Once a year something very special happens. People come together from all over to celebrate this gathering. I don’t know what event you’re thinking about, but I’m talking about SUPERMASSIVE, the annual one-shot from Image Comics! 

 

Radiant Black, Rogue Sun, The Dead Lucky, and… the other Radiant Black have joined forces for a magical quest. This epic adventure will take them to new realms and far away places as they search for the Holy Grail. Who is the mysterious woman named Thomasin and what does she want with the Grail? You’ll have to choose wisely and check out Supermassive 2023 to find out!

 

Writers: Kyle Higgins, Ryan Parrott, Melissa Flores, & Mat Groom 

Artist: Daniele Di Nicuolo

Colorist: Walter Baiamonte 

Editing: Michael Busuttil

Letterer: Becca Carey

 

Since the launch of Radiant Black, it was clear that the Massive-Verse was going to turn into something special. If you are just learning about the Massive-Verse now, welcome to the party! Kyle Higgins (Radiant Black) has assembled an all-star creative team for an annual gathering of heroes, including writers Ryan Parrott (Rogue Sun), Melissa Flores (The Dead Lucky), and Mat Groom (Inferno Girl Red). As if these stellar creators weren’t enough to get your attention, the book features artist Daniele Di Nicuolo and colorist Walter Baiamonte, best known for their impressive work on Power Rangers: Shattered Grid.

 

Unlike other comic books, the Massive-Verse team has made concerted efforts to keep their respective titles free of tie-ins and crossovers, allowing the characters to complete their individual arcs and thrive without any interference. The only time that these characters interact is in the annual event called SUPERMASSIVE, which started in 2022. That first event featured Radiant Black, Rogue Sun, and Inferno Girl Red who teamed up to save the world. Although Cassia is currently off on her own epic adventures in Inferno Girl Red: Book One (now available), we are treated to a new dynamic with the inclusion of The Dead Lucky. Bibi made her first appearance in the epilogue of SUPERMASSIVE 2022, so it is only fitting that she gets the opportunity to interact with the other Massive-Verse heroes in the 2023 iteration.

 

It’s extremely rare to be handed a special event book with a self-contained story and no additional titles that you have to buy to get a satisfying experience. The creative team has gone to great lengths to ensure that this book is accessible to all, but you will absolutely enjoy this story even more if you read all of the Massive-Verse titles first. I particularly loved the use of Radiant(s) Black, and how Nathan and Marshall’s current conundrum plays out in the pages of the annual (make sure you cast your vote for Radiant Black…because Kyle is evil). Caleb and Dylan’s situation (as set up at the end of Rogue Sun – Volume 2: Hellbent, now available) also gets a chance to breathe, giving the readers an indication as to how the Knight Sun’s choices might impact his story following this outing. Bibi proved to be a true wildcard in this adventure, and received a wonderful moment in the opening Grail trial (Bibi’s first story continues in The Dead Lucky: Volume 1, now available). The team took some big narrative swings to keep the audience guessing, ensuring that the quest concept was engaging and filled with an appropriate amount of pop-culture references. Daniele and Walter will shock you with their dynamic designs and impactful color choices, using the medium to its fullest with every page turn. All of these elements are wonderful and easily earn this title the rating listed below, but the epilogue (and cameo) was just the icing on the cake and deserves acknowledgement. 

 

This book is isn’t just SUPERMASSIVE, it’s truly epic in all senses of the word. 

 

SUPERMASSIVE 2023 perfectly represents everything that a comic book crossover should be. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy today at your Local Comic Book Store.

 

Rating:
ComicsOnline gives SUPERMASSIVE 2023 – 5/5 Quests for the Holy Grail. 

 

After you’ve read the book, check out our exclusive Supermassive 2023 interview with Kyle Higgins, Ryan Parrott, Melissa Flores, Mat Groom, and Michael Busuttil. This spoiler-filled interview features discussions on the creative process, the individual character arcs, the mystery of Thomasin, the beautiful artwork, and the story of how THAT SURPRISING CAMEO came to be included in this special release.