For all intents and purpose, Tariq Geiger should be dead. Caught in a nuclear explosion, Geiger gained immense powers. This has caused a huge bullseye to be placed on his back. Those that have tried to take out “The Glowing Man” have failed immensely.
After Geiger overextends his powers, he has been knocked unconscious and taken prisoner. He finds himself in a tough situation. A warden has sentenced him for death. Drained from his powers, Geiger finds himself closer to death than he has been in quite some time.
GEIGER #18 by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Eduardo Pansica, Norm Rapmund, Robert Nugent, Brad Anderson, & Rob Leigh pits The Glowing Man against overwhelming odds to survive.
Let’s take a closer look to see how this shapes up.
GEIGER #18 by Geoff Johns, Gary Frank, Eduardo Pansica, Norm Rapmund, Robert Nugent, Brad Anderson, & Rob Leigh (Image Comics/ Ghost Machine)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
In the ever changing world of Geiger, always expect the unexpected. Seeing him as a prisoner unlocks true horrors. A guard’s bliss in seeing Geiger and another inmate fight leads to a dark overtone. This results in a dangerous judgement. The writing leans into the emotional call to action. It results in unleashing Pandora’s box.
Readers watch as a dark side was unleashed. The dialogue dives into the weight Geiger carries. It becomes very clear what mistake was made in trying to take him out. The pace slows down to focus in on the fallout. Once the closing act begins, it is a straight shot to wrap up. Readers get a steady finish to a deeper look into a borken Glowing heart.
Pansica steps in for the opening portion of the book. Goldbeard introduces himself to this issue via full page shot. His persona shines in these opening panels. Once events move to the prison, the tone embraces the darker aspects of the writing. It leads into an intense face-off with Geiger and a cell mate.
Their encounter covers much ground when a corrupt guard intervenes. It results in a corrupt verdict against Geiger. A full page image shows his fate. Readers watch a slow build until events fully explode. The art team delivers a few vintage Geiger moments. This style amplifies a treasured discovery. There are many elements swirls around these panels. As Frank takes over to close, panels tie up loose ends with a strong final page. It serves as a reset point for an already fantastic journey.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
Geiger faces off with more than mortality in this latest chapter. Johns’ writing digs deep inside a glowing soul. Pansica, Frank and the art team unleash an inner rage which humanity still questions. A solid chapter to finish with a new adventure waiting in the wings.
Let me know your thoughts on Geiger #18 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!