Comics in the modern age tend to be somewhat standardized; with big companies like Marvel or DC, there seems to be a dependency on events and multi-part stories. With independent publishers, the stories may be smaller in scope, but they venture into concepts which may be out of the norm. It is very different for an independent two-issue comic series to be a puzzle piece to a larger, multifaceted universe, but that is happening with the Image Comics / Ghost Machine imprint series, Geiger: Ground Zero #2.
A quick recap: Geiger: Ground Zero is the origin of Geoff Johns’ (Green Lantern, Doomsday Clock) post-apocalyptic hero known as “the Glowing Man.” It takes place in 2050, twenty years after the explosion of nuclear bombs. Suffering from cancer, Tariq Geiger sacrifices himself to protect his family when a nuclear explosion transforms him into a skeletal creature who glows with radiation.
Geiger #2 revolves around Andrei Molotov, a doctor who designed the distribution method of the nuclear bombs. Molotov finds Geiger in his radioactive form and is able to provide a method for the Glowing Man to stay in human form for long periods. They form a friendship that may not last when ultimately put to a test.
Geoff Johns’ writing here is fantastic. He provides true emotion in his characterizations of the two men. He also adds a real conflict for them to work through. Interestingly enough, for a 2-issue mini-series, this second installment can be read as a standalone. The only thing better than Johns’ story is the art by Gary Frank. Beyond a doubt, Frank is a true master of the human form and of comics storytelling.
When great writing and art come together in a comic book, the result is nothing short of magical. This is definitely the case with Geiger: Ground Zero #2. Geoff Johns and Gary Frank are true masters of their craft, and this is certainly worthy to be part of anyone’s comic collection.
Highly Recommended – 4 out of 4 stars
Creative Team: Geoff Johns (writer), Gary Frank (artist)
Publisher: Image/ Ghost Machine
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