Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!
For this entry, we are checking out the latest from a company who made a HUGE splash at NYCC this year! GHOST MACHINE, who’s roster of creators reads like an all-star lineup, is poised for a monster 2024 with a giant sized one-shot kicking off in January.
Luckily for fans, their wait isn’t so bad as one of the most notable Ghost Machine characters returns in a two part story that needs to be on fans’ radars at the shop.
GEIGER: GROUND ZERO #1 by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Brad Anderson and Rob Leigh spotlights the powerful force of nature in the Unnamed Universe. What secrets lie beneath the surface of the mysterious figure? Let’s take a deeper dive into this untold story, shall we?
GEIGER: GROUND ZERO #1 by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Brad Anderson and Rob Leigh (Credit: Image Comics via Ghost Machine)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Tariq Geiger is a survivor of a nuclear bombing that has transformed him into a walking weapon. While keeping his family inside a bunker, Geiger was caught outside when the bomb exploded. Unknown how he lived, Geiger has become a figure of legend.
When an overload exposed the bunker to be housing corpses of his family, Geiger unleashed his rage and set off on a loner’s path. Geiger became a surprise caretaker of two children who crossed his path. After that journey came to its’ conclusion, readers knew that the story was only just beginning.
For this story, the time is six months after the bombing began. The military has set up camp at what appears to be an amusement park. A man is monologuing themes of guilt and concern for his wife and what he as done. Readers see that he is Dr. Molotov. Molotov might be the man behind the bombs that destroyed the country.
The unit is in pursuit of Geiger. In exchange for helping, Molotov will be reunited with his wife. Can he succeed in this mission?
The action is mixed with more details on Tariq’s life before the bomb. The flashbacks show a different side to the radioactive drifter that leaves a huge impact with fans. The closing act ramps up the drama before bowing out with a parting visual that raises more questions on the already enigmatic lead protagonist. There’s no way anyone will be able to pass on seeing where things go from here!
One element of Ghost Machine that still rings rue in this issue is the focus on “Characters First”. Johns dives into the compelling drama with Molotov’s guilt for what he caused. The drive to see his wife counters the negative weight he carries, keeping readers locked. in.
However, the biggest moments come via the flashback sequences with Gieger. The heart-breaking tale of life before the bomb will level readers with the emotional pull. The conversations with his family showcases the deep love and drive he has for them. With dealing with his Cancer battle, Johns handles the moments perfectly with the interactions of those that matter most. The love for his family is the main driver for his ultimate choice when the bombs start going off. This all combines for a great read that stands out for the characters first.
Frank’s art features the various emotions of the two lead characters in this story. Molotov’s reactions to the army unit and Geiger vary with a sobering feeling of what he’s caused. Geiger’s time with his family and neighbors range from happiness to patience with a unfriendly resident. The time with the family hit the deepest connection as the art reflects the deep rooted love they possess even with the surrounding factors in play.
Once the story shifts back to present time, Frank (with Anderson’s fantastic coloring) makes the Geiger confrontation jump. The full page panel featuring Geiger at his most dangerous sets a high bar for the following action. This all leads to a stunning closing image which sets the stage for more revelations to follow.
FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10
The early days of Ghost Machine’s radioactive powerhouse comes to light with a strong debut chapter into his past. Johns drives home superb character writing while Frank, Anderson and Leigh elevate the words with magnificent imagery capturing the moments at hand. There’s no way to can’t be caught up in the story unfolding here. Make sure to pick it up on NCBD!
Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts on Geiger: Ground Zero #1. Thanks for reading!
