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Geiger #18-23
Geiger, Vol. 4
Tariq Geiger, aka The Glowing Man, joins forces with his trusted friend Nate the Nuclear Knight and robot soldier Junkyard Joe as they trek across America searching for the mysterious figure that supposedly was cured of the same radioactive curse as Geiger. But once they find what they’re hunting for, nothing is as simple as it seems. With ties to Geiger’s earliest origins, this new figure in the world of The Unnamed forces the hero and his cohorts to question who can be trusted and what they’re actually searching for going forward.
Collects Geiger (2024) #10-15.
Collects Geiger (2024) #10-15.
152 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2025
2 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Johns
2,720 books2,408 followersGeoff Johns originally hails from Detroit, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in Media Arts and Film. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s in search of work within the film industry. Through perseverance, Geoff ended up as the assistant to Richard Donner, working on Conspiracy Theory and Lethal Weapon 4. During that time, he also began his comics career writing Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. and JSA (co-written with David S. Goyer) for DC Comics. He worked with Richard Donner for four years, leaving the company to pursue writing full-time.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
His first comics assignments led to a critically acclaimed five-year run on the The Flash. Since then, he has quickly become one of the most popular and prolific comics writers today, working on such titles including a highly successful re-imagining of Green Lantern, Action Comics (co-written with Richard Donner), Teen Titans, Justice Society of America, Infinite Crisis and the experimental breakout hit series 52 for DC with Grant Morrison, Greg Rucka and Mark Waid. Geoff received the Wizard Fan Award for Breakout Talent of 2002 and Writer of the Year for 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008 as well as the CBG Writer of the Year 2003 thru 2005, 2007 and CBG Best Comic Book Series for JSA 2001 thru 2005. Geoff also developed BLADE: THE SERIES with David S. Goyer, as well as penned the acclaimed “Legion” episode of SMALLVILLE. He also served as staff writer for the fourth season of ROBOT CHICKEN.
Geoff recently became a New York Times Bestselling author with the graphic novel Superman: Brainiac with art by Gary Frank.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 28, 2025
(A-) 80% | Very Good
Notes: On ad hoc friends, cruel means to ends, combustible ordeals, where pain relief engenders grief, and loners never heal.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #10-12 ◦ Issues #13-15
Notes: On ad hoc friends, cruel means to ends, combustible ordeals, where pain relief engenders grief, and loners never heal.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ Issues #10-12 ◦ Issues #13-15
November 26, 2025
Things go from bad to worse as Geiger loses control of his powers. Seeking help from the one other person in the world who might know how to fix him, he and his companions find themselves in Lewistown, but the mysterious Glowing Woman might be more of a threat than an ally.
I think we could all see where this was going, this kind of story always has some kind of dark secret hidden at the bottom of it - but I'll admit, I didn't expect it to go the way it did. Ashley's a complicated character to say the least, and the addition of a few other familiar faces, from Junkyard Joe (we love Junkyard Joe) to an unexpected return keeps the flavour from being too gloomy, especially when Tariq gets introspective and upset (read: explosive).
Also, I love that Geiger keeps accumulating sidekicks. First Barney, then Nate, and now a three-eyed zebra, and a robot. It's like Lord of the Rings, but adorable.
I think we could all see where this was going, this kind of story always has some kind of dark secret hidden at the bottom of it - but I'll admit, I didn't expect it to go the way it did. Ashley's a complicated character to say the least, and the addition of a few other familiar faces, from Junkyard Joe (we love Junkyard Joe) to an unexpected return keeps the flavour from being too gloomy, especially when Tariq gets introspective and upset (read: explosive).
Also, I love that Geiger keeps accumulating sidekicks. First Barney, then Nate, and now a three-eyed zebra, and a robot. It's like Lord of the Rings, but adorable.
November 15, 2025
Leave it to Geoff Johns to take a premise that should be a radioactive stew of clichés—post-apocalyptic wasteland, glowing wanderer, mutant critters—and somehow turn it into something unique, gripping, and, frankly, way more fun than it has any right to be. Geiger vol. 4 proves once again that Johns knows exactly how to spin a familiar setup into a story that feels fresh instead of reheated.
This time around, we follow Tarik, young Nate, and their ever-reliable (and occasionally ridiculous) mutant animal companions as they trek to Lewiston. There they encounter a survivor who seems to share Tarik’s particular… glowing predicament. But, as is tradition in Geiger’s nuclear playground, things aren’t quite what they look like on the surface. Johns plays with mirrors, twists expectations, and keeps just enough mystery simmering to make you suspicious of everyone, including the adorable animal sidekicks.
Gary Frank once again brings the fire (or fallout) with artwork that nails the bleak, brittle mood of this world. And with Brad Anderson’s colors bathing everything in the perfect balance of starkness and irradiated glow, the visuals land with exactly the kind of punch this series needs. Honestly, between the three of them, they make the apocalypse look almost inviting.
One of the real joys of this volume, though, is how Johns continues using Geiger as a nexus for his whole “Unnamed” universe. The crossovers, teases, and connective bits never feel forced... just tantalizing. You can sense the bigger picture forming in the background, piece by glowing piece, and it’s starting to feel like all these story threads are heading toward something genuinely awesome.
In short: Geiger vol. 4 keeps the series blazing forward with style, heart, and just enough nuclear weirdness to stay unpredictable. Five stars for making the end of the world this entertaining.
This time around, we follow Tarik, young Nate, and their ever-reliable (and occasionally ridiculous) mutant animal companions as they trek to Lewiston. There they encounter a survivor who seems to share Tarik’s particular… glowing predicament. But, as is tradition in Geiger’s nuclear playground, things aren’t quite what they look like on the surface. Johns plays with mirrors, twists expectations, and keeps just enough mystery simmering to make you suspicious of everyone, including the adorable animal sidekicks.
Gary Frank once again brings the fire (or fallout) with artwork that nails the bleak, brittle mood of this world. And with Brad Anderson’s colors bathing everything in the perfect balance of starkness and irradiated glow, the visuals land with exactly the kind of punch this series needs. Honestly, between the three of them, they make the apocalypse look almost inviting.
One of the real joys of this volume, though, is how Johns continues using Geiger as a nexus for his whole “Unnamed” universe. The crossovers, teases, and connective bits never feel forced... just tantalizing. You can sense the bigger picture forming in the background, piece by glowing piece, and it’s starting to feel like all these story threads are heading toward something genuinely awesome.
In short: Geiger vol. 4 keeps the series blazing forward with style, heart, and just enough nuclear weirdness to stay unpredictable. Five stars for making the end of the world this entertaining.
December 18, 2025
Geiger and Nate seek another glowing man, but discover instead, Ashley Arden, the Glowing Woman, who has basically the same powers as Geiger, but who is much better able to control them. She takes Geiger under her wing to teach him. And that's basically it. I mean, there's a lot more going on--the remnants of the US Army make an appearance, Junkyard Joe shows up, and a doomsday cult gets wiped out--but in terms of the story, it's mainly Ash trying to help Tariq control his powers. Though maybe she has an ulterior motive? Great art again throughout this. I'll definitely keep reading, but just hope a bit more happens next time out.
January 2, 2026
Okay, so the funniest thing you could do about a male academic turned violent antihero terribly aglow with radiation in a post-apocalyptic wasteland is make a hot lady version. This volume was great, largely because it signals a turning point in Geiger's redemption arc. His anger is killing him (and his likability), and there's just more of an interesting path to walk in the pilgrimage to acceptance and control. A guy can only be a dick for so long before he loses everyone. That kinda goes double for a guy losing his mind in a poisonous body in a world that already objectively sucks. Ya gotta be nice, boyo. Maybe become the Glowing Man because of your thousand-watt smile.
June 28, 2025
This was quite good, but then again the whole run has been. The story gets more complex with the addition of Ashley Arden and the return of Junkyard Joe. I like how you can feel the threads Johns has laid out begin to pull together here. I do wonder how long it'll be before we actually get to see what happened with the Unnamed War. Gary Frank remains an artist of the top of his game.
September 15, 2025
Very good, only exception being there wasn't a very long relationship for a meaningful betrayal.
It will be interesting to see where this goes though, some good new arcs coming through with some good potential follow up.
It will be interesting to see where this goes though, some good new arcs coming through with some good potential follow up.
November 14, 2025
Much better writing than Redcoat, IMO. Art is stellar. I wish the Ghost Machine issues were a little longer, but I'm enjoying this series overall.
November 20, 2025
I like some of the writing in these. Its like the writer is torn between what message they want to deliver to the world and what they can sell.
3.5🌟
3.5🌟
December 16, 2025
I don't know where the story will end up going but I enjoy coming along for the ride.
August 31, 2025
Radioactive Showdown in the Desert
Geoff Johns' Geiger continues to evolve in its fourth collected volume, delivering an emotionally charged, action-packed odyssey through a post-apocalyptic America. The story follows Tariq Geiger as the Glowing Man of the New Mexican desert and nuclear survivor, as he embarks on a treacherous journey alongside his steadfast allies—Nate the Nuclear Knight and Junkyard Joe—searching for a mysterious figure who allegedly overcame the same radioactive curse. Shades of The Stand pop up everywhere in this. What begins as a hunt for answers soon spirals into a confrontation with long-buried truths about Geiger’s past, forcing him to reevaluate trust and purpose in a world ravaged by nuclar winter. As Johns expands the scope of The Unnamed universe, this volume deepens both its mythos and its emotional stakes, laying the groundwork for the next major chapter in the Ghost Machine saga.
One of the standout elements of Vol. 4 is its tonal shift. While the series has always balanced action with emotional resonance, these issues lean further into introspection, layering each character with complexity. Villains are no longer merely obstacles but are given depth, making some of them unexpectedly sympathetic. It’s a testament to Johns' storytelling prowess—his ability to craft engaging conflicts while ensuring every figure, hero or foe, feels authentic. Over the course of fifteen issues, Geiger has transformed from an isolated survival narrative into a sweeping, interconnected epic, demonstrating Johns' long-term vision for this universe. The pacing remains brisk, yet there’s a clear sense of intentionality behind each arc’s progression, proving that this is not just another dystopian tale, but a meticulously woven saga that should tie into the historical universe at some point.
Junkyard Joe’s inclusion is particularly compelling, tying Geiger into a broader thematic exploration of war, loss, and identity. The introduction of characters from the world before the nuclear Armageddon adds a fascinating wrinkle to the overarching mystery. Geiger’s anguish over his lost family and the bleak realities of a ruined Southwest create a poignant backdrop for high-stakes drama, allowing the narrative to breathe beyond simple heroics. Joe’s presence, in particular, led me to explore his standalone series, which reads as a moving meditation on humanity amidst mechanized warfare. The emotional weight of his storyline enhances Geiger’s depth, proving that this universe is far more than a mere radioactive wasteland—it's a stage for profound storytelling.
As the series progresses, the unanswered questions surrounding The Unnamed War remain enticing. Johns withholds just enough detail to keep readers speculating, gradually pulling pieces together in a way that feels organic rather than forced. The final showdown in this volume—and the epilogues that follow—bring several major developments that will undoubtedly shape the next phase of the Ghost Machine world. While the dystopian aesthetic is gripping, it is the story’s emotional core that truly elevates it beyond standard post-apocalyptic fare. The relationships between characters, their personal losses, and the ever-present theme of resilience make this a narrative that resonates far beyond its high-concept premise. And this is truly a superhero comic for our time: reluctant but reliable, damaged but workable, and much more.
This continues to push the boundaries of its own mythology, rewarding longtime readers with deep world-building and compelling character arcs. Johns’ commitment to building an interconnected saga ensures that each installment feels essential rather than episodic. With every issue, the stakes risse, the emotional depth strengthens, and the promise of future revelations looms larger. As Ghost Machine expands, Geiger remains a flagship title that consistently delivers intrigue, action, and heartfelt storytelling.
Geoff Johns' Geiger continues to evolve in its fourth collected volume, delivering an emotionally charged, action-packed odyssey through a post-apocalyptic America. The story follows Tariq Geiger as the Glowing Man of the New Mexican desert and nuclear survivor, as he embarks on a treacherous journey alongside his steadfast allies—Nate the Nuclear Knight and Junkyard Joe—searching for a mysterious figure who allegedly overcame the same radioactive curse. Shades of The Stand pop up everywhere in this. What begins as a hunt for answers soon spirals into a confrontation with long-buried truths about Geiger’s past, forcing him to reevaluate trust and purpose in a world ravaged by nuclar winter. As Johns expands the scope of The Unnamed universe, this volume deepens both its mythos and its emotional stakes, laying the groundwork for the next major chapter in the Ghost Machine saga.
One of the standout elements of Vol. 4 is its tonal shift. While the series has always balanced action with emotional resonance, these issues lean further into introspection, layering each character with complexity. Villains are no longer merely obstacles but are given depth, making some of them unexpectedly sympathetic. It’s a testament to Johns' storytelling prowess—his ability to craft engaging conflicts while ensuring every figure, hero or foe, feels authentic. Over the course of fifteen issues, Geiger has transformed from an isolated survival narrative into a sweeping, interconnected epic, demonstrating Johns' long-term vision for this universe. The pacing remains brisk, yet there’s a clear sense of intentionality behind each arc’s progression, proving that this is not just another dystopian tale, but a meticulously woven saga that should tie into the historical universe at some point.
Junkyard Joe’s inclusion is particularly compelling, tying Geiger into a broader thematic exploration of war, loss, and identity. The introduction of characters from the world before the nuclear Armageddon adds a fascinating wrinkle to the overarching mystery. Geiger’s anguish over his lost family and the bleak realities of a ruined Southwest create a poignant backdrop for high-stakes drama, allowing the narrative to breathe beyond simple heroics. Joe’s presence, in particular, led me to explore his standalone series, which reads as a moving meditation on humanity amidst mechanized warfare. The emotional weight of his storyline enhances Geiger’s depth, proving that this universe is far more than a mere radioactive wasteland—it's a stage for profound storytelling.
As the series progresses, the unanswered questions surrounding The Unnamed War remain enticing. Johns withholds just enough detail to keep readers speculating, gradually pulling pieces together in a way that feels organic rather than forced. The final showdown in this volume—and the epilogues that follow—bring several major developments that will undoubtedly shape the next phase of the Ghost Machine world. While the dystopian aesthetic is gripping, it is the story’s emotional core that truly elevates it beyond standard post-apocalyptic fare. The relationships between characters, their personal losses, and the ever-present theme of resilience make this a narrative that resonates far beyond its high-concept premise. And this is truly a superhero comic for our time: reluctant but reliable, damaged but workable, and much more.
This continues to push the boundaries of its own mythology, rewarding longtime readers with deep world-building and compelling character arcs. Johns’ commitment to building an interconnected saga ensures that each installment feels essential rather than episodic. With every issue, the stakes risse, the emotional depth strengthens, and the promise of future revelations looms larger. As Ghost Machine expands, Geiger remains a flagship title that consistently delivers intrigue, action, and heartfelt storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews