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“Where were you when….”?
That’s a question that gets asked when something historic happens. When an event changes the landscape of a fandom. It’s in these moments where people stake a claim as being a part of a lasting moment in time. In comic fandom, there has been a fair share of moments like this.
The Death of Superman.
Batman getting his back broken.
The announcement of Image Comics
Marvel files bankruptcy and The birth of the MCU
The Walking Dead debuts on AMC TV
The launch of Ultimate Spider-Man
These are all events that were game-changers
At New York Comic Con 2023, there was an announcement that sent some shockwaves around the comic world. A new company was forming. Creator operated and owned exclusively. This line-up of creators involved was a who’s who in the field of comics and entertainment:
Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Geoff Johns, Rob Leigh, Brad Anderson, Lamont
Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Peter J. Tomasi, and Maytal Zchut (with Ivan Reis and Peter Snejbjerg announced joining after the event).
Their mission was simple: “Creators you know. Characters you’ll love”. Their name: GHOST MACHINE.
With an ambitious leap into the spotlight, the company heads into comic shops on January 24th with a one-shot to introduce its’ 4 Universes:
The Unnamed: Home to GEIGER (written by Johns and art: Frank) and REDCOAT (w: Johns and Art: Bryan Hitch)
ROOK: EXODUS: a Sci-Fi fantasy epic (W: Johns & art: Jason Fabok)
FAMILY ODYSSEYS: An all ages line led by THE ROCKETFELLERS (w: Peter J. Tomasi and art: Francis Manapul) and HORNSBY & HALO (W: Tomasi and Art: Peter Snejbjerg)
HYDE STREET: A Horror based line featuring work from Johns, Ivan Reis, Maytal Zchut, and Lamont Magee
Brad Anderson (with the exception of the Family Odyssey books), Rob Leigh and Brian Cunningham fill out the creative teams for each GM book.
With a 64 page introduction for $4.99, Ghost Machine looks to make a strong first impression via print form at the LCS. How do they match up?
This review is requiring the N.I. Bullpen to swing thru for a joint review. With multiple short stories filling this special out, the format for breakdown will be slightly different than you normally see here at Nerd initiative. On tap for the review are N.I Comics editors Matt, Lauren, and Marty along with yours truly, Ken – N.I. Comics EIC. Let’s see what type of first impressions were made:
KEN:
Juggling so many books in one special is daunting but the team behind Ghost Machine hit their marks where they needed to: With their characters. Most had character bios explaining key elements which is so important to new readers.
Opening with Geiger (arguably their most recognized character to date) was a great choice. Weaving Redcoat’s story into the mix planted the seeds of how the Unnamed Universe is shaping up through the different times. It left readers wanting more from both series when they start their new volumes in April.
Rook: Exodus is the wild-card of the stories spotlighted here. That’s not a bad thing. Fabok’s art kept me guessing as to where the story was heading. Right from the start, the story kicks off with a touch of action before starting a slow burn reveal into what is transpiring here.
Personally, the mystery element kept me engaged from start to finish. I’m really locked into wanting more from this series, thus proving Johns and Fabok crafted a strong debut.
The Family Odyssey line looks to be a lot of fun. The concept behind Rocketfellers is fresh and sets the stage for many winding plots balancing traditional family dynamic with their future haunting the past. Hornsby and Halo has a similar set-up with the family dynamic but that’s where comparisons stop. The clashing of families camouflage a more darker story yet to be told.
Hyde Street played into vintage horror elements but never felt dated. The themes of Hyde Street and Devour look to build into a twisted compliment to the tones this line looks to cement. I really enjoyed the “amusements” portion as it felt like a well-placed throwback. With horror doing well in comics, this line should find its’ audience rather quickly.
Once readers set the book down, they will easily know they are part of history with much more to follow. No matter what genre you gravitate towards, this line gives you high levels of story-telling. It all begins with the characters leading the way. It is an easy tell of how much the creators invest in giving fans something different for their attention and dollars.
The only thing wrong with this issue is that it’s going to be a LONG wait till April and “Ghost Machine Day” on April 3rd. Until then, expect the build stemming from this special to grow even higher as the future is very bright and very now for this company. Highest possible recommendation.
10/10
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CONTENT FROM KEN
Matt:
The golden age of creator-owned comics has arrived like the Kool-Aid man breaking through the walls of every shop in the world. I never had a proper wedding. However, I can’t help but feel that day when you taste various cakes is akin to what Ghost Machine just gave to us in this one-shot issue.
The art in each and every sampler offers such a wide variety of styles and showcases the powerhouse of talent they are bringing along for this ride. There are multiple genres that this team is tackling, and it promises to have something for everybody.
If we are still talking in food terms, we have shown up to the buffet on an empty stomach, and every page looks sweet, savory, spicy, and all the filling.
Each story also has various flavors of writing and delivers different genres for everyone. If you want horror, Hyde Street will be for you and your family. Yep, you got it.
There is even a futuristic family tale in Family Odysseys. Geoff and Jason have assembled an Avengers-level team at Ghost Machine that will set the comic book world ablaze.
The amount of hype and excitement I have and that absolute need for more right now is a testament to this star-studded cast brought together with one goal: to give us creator-owned stories for the fans.
10/10
LAUREN:
If you’re looking for a new exciting world to dip your toes into that stands out from your average comic book, then Ghost Machine needs to be on your radar. A new world is being created filled with very different stories, with very different characters who are all fighting a war in one way or another.
Some of these characters already have back stories, while others are brand new. However, Ghost Machine #1 catches you right up, and prepares you for all the stories coming this April. Nevertheless, after reading this you’ll most likely want to dive into the past issues, as you patiently wait for the new ones.
The Stories
Ghost Machine kicks off with a familiar face (to some): Tariq Geiger. The tragic loss of his family has fueled his anger and turned him into a story told around campfires (literally). Nevertheless, some still seek his help. We’re then introduced to a couple other familiar faces.
Junkyard Joe is a robot whose morals seem to mess up his programming. While Redcoat is a sarcastic smartass who is clearly hiding childhood trauma with humor, and just can’t seem to let the whole death thing stick.
Then we meet an off-world farmer, and get a Lion King joke (Lion King jokes always score extra points with me). Meanwhile, a family placed in the past (the present for us), faces an all too relatable problem of trying to get everyone off the screens and agree to some dinner plans. We then meet a couple other families whose kids are on opposing baseball teams, which seems to be a metaphor for heaven and hell, and a very interesting social experiment in parenting.
As the comic wraps up, we get one last story, which kicks off with some hilarious and creepy ads in a Rocketfellers comic (The Rocketfellers being the family that just cannot agree on what they all want for dinner). The comic is being read by a boy scout looking kid who appears to do much more than walk old ladies across the street.
If you feel overwhelmed by all the past and new characters, don’t be. This comic not only introduces you to everyone with short stories that quickly suck you in, it also tells you exactly what to read that’s already out, and what to look forward to.
The Art
Throughout the different stories, the time and art varies. However, every story is beautifully detailed. Characters’ facial expressions are spot on, while every single page spares no detail. The colors in each story reflect the issue or war that is occurring at that time. All the while, the art moves the stories along perfectly.
From a man who believes he lost his humanity when he lost his family, to a couple hiding in the past in a desperate attempt to protect their family, to a social experiment on raising angels and demons, and everything in between. It’s dark, action filled, and even has a few giggles along the way. This comic has set up a fantastic world, and what looks like a hell of a good time.
9.5/10
Thank you for taking the time to read my review! You can find all of my reviews, plus our podcast discussing comic books, movies, and TV shows, at http://linktr.ee/hopsgeeknews. Be sure to subscribe to Nerd Initiative so you never miss a beat!
Marty:
Geiger and Redcoat’s collaboration is
masterfully crafted, and the additional one-pager breakdowns provide essential
backstories for both new and existing readers.
Rook’s post-apocalyptic concept and superhuman abilities add depth, leaving readers with intriguing questions and anticipation for what’s to come.
The Rocketfellers bring a Jetson’s-like family trapped in the past, blending fun family vibes with mystery and technology. Hornsby and Halo, with a horror twist, promise a captivating battle between good and evil that horror fans will relish.
Hyde Street delivers Tales of the Crypt vibes, immersing readers in an adventurous journey with supernatural elements. Every story is incredible, boasting amazing character designs and unique experiences that cater to a diverse audience.
Ghost Machine’s universe is massive, offering something for everyone. Every single story was incredible and I can’t wait to see how this universe continues to be built out!
Incredible art and amazing character designs all around. Each book brings its own unique experience that readers will be sure to gravitate towards!
