Readers Hold the Key to Radiant Black's Future Success
In the upcoming issue of Image Comics' superhero series, *Radiant Black*, the fate of the titular heroes hangs in the balance as readers are asked to decide who should wield the mantle of Radiant Black permanently. With the Catalyst War event looming, the stakes have never been higher.
Written by Kyle Higgins, *Radiant Black* #24 sets the stage for the Catalyst War, a decision that could potentially determine the fate of the world in the series. The source of their powers has given Nathan and Marshall an ultimatum: only one can wield their shared abilities.
The current narrative direction strongly positions Marshall Ward as the appropriate and logical choice to be the permanent Radiant Black. The Catalyst War arc has been a crucible for Marshall, forcing deep introspection and compelling him to mature as a hero. He is no longer sharing the mantle; he is unequivocally "Radiant Black for good" post-Catalyst War.
Marshall's development has been central to the series post-Catalyst War. He has been tested by personal tragedy, public distrust, and the emergence of a formidable new antagonist in Jaeger. These trials have pushed him beyond his comfort zone, showcasing his resilience and capacity for growth as a hero.
The fallout from the Catalyst War continues to shape the story, with Marshall bearing the weight of the event's consequences—both in terms of public perception and personal guilt. Making him the permanent Radiant Black underscores the lasting impact of these events and maintains narrative tension.
Jaeger, a major new antagonist, specifically targets Marshall, blaming him (albeit in a complex way) for the Catalyst War's devastation. This personal vendetta further anchors Marshall's role at the center of the conflict, making his continued tenure as Radiant Black crucial for the story's emotional core.
Marshall is now the sole Radiant Black, a status that the story has been building toward, especially after the events of the Catalyst War and the departure of Nathan Burnett to the west coast. The narrative explores themes of redemption, responsibility, and the burden of power—all of which are deepened by Marshall's flawed but earnest journey. Making him the permanent hero allows these themes to resonate more powerfully.
The poll, described as one of the most significant events in the Radiant Black series, will run for 30 days, giving readers just under a month to vote. The outcome will be revealed in Radiant Black issue 25, part one of the Catalyst War.
*Radiant Black* #24, written by Kyle Higgins, with art by Marcelo Costa, Igor Monti, and Becca Carey, is available now. Don't miss your chance to shape the future of the series and vote for who you think should be the permanent Radiant Black.
Tech enthusiasts at Io9 and Gizmodo are buzzing about the upcoming vote in Image Comics' superhero series, Radiant Black. The choice could shape the series' future, as readers decide who should be the permanent Radiant Black following the Catalyst War events. The winner will be announced in Radiant Black issue 25, a crucial turning point in the story.
