Geiger: Ground Zero #1: The Perfect Jumping On Point (Spoiler-Free!)

Geiger: Ground Zero #1 serves several purposes. First off, it is the reintroduction of Geiger, The Glowing Man, for those who may not have read the initial series. Additionally, this prequel gives more context to the sprawling universe that so far consists of just Geiger and Junkyard Joe. But most importantly, Geiger: Ground Zero #1 is the first issue in this shared universe to utilize the Ghost Machine logo, the new company that was announced at this year’s New York Comic Con. All of these factors set up a lot of momentum for this prequel, which does a fine job in setting up what it sets out to accomplish.

Geoff Johns has been the chief architect behind this universe and chooses to play it extremely safe with this issue. Geiger: Ground Zero #1 doesn’t technically break into any new ground, opting to paint some more focus on concepts and ideas that were discussed in a more brief capacity in the initial Geiger series. Thankfully, this allows new readers to have a great jumping on point for this universe that doesn’t rely on any heavy details from the prior books. This reintroduction to Tariq Geiger also establishes a lot of the emotional connection that the initial series took quite a while to establish, which also would bring people in a lot faster. Overall, the design and core concepts behind this issue show Johns’ initiative to use this as a bolstering point while making way for the rest that this company has to offer.

The duo of Gary Frank and Brad Anderson never cease to create beautiful pages and Geiger: Ground Zero #1 is no exception. As always, this duo creates a great juxtaposition between the calm, everyday moments, and the throttled up science fiction. Frank has so much emotion behind each end of every character, giving the slower segments so much nuance that they sometimes are even more compelling than the action. Anderson counters that by creating explosive pages everytime Geiger is on the page. These segments really establish that science fiction landscape that brings this book into the greater shared universe.

Rounding out the creative team here is Rob Leigh who maintains a strong consistency throughout the issue. This adds to the experience for a new reader to help them understand this issue from not only a new comic standpoint, but also for someone who is new to comics in general. Overall, the lettering here is on par with anything you’d see in the big two, really giving this new company a gravitas that excels expectations.