WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Radiant Black #2 by Kyle Higgins, Marcelo Costa and Becca Carey, on sale now.

In DC's Future State, Gotham City became a neon-soaked hell for vigilantes. Dubbed masks, Mayor Nakano's legislation allowed the Magistrate to make them all outlaws, including the entire Bat-family as the city was made to believe they were the ones really creating criminals and wreaking havoc. Once they were gone, using a military force that included Peacemakers and Cybers, the vicious cycle would end and order restored.

However, Radiant Black totally subverts that status quo with the cops in Chicago, Illinois, actually wanting the titular superhero to help them protect the community.

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The first issue saw Nathan, a failed writer who moved back home, getting powers from a black orb. Unfortunately, he and his best friend, Marshall, were accosted by cops on the train tracks just outside a bar, which all led to his powers levitating the train cars and the police. He then flew off with Marshall, hoping they wouldn't find him due to his black suit and mask covering his identity.

Issue #2, though, has them showing up at his home after arresting Marshall. But when his mother, Mrs. Burnett, arrives, rather than come off hostile or taking the men in, the cops offer plaudits and make it seem like Nathan stopped the accident when really he caused it. As they keep his secret, when they get alone time, it's awfully suspicious as the cops make it clear they don't want to arrest him -- they want to use him.

It's the opposite to Future State as Nathan's needed to fight crime, evoking memories of Jim Gordon also using Batman and his crew to keep Gotham in check. Admittedly, the cops do apply subtle pressure here but they believe with this gift, he's the perfect person to help them out. It could be altruism on their part as they think he could do more with his powers as a Superman in the making, or maybe they're lazy and want him do their jobs.

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They might even blackmail him someday into doing sinister deeds, but right now, the mysterious law enforcement duo wants him to be a force for good and protect people. They leave with somewhat of a threat, though, which scares Marshall, but ultimately, they make sense in embracing vigilantism as they know there's a red version of Nathan going around robbing places.

They want one on their side ASAP as their own weapon and it does seem like Nathan wants to serve his country. However, he can't trust them just yet until he figures out their motives, not to mention he has to sort out his rivalry with his red counterpart before Chicago gets ripped apart.

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