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Remember where you are right now…
History is about to unfold.
In a short amount of time, an upstart company has taken the comic book and pop culture world by storm. With a roster of creators that reads like an all-star team, fans have been dialed in on every move. From New York Comic Con in 2023 to their giant sized debut one-shot in January 2024, the buzz has been undeniable.
The company is GHOST MACHINE
In a bold and daring move, Ghost Machine is unleashing their first wave of books all on the same day (“Ghost Machine Day” – April 3rd, 2024).
Along with Rook:Exodus (art by Jason Fabok) and Redcoat (art by Bryan Hitch), a character that first debuted in 2021 returns in an ongoing series with its’ original creative team back for the ride.
GEIGER #1 by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Brad Anderson and Rob Leigh (GHOST MACHINE/IMAGE COMICS) blazes its’ path into the unnamed universe. With the amount of hype surrounding this issue, one review won’t do enough justice. Time for a N.I. Bullpen group discussion with Marty Stoked, and yours truly (Ken – ODPH podcast/NI Comics EIC) breaking down this explosive issue (Possible Spoiler Warning):
LETS TALK ABOUT THE WRITING….
Ken: Johns hits the ground running right where the one-shot left off. Tariq Geiger is a conflicted soul. Finding purpose after losing his family in the events of the Unknown War, Geiger is on the move. In a small town, Geiger wastes no time handling injustice in a very violent way. Johns crafts him as “a good guy but not a nice guy”. His methods are vicious and cold. His reasons have good intentions behind them. They are a reflection of the emptiness felt in the new world.
MORE FROM THE WORLD OF GEIGER!
The dynamic with his unlikely “sidekick”? Nate provides a break from the normal brooding periods readers have witnesses. Nate is a lost soul in his own right. Looking for purpose in a man with no clear direction, Nate is written as a sad soul but ultimately has some signs of a possible better future. Geiger never escapes his past with flashback sequences that remind fans what this whole line is based on: Characters first. Factor in a building final act and the debut hits all the marks ushering in this new line with style and substance.
Marty: The writing in this issue is top-notch, offering both new and returning readers a compelling narrative filled with mystery and intrigue. Johns masterfully balances Tariq’s solitary nature with the unexpected alliances he forms along his journey, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The character development and world-building are exceptional, setting the stage for what promises to be an epic saga.
NOW, IT’S TIME TO TALK ART AND LETTERING!
Ken: Frank , Anderson and Leigh display the future (25 years from now) as a lawless and brutal landscape. Geiger exemplifies this point with a gorgeous two page full spread handling the problems in the town he is passing by. There is no shortage of extreme justice with these images. It sets a strong pace for the remainder of the chapter.
LET’S TALK MORE GHOST MACHINE!
Nate and Geiger’s encounter is filled with uneasiness and confusion. The reactions on both faces clearly connect to readers on where the personalities will be clashing. Leigh’s lettering brings in the next conflict with a half page panel. The action is well times with Anderson’s coloring elevating the mere Prescence of Geiger on his attackers. A near full page panel is perfectly quoted with “He’s absolutely glorious” as Geiger ascends down to fight. The flashback moments with Tariq and his family continue to ground the hero. It never lets him (or the reader) lose sight of the human behind the force of nature. The parting images tease what’s next like what great storytellers do. Geiger #1 is no exception to that.
Marty: Gary Frank’s artwork shines in Geiger #1, capturing the gritty and desolate landscape with stunning detail. From weathered characters to dynamic action sequences, Frank’s illustrations bring the world of Geiger to life in vivid fashion. Brad Anderson’s colors enhance the atmosphere, particularly when Geiger unleashes his glowing powers, creating a visual spectacle that leaps off the page. Rob Leigh’s lettering adds depth to the storytelling, seamlessly guiding readers through both the present and flashback sequences.
One of the highlights of this issue is the seamless transition between past and present, executed with cinematic flair. The windstorm that sweeps across the panels serves as a clever visual cue, effectively blending the timelines and enhancing the overall narrative flow.
OVERALL GRADES:
KEN: 9.5
With all eyes of the comic world waiting with baited breath, the Ghost Machine’s walking weapon returns in a monster way. Johns’ superb writing ties in the conflict internally as well as the unnamed universe’s latest onslaught. Frank, Anderson and Leigh gift readers with intense visuals that leave nothing to chance. There’s no way anyone reads this and doesn’t immediately go “THIS is what storytelling is all about”!
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Marty: 9
With its captivating story, breathtaking artwork, and seamless execution, this issue sets the stage for an unforgettable series that is not to be missed. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Geiger, this comic delivers a nuclear blast of action and excitement that will leave you eagerly anticipating what comes next.
