 That is until last issue gave more context on how difficult it is to get out of the situation Red's in。Given the inspirations from Super Sentai/Power Rangers, I hope all of the personalities get some time to shine。 。。。more

Connie

I own this book。 This book was sold to me as Power Rangers, but for adults, and man, that is such a good description。 Radiant Black is the story of Nathan, a failed writer who has to move home after accumulating $38k in debt。 After a night out in town with his best friend Marshall, they are walking home drunk near the railway tracks when they come across a weird anomaly, it looks like a mini isolated black hole and when Nathan touches it he transforms。 He can also suddenly fly and lift things I own this book。 This book was sold to me as Power Rangers, but for adults, and man, that is such a good description。 Radiant Black is the story of Nathan, a failed writer who has to move home after accumulating $38k in debt。 After a night out in town with his best friend Marshall, they are walking home drunk near the railway tracks when they come across a weird anomaly, it looks like a mini isolated black hole and when Nathan touches it he transforms。 He can also suddenly fly and lift things which he accidentally demonstrates when he lifts a train in the air。 The next day, the police come to tell him that he can be a hero and help them catch the red version of himself who is robbing banks。 Nathan starts having weird dreams, hearing weird stuff and decides to buy into the whole superhero thing, spurred by Marshall。 After meeting the red version of himself and getting busted, he decides the next time, he will win。 However, when they meet again, Nathan ends up in a coma and Marshall takes up the mantle of Radiant Black, determined to get revenge but when he catches up with the red being, they are apologetic。 Suddenly a yellow and a purple version appear vowing evil and then the evil shows up。。。I loved Power Rangers growing up, I was definitely that kid。 This comic has spurred that love again。 I loved the art and the energy in the comic series and it is definitely worth the hype it's been getting。 Issue 7 has even sold out at distribution level, WILD。 I'm so excited for Volume 2。 。。。more

Adam Fisher

Really good。。。 lots of potential。Review submitted to Diamond Bookshelf for potential professional publication。

Isaac

Initially went in due to the pre-release hype and with the first few issues, didn't feel it but I stuck with it。 It really does improve and you can get where Higgins is going。 I really do enjoy that by the end, it does feel like a fresh story and does what Higgins does best, giving nastagia and upgrade by taking those pleasant feelings of Saturday mornings and had it grow up along side the reader。 The thing that made me meh at the beginning was kinda just me feeling the main characters being a d Initially went in due to the pre-release hype and with the first few issues, didn't feel it but I stuck with it。 It really does improve and you can get where Higgins is going。 I really do enjoy that by the end, it does feel like a fresh story and does what Higgins does best, giving nastagia and upgrade by taking those pleasant feelings of Saturday mornings and had it grow up along side the reader。 The thing that made me meh at the beginning was kinda just me feeling the main characters being a duo that I feel like has been seen quite often。 But ya know, they improve and there is joy in seeing their delight in having new power。 Then the turn comes。 So far I like what it is building and I'll guess I will keep checking it out。 。。。more

Markus Seaberry

I really enjoyed this book!! I liked the themes of failure and redemption, and I thought that it was a unique take on a superhero story。

Kevin Duvall

I don’t think I’ve enjoyed an indie superhero comic this much since Invincible ended。