029 VERSUS
Happy Tuesday!
Wait, a newsletter on a Tuesday, you say? ¿Porqué?
We wanted to wait a beat after the release of last week’s Radiant Black #15 because…well, we dropped a pretty big surprise by way of an in-issue QR code that points readers to an in-universe film…
VERSUS | Radiant Black vs. Blaze
One of our goals with Radiant Black has always been to find ways to celebrate the things that we love while also pushing the boundaries and conventions of what we think a modern superhero book can be.
Early on, as Marcelo, Michael and I were planning the series, Inferno Girl Red’s Mat Groom pointed out something interesting— with superheroes holding such a dominant role in our modern pop culture, an unexpected challenge of creating a new superhero is the idea that anyone in the world wouldn’t know what a superhero is. Once I sat with that, things started to unlock…and why some of what you see with regards to “superheroes” in Radiant Black comes from a place of such pop culture prominence.
I decided last year that I wanted to tell this story at issue 15…featuring a YouTube channel that makes “who’d win…?” films, featuring cinematic versions of the Massive-Verse’s real people.
And the second I decided to do that, it also meant we had to make the film for real.
The opportunity to build an in-universe short film like this, working with an amazing cast of collaborators, has been very special. It also brings things full circle, giving Alec Siegel and myself the chance to revisit the world of C.O.W.L. and our short film that inspired it, The League. Rick Cramer and Reginald James even came back to voice Geoffrey Warner and Blaze, some 15 years after we made the original short film with them. Oh yeah and then, you know, throw in Mr. Batman Beyond himself, Will Friedle? And Emmy award winning composer Kristopher Carter? So schway.
Until today, the film has been unlisted on YouTube. Which means that the only way to view it has been via the QR code in issue 15 or if you have the link. I’m not going to lie— the initial reaction has blown us away. This was absolutely a labor of love and something that was important to us to execute at a very high level. We’re so thrilled that it’s resonating for so many people who have seen it.
I started Black Market Narrative because I wanted to build storytelling experiences through and with our comics. Our Radiant Black vs. Blaze short is just the start of that. So, if you like cool storytelling experiences and world building… I highly recommend subscribing to our new YouTube channel and this here newsletter. Oh, what’s that? You need a YouTube link? BLAM!
A huge thank you to Phil Crain, who produced this short with me, Alec Siegel, Marcelo Costa, Eduardo Ferigato, Igor Monti, Brandon McKinney, Michael Busuttil, Ramon Palermo, Kristopher Carter, Matt Taylor, Will Friedle, Reginald James, Rick Cramer, David Sobolov and to Seohoon Son and everyone at Tiger Animation. I can’t wait to work with you all again!
Finally, if you flipped through issue 15 and thought “Holy cow those crew shirts everyone is wearing look awesome,” well you’re in luck! Those are our issue 15 exclusive! You can grab one for yourself (or a host of other cool merch items) here:
Massive Meets Lockport
Another plug for our big Massive-Verse meetup next month! We just got confirmation that Ryan Parrott will be joining! That brings our creator list to 10 plus Circle Guy News! Again, we’ll be dropping more info as we get closer but this should be a pretty fun, chill time. And we’ll have some fun giveaways and experiences.
Embers Tap House
933 S State St, Lockport, IL 60441
Thursday, August 4th @ 7pm.
https://www.emberstaphouse.com/
And for those who want to trek to Lockport and not deal with driving anywhere else the same night, there is a brand new Holiday Inn Express in town and as of right now, they have openings!
OUT SOON
We’ve got a couple releases coming up this week! Going to spotlight them right here real quick. First up, we’ve got the penultimate issue of Radiant Red!
Radiant Red #4 (Available June 22)
The job should be easy. Get in, get the payload, get out. But the job is never easy—and with her personal life on the brink of disaster and her new partner watching her every move, it’s going to take everything Satomi has to get through it in one piece.
Rogue Sun #5 (Available June 22)
Cataclysm revealed! Fighting to stay alive on the streets of New Orleans, it’s finally time for Dylan to learn the truth about his father’s murder—he just has to make it through tonight first.
Shift #3 featured in Image! #3 (Available June 29)
SHIFT 3 features a job that is…sheerly audacious. If you haven’t caught on to the pattern by now, you will by the end of this story. And considering what’s coming up in Radiant Black #16? You’d be glad you checked these out. Baby.
Final Order Cutoff
We’ve got a few books about to have their final order cutoff. Makes sure to place your orders with your local comic shop so you don’t miss out!
Radiant Black #16
For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Piece by piece, Marshall has managed to dismantle the EpicFront empire.
This is what happens next. (FOC July 4)
Radiant Red #6
With the job done, it’s time to get out—but as the plan crumbles around her and her worlds collide, Satomi will be forced to make a final impossible choice: Her old life? Or her new one? (FOC July 4)
Rogue Sun #6
When the monster that killed his father comes for him, it’s going to take everything Dylan’s learned just to survive. Can he succeed where his father failed? Or will Cataclysm claim the life of another Rogue Sun? (FOC July 4)
Okay! That’s it! Until next time, I’m off to watch VERSUS again…
Stay Radiant!
Kyle
Los Angeles
Absolutely loved the short. What an amazing surprise. Just purchased a page of original art from Supermassive (Francesco Manna is outstanding!) and now I had to get a Radiant Black. So in on this universe 🙏🏻
The short was amazing. Even if its like 10 or 15 min shorts to start would be cool in the future.