The release of Ghost Machine #1 marked the epic start of 2024 in the world of comic books. The book brings a murderer’s row of talent together in an anthology project that showcases some of the most promising up-and-coming creators.
This 2024 imprint under Image Comics publication shows off its upcoming exciting storylines with GHOST MACHINE (ONE-SHOT). The new venture first made waves when Geoff Johns and other legendary comic book legends, such as Peter J. Tomasi and Gary Frank, announced that they were uniting to build a creators-owned media company at last year’s New York Comic Con. This artist collaboration has big plans for comic lovers, starting with this 64-page intriguing Ghost Machine #1.
What is it all about? Here is a brief review of the Ghost Machine #1 release.
“The Unnamed” – A Gripping and Intriguing Universe in-Progress
The first section out of four in Ghost Machine #1 is dedicated to the Unnamed Universe. It is a sprawling world built off Gary Frank and Geoff Johns’ creation of Geiger and Junkyard Joe. While hero comics are not everyone’s cup of tea, most readers will love this one.
It builds on the story of heroes throughout the many centuries of American history, starting from the early days of the American Revolution to the predicted future post-apocalypses of 2050. And if you enjoyed Franks and John’s nuclear hero Geiger character in Geiger 80-Page Giant #1, you will definitely love this brand-new story. Unlike the previous stoic and thoughtful Geiger, this Redcoat is a shiftless loudmouth who makes enemies of some of the greatest figures in history.
Bryan Hitch (a fellow Ghost Machine elusive creator) also joins Johns to tell Pure’s story. Unlike the immortal Redcoat, who has fought since the birth of America, Pure takes his deaths and resurrections in strides. It’s a short, fascinating story that will please comic fans of snarky, mystical rogues.
“The Rook: Exodus” – A strong idea but Needs A Bit More Time
The second section of Ghost Machine #1 is an independent storyline called “Rook: Exodus.” This six-page story by Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok is an epic science fiction set in a terraformed world. Here, wardens who wear helmets to control various species control animal life.
Rook (a former farmer) was to return home and is desperate to escape the Exodus. He needs some parts to repair a ship, but unfortunately, they are hard to come by. Evil forces are also almost seizing control of the entire planet.
What makes this “Rook: Exodus” section interesting is the combination of sci-fi with a primal’ man vs. nature’ theme. However, to an imaginative mind, this story needs more than six pages to make a mark because the concept is excellent. That said, it will enthuse readers with a promise of what’s to come in Ghost Machine.
The “Family Odyssey”- Adorable and Humorous Stories
If you have funny family dynamics, the Family Odyssey is the section for you. It showcases two upcoming series, Hornsby & Halo by Peter J. Tomasi and Peter Snejbjerg and The Rocketfellers by Francis Manapul and Tomasi.
The “Hornsby & Halo” premises are around a pair of angels and a pre-teen demon who are unknowingly part of a cosmic truce. Meanwhile, “The Rocketfellers” is about a family from the future hiding out in the past after being forcefully placed into a Time Zone Protection Program. Both are immensely charming tales that will go a long way in promoting this 2024 release.
“Hyde Street” A Glimpse at a Terrifying Ghost Machine’s Future
Ghost Machine #1 release offers plenty of unsettling teases to really scare lovers. This future Halloween debut is the final chapter in this publication by Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis, Lamont Magee, and Maytal Zchut.
Hyde Street includes a splash page of old-school advertisements such as trick gum and X-ray specs. But there is a twist. They aren’t for fun novelties of the past; they are items that bring misery, pain, and terrible fates to those who encounter them or use them.
The release doesn’t give away too much about the eventual full story. It prevents readers from getting a complete idea of what the story is about. While the details are slim, the chapter is captivating and is, without doubt, going to appeal to horror fans.