Image Comics; $3.99 

The terrain of the world after the Unknown War continues to unfold. In the aftermath of Tariq Geiger’s clash with Ashley Arden and the devastation it brought, there’s a wrenching change to Geiger’s situation that will stun readers as much as it surprises him.  

The incredible storytelling present in Geiger since the beginning (even in the pre-Ghost Machine issues) continues in this issue with guest artist Eduardo Pansica and inker Norm Rapmund filling in, at least on the first 18 pages, for artist and co-creator Gary Frank, who rejoins the series in this issue’s epilogue. I’ve stopped being surprised about how consistent this series is and find myself thoroughly emersed in the story. 

Co-creator and writer Geoff Johns and the editorial team have skillfully managed the changes between Frank and the various fill-ins without missing a beat in the story, and they’re to be congratulated for that. Nothing can break readers out of a groove faster than wrenching changes in art or writing, but there’s been none of that here. 

One of the things I really appreciate is, despite the use of the occasional splash page or double-page spread – either of which eat up a big percentage of your total storytelling area in an issue – the story feels packed with action, intrigue, and information (The only other series that immediately springs to mind with a similar effective use of the real estate is Titan’s Conan The Barbarian). That wouldn’t be the case if Johns wasn’t clicking on all cylinders as a writer. 

The best thing I think any of us can say about serialized comic book storytelling is “I can’t wait for the next issue!” And I say it every time with Geiger. In an age when there are just so many ho-hum comic books, that’s something to be celebrated. 

– J.C. Vaughn