Radiant Red #1, from Image, is the first issue of a five issue miniseries.
Writer Cherish Chen introduces Satomi, a young girl who can transform into a powerful superhero, with bad intent. And there’s a ton of stolen bank cash stashed in the air vents of Satomi’s house! When we rejoin Satomi years later, it appears as if she has ‘gone clean’, and is teaching school. But someone stumbles upon her past, twisting Satomi’s hidden secrets into a bad light!
Chen’s story is readable, if a bit opaque. Perhaps it’s the translation of the script into the visuals that’s at issue here: David Lafuente’s drawings and compositions are impeccable, with clean, well rendered characters and environments. Miguel Muerto’s colours are vivid and careful, enhancing a scene without overemphasizing. (Letters by Diego Sanches)
But I was confused, early on. Oh, it’s the young girl who turns into the bad superhero! This isn’t clear! Oh, the teacher is ALSO Satomi, years later!!! Oh, I was confused. These are the critical details that require care and attention. When the reader is confused and rereading the story to understand it, things need to be better portrayed. Readers would benefit from the addition of captions and big clear ‘hints’.
What will happen to Satori now that her secret is out? Stay tuned for issue two!
Bonus content includes a five page story, written by Paul Allor, illustrated by Chris Evenhuis, colour by Brittany Peer. Two men with goggles crash through a window and attack two other people while they are eating. One of those people turns into an armoured wolf, and fights the intruders. Puzzling, but nicely choreographed. (In Sister Crash: Room for Dessert, not a word is spoken.)
Image Comics, Radiant Red #1, $3.99 for 24 pages of story. Teen +