Title: Geiger #1
Publisher: Image
Words: Geoff Johns
Art: Gary Frank
Colors: Brad Anderson
Published: April 7, 2021
Publisher’s Summary: “The critically acclaimed team of writer GEOFF JOHNS and artist GARY FRANK unites with superstar colorist BRAD ANDERSON to bring their first creator-owned hero to Image Comics! Set in the years after a nuclear war ravaged the planet, desperate outlaws battle for survival in a world of radioactive chaos. Out past the poisoned wasteland lives a man even the Nightcrawlers and Organ People fear. Some name him Joe Glow, others call him the Meltdown Man. But his name…is Geiger.”
Review
Geiger is an epic superhero in a post-apocalypse wasteland versus the dystopian remnants of civilization fighting over the scraps of resources left behind. The tale begins twenty years after nuclear Armageddon of unknown origin with the story of a lone man once known as Tariq Geiger who can walk the radioactive desert without having to wear a protective suit. Some believe him a myth, but he is real enough that one of the ruling crime lords has vowed to take him down.
Geoff Johns jumps right into the politics and power playing of the warlords of the wasteland cementing them as the unhinged baddies they are supposed to be. The hero too, is clearing established as such even before he gets his powers. In this way, Geiger has two stories for the readers to care about, the cape fighting bosses and the human family left behind. Will the Meltdown Man prevail and find his reward? Tune in next time.
Visually stunning, Gary Frank and Brad Anderson bring to life the harshest of environments with a haunting beauty.
The Bottom Line
As origin stories go, this one about a nuclear-powered superhero is clever. It manages to feel fresh and packs enough action supplemented by sentiment to make this a worthy read.
