Kyle Higgins’ Sentai-inspired series, Radiant Black, became the cornerstone of Image Comics’ Massive-verse universe when the title crossed over with Rogue Sun and Inferno Girl Red in 2022’s Supermassive. From there, the franchise has only expanded in leaps and bounds, first with the limited series Radiant Red and now with Radiant Pink. Eva is a streamer who uses her newfound powers to fight crime, help people and stream it all without giving away her secret identity. Written by Meghan Camarena and Melissa Flores with artwork from Emma Kubert, colors by Rebecca Nalty, and letters from Becca Carey, Radiant Pink #1 sends the young hero out into the dangerous world.
Radiant Pink #1 opens with Eva using her dual identity to great effect. Masquerading as the hero Radiant Pink, she guest-stars in her own stream, EvaPlayys, as she teleports between personas to create a seamless livestream. Her best friend, Maddie, is an accomplice to her schemes and intends to help her for as long as possible. Drowning herself in work, Eva decides to do charity work at a children’s hospital. The response she gets is enormous, which boosts her subscriber counts. But even her many heroic escapades aren’t enough to mend her broken heart. Hiding her depression, Radiant Pink makes an uproarious appearance, unaware of the sinister trap waiting for her.
Real-life streamer Meghan Camarena, who co-wrote the 12th issue of Radiant Black, which first introduced Eva to readers, comes back to the character bringing the up-and-coming Melissa Flores along for the ride. Behind the smokescreen of a happy smile, Radiant Pink #1 shows the hidden, painful side of content creation presented through the lens of a superhero. The book relates to the hectic energy that goes into one streaming session, with the constant back and forth between Eva and Maddie establishing their strained working relationship. So deeply entrenched are Eva’s pains that her work has become her escape, making her numb to her deeper feelings. The dichotomy of these two worlds becomes the core conflict. But Camarena and Flores remain wary of using this conflict as the driving force of the issue. Instead, they use previously established tropes from the main series to push the narrative into uncharted waters.
With Radiant Pink at the helm of the story, only the striking and brightest shades of pink find home in the decor of the book. From glowing pink portals to fuchsia Ben Day Dots lining the background, the colors sparkle like the indomitable drive of the bright, bubbly superhero. But there are times when colorist Rebecca Nalty mixes gradients of the dominant hue with dark colors to bring the overworked superhero back to her sordid reality. Third-generation comics artist Emma Kubert imbues lively energy into the book with her stylized sense of linework emphasizing the litheness and cheery disposition of Radiant Pink. But she pulls down a veil of gloom when the situation warrants more solemn moments.
Meghan Camarena tells the story from a highly personal perspective that’s sure to tug at readers’ heartstrings. To mask anguish and bring joy to those less fortunate is a noble goal that elevates Eva’s character beyond her superheroic peers. Radiant Pink #1 ends on a clichéd cliffhanger, but the storytelling opportunities are wide open for everyone to enjoy.
