Last week saw the release of Geiger #10 by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. Geiger is being released under the new Ghost Machine imprint of Image Comics and is part of “The Unamed” universe. Geiger and Redcoat, also written by Johns, take place in a world where an unknown event in our near future leads to the utter devastation of the world, plunging all of humanity into a terrifying and chaotic apocalyptic reality.
In the previous story arc of Geiger, Tariq Geiger became the “Glowing Man” and wandered the wasteland until he encountered and defeated the King of Las Vegas. In the new story arc, the reader catches up with Geiger, who is still wandering alone in the wastelands of the former United States. In previous issues, Geiger grudgingly befriended Nate, a former Knight of Las Vegas who pledged his sword to Geiger’s cause. Nate also informed Geiger of the existence of another being with the same radiation powers who was able to be cured. At this point, for reasons unknown to the reader, Geiger’s powers are causing him great pain and have grown more difficult to keep in check. This other “Glowing Man” was thought to be in the town of Lewiston, and Geiger and Nate decide to travel there together.
Issue #10 sees the duo arrive at their long-sought destination, but not before participating in one of the longest standing traditions in comics: Hero Fight!! Another of Geoff John’s creations prior to the formation of the Ghost Machine imprint was Junkyard Joe, an android that had served the United States army since Vietnam. Joe had been tasked by the current President to track down Tariq Geiger. Their meeting results in a battle between the two due to confusion over Joe’s motivations. This may be an expected development, but it’s nonetheless a lot of fun to see these characters face off. This issue also sees Johns begin to build stronger connections between The Unamed characters. A wonderful character moment for Junkyard Joe in this issue sees the android thinking back on a conversation he had with Simon Pure of Redcoat sometime in the past. This revealed connection works to build connective tissue between Ghost Machine titles, but this scene also deepened the reader’s understanding of Junkyard Joe’s character.
The scenes with Joe exemplify the skill of Gary Frank and the power of his pencils. He can fill the robotic and silent Joe with so much heart and character. Just a close-up of Joe’s eye with a slight tilt of his head in close panel can convey the curious innocence of the android’s character. I’ve long been a fan of Frank’s work, as I think most longtime comic fans are, as well. Along with Howard Chaykin and Kevin Maguire, he is a master at capturing emotion in the faces of his characters. Even without the words, we could still follow along with the story, the mark of a true visual master. Frank’s work on Geiger feels reminiscent of an earlier book he worked on called Midnight Nation. This has the same gritty feel with a tinge of darkness.
The issue ends on a cliffhanger that I won’t spoil here, but by the look of where this story is going, the first year of this volume of Geiger will end with a bang. I can’t wait to discover what mysteries Lewiston holds for our characters and the future of this world. Hopefully, we’ll also get a greater sense of the grander story being told in The Unamed universe. If you’re at all curious about the Ghost Machine world, pick up the other books in the line, especially the titles this month. Issues of Redcoat and The Rocketfellers, like Geiger, seem to be focusing on showing readers how all of these books intersect. Geoff Johns has done a wonderful job ushering in this new imprint, and I can’t wait to read what’s next.
Creative Team: Geoff Johns (Writer), Gary Frank (Penciller), Brad Anderson (Colorist), and Rob Leigh (Letterer)
Publisher: Ghost Machine/Image Comics
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