068 Taking San Diego by Storm
ALERT: Exclusive Foil Drop! Plus, early looks at all of our upcoming books!
Hey everyone!
Kyle here, coming to you from my desk much later in the night than I intended— that’s because we have Supermassive 2024, NO/ONE #10, and Radiant Black Massive Edition: Book One all at the printer this week, C.O.W.L. 1964 #1 hot on their heels and a half dozen other crazy time sensitive things that have required everyone’s A game.
And in a bit of personal news, I’m also currently on crutches and in a locked out brace, three weeks removed from my latest knee surgery— which, so far, looks to be a game changer. Without getting too into it, the damage was much more extensive than the doctors were anticipating. I had two giant, grade 4 holes in my cartilage, down to the bone, and that bone had started to go arthritic. Which, you know, does a lot to explain the immense pain I’ve been in for… well, a long time. Imagine every step and every knee bend feeling like you have shards of glass in your knee and you’ll start to get the idea of what day-to-day life has been like for the better part of the last six years.
Fortunately, unlike the MACI transplant I had two years ago, the surgeon was able to use cadaver grafts this time to replace all of the damaged areas. And because we didn’t need to do another meniscus transplant (that one worked), I’ve been allowed to put weight on the leg pretty much immediately.
Today I rode a stationary bike for the first time in two years, the first time in almost four without pain. I’m not ashamed to admit that I shed a few tears afterwards.
It’s going to be a long recovery— I’m most likely going to be doing SDCC on crutches and in an electric scooter— but with the way this is all trending, I honestly don’t mind the inconvenience if it means I might finally be done with this saga.
And speaking of San Diego Comic Con, that’s actually going to be the focus of today’s newsletter. We have some big, big plans slated for SDCC next month. We also have some fun surprises at the end of this newsletter— including a surprise, exclusive cover drop (!!)— but first and foremost, let’s talk about what’s happening at the con!
This year, we’re going to be doing something a bit different. The above graphic is— in addition to being a killer promo image for The Massive-Verse (shout out to Michael Busuttil for putting it together)— also our massive booth banner for our new space with Comic Sketch Art. Oh, and it really is massive— it’s 10 feet wide (!) by ten feet tall (!!)
Located on the edge of Artist Alley (I don’t know the exact booth number yet), I’ll be joined by Ryan Parrott, Brian Buccellato, Melissa Flores, Joe Clark, Cherish Chen and Kelly McMahon for signings throughout the week. If you’re coming to the con, you’ll also be able to snag some very cool prints, variants, trade paperbacks, merch and SDCC exclusives.
Limited to 300 units, we’re rolling out an even-more-stunning foil edition of our Tony Daniel and Igor Monti variant for Supermassive 2024, and it’s going to come triple signed by myself, Ryan Parrott and Melissa Flores.
We’re also going to be bringing out the remaining copies of our ultra-limited Black Market Narrative NO/ONE foil editions that we did for issues 1-3.
The NO/ONE series finale (issue 10) is dropping on the first day of the convention and with a series ending unlike anything that’s ever been done in comics before… well, let me put it this way— you’re going to want to grab yourself any first printings you can find ASAP because they’re going to go fast. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
On the merch front, we’re also going to be adding a very special anti-hero to the stunning Kelly McMahon Massive-Verse pin set:
But that’s not all!
We’re also going to be dropping some truly epic news at this year’s show during a soon-to-be-announced panel that may or may not be on the last work day of the week… but at the risk of saying too much, I’ll have to stop there for now until the panels are officially announced. Safe to say, though, if you’re heading to the show and dig The Massive-Verse… this is an in-person event that you really don’t want to miss.
Not able to make it to SDCC but still jonesing for the coolest foil edition of the biggest team-up story we’ve done yet? Or, want to get ahead of the soon-to-be rush on NO/ONE? Don’t worry— as a newsletter subscriber, we’ve got your back. (Hint, hint: make sure you read all the way to the end of today’s edition ;)
Oh, what’s that? You only just found today’s edition and haven’t subscribed yet? Well now. Isn’t this the perfect time?
Also, on the pin front— I know we haven’t listed Kelly’s pins on our storefront yet but now that we’re starting to turn a corner and get our book schedule back on track, (I.E. we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and are about to be able to breathe again) we’re going to be doing that very soon. Most likely, after SDCC.
AND, for all you international fans, we have some big updates for you on the storefront front, too.
But before we get to that, we’ve got a few new books to show you!
Available Now
NO/ONE #9 - June 26
As the situation in Pittsburgh spirals rapidly out of control, Ben and Julia continue their hunt for the truth—and set the stage for a final confrontation with the man behind the mask.
Our penultimate issue of our multimedia superhero mystery will be arriving tomorrow in comic stores and on your favorite digital platforms, along with episode 9 of the in-universe WHO IS NO/ONE podcast starring Rachael Leigh Cook, Patton Oswalt, Todd Stashwick, Yuri Lowenthal, et al.
In addition to our killer A cover, we also have a super stylish B cover by Nicoletta Baldari and our Podcast Edition C cover by Mark Englert.
Issue 9 takes place in the aftermath of Proposition 87— the controversial, preemptive self-defense law— passing in the Pennsylvania legislature and the results are… intense.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store for NO/ONE during one of the most tumultuous nights in Pittsburgh history.
Preview:
Final Order Cutoff
Supermassive 2024 - FOC July 1, on sale July 24
While Radiant Black stands alone against the robot armies of THE CATALYST WAR... where is the rest of the Massive-Verse? With one of their own trapped behind enemy lines as time begins to unravel, it'll take a SUPERMASSIVE team—including SHIFT, RADIANT RED, ROGUE SUN, THE DEAD LUCKY, and INFERNO GIRL RED—to turn the tide of one of the most fateful battles of the war in this 50-page one-shot crossover event with art from rising star STEFANO SIMEONE (RADIANT BLACK, MIDLIFE)!
This is a very special year for our Supermassive team-up one shot. With ties that go all the way back to our first Supermassive, this year’s story both pay off threads established all the way back in Supermassive 2022 as well as connecting directly to The Catalyst War, our multi-timeline Radiant Black event.
Not reading Radiant Black? That’s okay— we’ve also designed this one shot to be crazy accessible. You’ll learn everything you need to know, in story.
And in addition to our A cover by Stefano Simeone, we also have this B cover stunner from Kelly McMahon:
And the aforementioned C cover by the legend, Tony Daniel, colored by Igor Monti.
This issue is really hard to show a preview for, because while it works as a standalone story… basically every page is also a massive spoiler for next week’s Radiant Black 29 and 29.5, since this story takes place immediately after the events of Radiant Black 29.5
That said… we did manage to find a pretty epic sequence to show you today.
Preview:
NO/ONE #10 - FOC July 1, on sale July 24
SERIES FINALE
As the pieces fall into place for a final confrontation with a killer, Ben and Julia find themselves closer to the story than ever before—and the man under the mask is revealed.
The final issue of arguably the most narratively complex, ambitious series that Brian Buccellato and I have ever tried. This is it— the finale we’ve been planning and building to for years. And, like I teased up top, it’s an issue— and an episode of the podcast— that tries to do something that no one in comics has ever done before.
Who is NO/ONE? Who is the real Richard Roe? Will anyone truly be held accountable for all the pain and suffering that’s been inflicted on Pittsburgh?
This is the ending that people are going to be talking about— you don’t want to miss it.
And, as we look to go out with a literal bang, issue 10 features a killer B cover by one of my favorite people and artists, fellow Bat-office alumni, Dustin Nguyen.
And our deadly Podcast C cover by Mark Englert.
C.O.W.L. 1964 #1 - FOC July 15, on sale August 7
MINISERIES PREMIERE
It's 1964, and C.O.W.L.—the Chicago Organized Workers League, the world's first superhero labor union—is going national! But with the old team scattered and powerful forces moving in the shadows, will this union be busted before it gets off the ground?
Join the original C.O.W.L. creative team of KYLE HIGGINS (RADIANT BLACK), ALEC SIEGEL (HADRIAN'S WALL), and ROD REIS (New Mutants) for a new miniseries celebrating C.O.W.L.'s 10-year anniversary!
Over the weekend, I was explaining to some friends just how far back C.O.W.L. goes for Alec Siegel, Rod Reis and myself.
In addition to being our very first creator owned series— and the basis for Rod’s ultra sick knuckle tattoo— it also dates back to my college thesis film, The League, and even earlier… as a concept I wrote for a short story to get into film school way back in 2005 at the age of 20.
To say that it’s a thrill, honor and privilege to be able to return to the world of the Chicago Organized Workers’ League ten years after we wrapped the original series would be an understatement.
C.O.W.L. 1964 is both the conclusion to the story Alec, Rod and I set out to tell way back in 2014 as well as the kickoff to the future of C.O.W.L. in The Massive-Verse. It’s going to answer questions fundamental to the Massive-Verse while also revealing some unexpected truths that will shake the original series to its core.
Oh, and a bit of important news— we’ve had so much fun returning to this world that this series has officially moved from three issues to four. That’s right— C.O.W.L. 1964 is officially a four issue miniseries and will also get its own collected edition.
Oh, and for any retailers or readers who missed the original series who are looking for volume 1 and realizing that it’s out of print— don’t worry, we’re going back to press on the original C.O.W.L. volume 1, timed for C.O.W.L. 1964 #1’s on sale date.
And on that note, let’s take a look at some of the stunning art that Rod has put together for our return to our favorite superhero labor union.
Preview:
The Black Market
Okay, so remember how I said if you’re not going to SDCC but are still interested in our super sick, limited foil editions, we’d make sure you’re covered?
Well, we’ve officially come to that section of today’s newsletter!
In advance of SDCC and because we love our Black Market News subscribers (you are a subscriber, right? Here’s another button)—
—we’re giving you the first crack at our SDCC exclusives!
We’re making 50 copies of our Supermassive 2024 Black Market SDCC Exclusive Foil available right now and at a special discounted price ($50 instead of $60).
We’re also making our NO/ONE foils available again ahead of SDCC, which you can find at the link below.
Oh, and one more thing— after a lot of feedback (and some annoying hiccups we had to sort out) I’m also thrilled to announce that our store is now open for international customers.
One caveat on international shipping, though, and I’m going to be honest— it’s a little bit of a bummer: it’s expensive. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but shipping prices in general are still high and international shipping can get insane. As an extremely small company, we’re doing the best we can… but I’ll be real with you— the rate is high. We’re going to continue to see what’s doable and if we can get a better rate in the future but for right now, this is unfortunately the best we can get through our Shopify storefront.
That said, if you’re buying multiple items or have a friend who you can package an order with, it’s definitely more doable.
To that point, we’ve added some more items back to the store— including a host of first printings of the sold-out-everywhere Moon Man #1.
Take a look and see if there’s anything that tickles your fancy!
Supermassive 2024 Black Market SDCC Exclusive Foil
Q&A
Okay, one last thing for today. After intending to do this for months, we’re finally going to kick off a new segment of the newsletter that I’ve been really looking forward to—Q&A. Now, I know what you’re thinking— that’s an insanely unoriginal title and you’re right. But it’s also 3:00AM and I’m teetering on the edge of incoherence and also still need to work on a lettering script. I’ll find a better title for next week. Maybe. Depending on what’s due. We’ll see!
The long and short of it is— we’re looking to interact more with our readers and subscribers. So, I’d like to encourage everyone to write in with questions, prompts, whatever you think might be fun for us to talk about and what you’d like to hear more about. Process stuff, behind the scenes, thoughts on late stage capitalism… the world’s your oyster. You can ask said question here or email us at mail@radiant.black. We’ll try to pick our favorites or most interesting or maybe even our least favorites— truly playing this by ear!
For today, we’re going to keep this brief and just focus on a big (polite) one from Owen Seyler:
Hello Kyle and the rest of the team over at Black Market Narrative!
I just want to start out by saying how excited I am for the new Massive-Verse stuff. The conclusions of both Catalyst War and NO/ONE, more Rogue Sun, Supermassive 2024, the return of both C.O.W.L. and Inferno Girl Red, and the upcoming MV card game and RB audiobook. It genuinely feels like whenever you guys announce a new project related to the Massive-Verse, it's this big epic thing that is meant to further push the boundaries of storytelling within the medium of comics. Speaking of stories, that leads me to a question I have. Catalyst War began in July 2023 and is (hopefully) set to conclude later this year. I know the delays for the book have been out of your control, but do you feel like the delays have somewhat stunted the growth and anticipation for future issues of Radiant Black?
Much love,
Owen Seyler
Thanks so much for the kind words, Owen. You’re right— there have been a lot of delays this past year and I’m going to be brutally honest— It’s something that keeps me up at night. I hate disappointing people, especially readers and fans who have been so giving of their time, attention, excitement and money over these past few years. That said, the unfortunate truth is that… sometimes life happens. We’re all doing our best, I can promise you that, and The Catalyst War— while one of the most exciting things I’ve ever been a part of— is a monumental amount of work for all of us. We’re all very tired, have been running hot for too long, and there have been some unexpected life hiccups for a few of us since we launched issue(s) 25. It’s been incredibly challenging across the board— creatively, logistically, emotionally— but as we like to say over here, “the only way out is through.” We’re all committed to this story and while it’s taken considerably longer to finish than any of us have wanted, we’re also incredibly proud of every issue. And in the long run, that’s the only thing that most people who find the book are ever going to know— was it good? Did it stick the landing? Was it narratively surprising and satisfying? So far, I very much think it has been.
The question as it relates to stunting growth is an interesting one. From a monthly reader’s perspective, I get how it can feel like that. That said, I can tell you— while the monthly buzz may not be quite what it’s been when the book is hitting its regular monthly release schedule, our Radiant Black trade paperbacks have been selling like gangbusters. This is due in no small part to the amazing retailers who continue to support us— in both the direct market and the book market— as well as word of mouth and honestly, the success of Invincible. The book gets recommended a lot to readers (and watchers) of Invincible, probably (definitely) the best superhero comic in the universe, and that’s been both incredibly exciting as well as humbling for all of us. It’s made the immense amount of work we’ve undertaken on not just Radiant Black but also the entirety of The Massive-Verse, incredibly rewarding. And while we’re all very tired… we’re also creatively invigorated. We’re going to continue working as hard as humanly possible to get things back on track for the regular monthly release schedule after issue 30.5.
And actually, on that point, one thing we haven’t talked about too much yet but now is as good as any time to bring up— after Radiant Black 30 and 30.5 (due out in August), the book is going to take a little break until early 2025 (February, I believe). Behind the scenes, we’re not going to be taking much of a break if any— this is purely so we can bank some issues and get back ahead, so we’re not all killing ourselves every day of every week to chase red hot deadlines.
But don’t worry— while that gap sounds like a lot, we’re going to have plenty of Radiant Black content to keep you enthralled. Our Massive Edition: Book One will be on stands in October, Volume 6 will be in November, and volume one of Radiant Black: The Audio Book is targeting November/December.
Don’t worry, we’re not going anywhere. Marcelo, myself, and the team are in this for the long run :)
Okay, that’s going to do it for today! Next week— a look at the aforementioned penultimate issues of The Catalyst War: Radiant Black 29 and 29.5. Until then—
Stay Radiant!
Kyle
Los Angeles, CA
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question, Kyle. I appreciate how up-front your answer was and it really put into perspective how, while the delays suck right now, in the long run it will all be worth it to make sure Catalyst War is as narratively satisfying as it can possibly be. Have fun at SDCC and I'm super excited to see what announcements will come from it!
(P.S. I wish you the best on recovery for your knee)
Loving everything massiveverse! Glad to see your knee is doing better. Enjoy SDCC 😃