by Matt Sernaker, Managing Editor
The launch of Ghost Machine begins now! Three new titles are kicking off this week from Image Comics, and we at ComicsOnline are pleased to share our advance review of these new stories.
From creators Geoff Johns & Gary Frank, Colorist Brad Anderson, and Letterer Rob Leigh comes Geiger #1. 25 years from now, the world has been turned into a radioactive wasteland. Resources are scarce, and those in control take what they want from the weak. Tariq Geiger now walks through the wasteland looking for purpose as “The Glowing Man”, using his nuclear abilities to balance the scales. Accompanied by his mutated two-headed wolf named Barney and his new associate Nate the Nuclear Knight, they will head out into the world to find others like Geiger…
Official Synopsis:
IT ALL STARTS HERE! The critically acclaimed team of storytellers GEOFF JOHNS and GARY FRANK (GEIGER: GROUND ZERO, Doomsday Clock) return to the nuclear wasteland of their bestselling GEIGER for an ALL-NEW ONGOING series starring the violent and unpredictable GLOWING MAN! Leaving his home behind, Tariq Geiger now walks the radioactive roads of the former United States with his two-headed wolf Barney. But as his enemies doggedly pursue him, Geiger discovers salvation from the unlikeliest of foes. But what secrets does this potential ally hold that could help Geiger? And exactly how many people are after The Glowing Man… and why?
Don’t miss this vital, action-packed chapter in the shared universe of THE UNNAMED saga and the momentous Ghost Machine rollout!
Although this character first appeared in the Geiger 2021 mini-series, this issue provides a solid introduction for those of us who hadn’t previously known of his adventures (the trade paperback of that story is available and is now on my reading list). The post-apocalyptic setting doesn’t go overboard in the first story, as the focus remains on the interaction between Tariq and Nate. We also get glimpses of Tariq’s family, helping to ground his character and set the stage for a new partnership between the duo.
From an art perspective, there were some great creative choices that helped to ground the story in a short amount of time. The gas masks on the horses were a particularly striking visual, followed by an impressive double-page spread. On the surface, Geiger’s design might feel a bit reminiscent of the villainous Blight from Batman Beyond, but that comparison is quickly set aside once the action kicks in and the nuances become clear. There is an incredible moment in the story where Geiger leaps into action against some troopers, and those panels absolutely solidified my interest in this character. The strategic use of color was particularly impressive, as Anderson’s color palette makes this world that much more vivid. Leigh’s lettering work in the book is worth paying close attention to, as it works seamlessly with the rest of the creative elements to tie everything together.
The creative team behind Geiger presents a brave new post-apocalyptic world for us to explore. While there are previous adventures that might add greater context to the story of “The Glowing Man”, the engaging setup and character choices will surely catch the attention of new readers.
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Geiger #1 – 4 out of 5 nuclear adventures.
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