REVIEW: ‘Radiant Pink,’ Issue #3

What I love about the Massiveverse is that it gives depth to heroes and villains alike. It’s not all punching out bad guys and stopping apocalypses, it’s dealing with real life issues such as losing a family member or credit card debt. And that continues here, as the opening page depicts the events that led to Kelly putting on the vest. While the story doesn’t entirely excuse her actions, it at least gives a rather tragic reason for them. It also kicks off an entire issue where Camarena and Flores explore the ups and downs of love, which makes the comic even more relatable. After all, haven’t we all given our heart to the wrong person at one point, or found out less than desirable secrets about our loved ones?

This struggle is reflected in Kubert’s art, especially in a sequence where Eva blows up at Kelly over her deception. The panels start to slant, closing in on Eva’s face, which is twisted in rage as she screams at Kelly and tries to hit her. This leads to yet more portal action, revealing another world that looks suspiciously similar to an infamous desert planet (you know the one). In the same vein, once the panels start to resemble a normal layout, Kubert pays more attention to the close proximity that Eva and Kelly are sharing, which leads to some steamy moments. But the book still keeps its weird and wild vibe—more is revealed about the giant cat from last issue and there is living water that attempts to kill them.

As if reflecting Eva’s mood, Nalty injects a heavy dose of black into her color palette. The pinks also feel less warm and inviting, and more bold and vicious as if it’s reflecting Eva’s anger. Hopkins steps in for longtime Massiveverse letterer Becca Carey and does a great job reflecting her style. But he also adds some flair of his own, especially when it comes to the cat’s scratchy yellow speech balloons. Yes, you read that right, there is a talking cat in this superhero book, and he ends up being one of the best parts.

Radiant Pink #3 explores the ups and downs of love while also keeping up its world-hopping chaos fueling the plot. When all is said and done, this continues to be one of the more relatable comics on the stands today—at least where I’m concerned. It’s also such a great read.

Radiant Pink #3 is available wherever comics are sold.