Comic Review: Geiger #1

Geiger #1

Image Comics

Writer: Geoff Johns

Art: Gary Frank, Brad Anderson & Rob Leigh

Nuclear fallout has devastated the USA we used to know and now it is a land of scavenging, cannibalism and survival of the fittest. In this wasteland Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, along with a team of talented artists, bring us Image’s new title: Geiger. The tale about the glowing man who can walk outside without a hazmat suit.

Twenty years ago when the bombs were about to drop Tariq, a family man was well prepared with a bunker built and set up for survival as long as he as his family might need. Sadly when Tariq went back out of the bunker just as a missile was launched, his neighbors attempted to hijack the shelter and Tariq saw himself telling his wife to lock the door and leave him behind. Seconds later, the bomb exploded and Tariq and life above ground in Nevada was changed drastically. Somehow he survived and acquired some abilities such as agility, strength, and, well, he glows. Now he lives his days with a mutant two-headed dog protecting the entrance to his family’s bunker so that one day when it’s safe, they can all meet again.

I’m not properly familiarized with Geoff Johns’ work other than three or four issues at the start of his Green Lantern run back in the New 52 day. From what I gather in this first chapter, Johns and Frank are the starts of a tragic tale of a family man cursed with life apart from the ones he loves. The team seems to have a well-planned direction for the story with a bit at the end that focuses more on world-building rather than our protagonist. It threw me off seeing Las Vegas prospering as what appears to be a kingdom but making this world more alive than what is given off on the first few pages is not necessarily a negative thing.

Gary Frank’s work is spectacular and that’s underselling it. It’s been a while since I’ve read a comic with his artwork but damn is it refreshing. I’m not usually fond of his realistic approach but it cannot be denied that his mastery of human anatomy as well as facial expressions does wonders to the storytelling. That and it’s a gorgeous thing to look at as well. As usual phenomenal work by Frank in all accounts.

Brad Anderson’s color complements Frank’s work perfectly. The precision of Nevada dimmed evening and the strong oppressive sun during the day was stunning, to say the least. Not only what was portrayed but how! The sun causes a strong reflective glow on the characters’ suits and on the sand. Amazing work. I also freaking loved the choice of purple for the nuclear blast deviating from the classic big orange boom that we normally see. Rob Leigh’s lettering matches the quality of the rest of the creatives involved in this project. The letterer adds a lot of grunting to characters during struggle or fight sequences. But where he shines, for this reviewer, is with the sound effects. The fonts and colors are fit to each of the moments chosen and give the comic a fresh breath of life on every page.

This was a bit of a slow first issue. Most of the world is yet to be revealed and we know very little about anything. Regardless it is obvious that these creators who have had big hits in the past are aiming for a new one. And in this one, they have a lot more creative freedom. So, despite it being fast and not that exciting of a read, I look forward to the rest of Tariq’s story in the USA nuclear apocalypse.