Geiger is the new superhero limited series by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank about a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by nuclear war. After atomic weapons have destroyed the world, different factions fight for survival, taking care to live safely from the radioactive wasteland, daring to venture out with hazmat suits; however, there’s one man whom everyone fears, as he can withstand the atomic radiation.

Firstly, it can sometimes be hard to stand out with a post-apocalyptic story, especially when dealing with irradiated wastelands. Anyone who has played a video game in the last two decades must already be familiar with the Fallout video game series.  Suffice it to say, having a story set in an atompunk world can be an uphill challenge; however, the (very) experienced team of Johns and Frank are more than up to that challenge. Geiger’s first issue is a mix of a western and superhero origin story focused on a relatable protagonist who can essentially be called a family man. It’s an interesting premise with a solid backstory and a very intriguing turn at the end of the issue. The ending of a chapter, episode, film, or other media can change the storytelling experience, and the ending of this issue will alter the way you may have believed the story would initially go.

The real star of the show, however, is the visuals. Frank’s art style, coupled with Brad Anderson’s colors, works beautifully for this series. It’s smooth and textured, but dull and colorful where it needs to be. You could almost feel the dirt and grime that’s aged all the places and characters in the scenes. The glowing effects of a character or how a mushroom cloud flashes on the landscape as a nuclear bomb detonates have to be applauded; they genuinely showcase the danger of a radioactive landscape and of a man able to withstand an environment that will kill you if you do so much as walk outside.

Geiger #1 is a comfortable and exciting Western/superhero origin story coupled with amazing visuals. And although the premise might be familiar, there is enough to leave you wanting to read more.

Creative Team: Geoff Johns (writer/creator); Gary Frank (artist/creator); Brad Anderson (colors); Rob Leigh (letters); Pat McCallum (editor); Steve Blackwell (designer); Ryan Dunlavey (Las Vegas Map Illustration)
Publisher: Image Comics
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