In the eerie, shadow-laced world of comic books, a new contender has emerged from the mist, cloaked in the banner of Image Comics – a haven for the bold and the brazen. Ghost Machine #1, a tapestry of tales, bursts from the minds of its creators, each a sorcerer conjuring visions from the ether. This is a place where the oppressive chains of the comic book mainstream, long forged and wielded by the leviathans of the industry, are shattered in a defiant cry for creative liberty.
Within the pages of Ghost Machine, the brushstrokes of Brad Anderson color the world, while the fine lines of Danny Miki sketch its bones. Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Geoff Johns, Francis Manapul, Peter J. Tomasi, and their brethren, each a master of their craft, bring forth a pantheon of tales. These are stories where celestial beings, spectral entities, and the unfortunate victims of otherworldly misfortunes roam desolate, forsaken landscapes – each narrative a standalone journey into the unknown.
The saga begins with Tariq Geiger, a lone wanderer in a radioactive wasteland, his two-headed wolf Barney his only companion. Crafted by the hands of Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, their tale intertwines with the enigmatic Redcoat, a figure whose story weaves through the fabric of time, captured with the haunting close-ups and dynamic panels of Bryan Hitch.
The mere utterance of “Redcoat” unravels the hidden past of Simon Pure, and Johns, alongside Hitch, takes us on a journey back through time, a tale punctuated with the echoes of gunfire and the glint of cold steel. Yet, this is but a prelude to a grander saga, a glimpse into the vast universe that beckons.
The anthology shifts course with “Rook: Exodus,” where Johns and Jason Fabok catapult us to a distant, alien world, a place brimming with danger and wonder. This preview whispers promises of a story steeped in survival, tension, and the magic of untamed nature.
Humor seeps into the pages with Peter J. Tomasi’s “Rocketfeller,” a whimsical tale of a family from the future, disguised in the past. Francis Manapul’s artistry dances alongside the narrative’s eccentric beat, while Tomasi’s second tale delves deeper, beneath its light-hearted surface, exploring themes of innate nature, family bonds, and the darker corners of the human psyche.
“Hyde Street,” a creation of Johns and Ivan Reis, stands as a chilling finale, its narrative and artwork echoing the spine-tingling vibes of Creepshow comics, yet distinct in its interconnected world. Brad Anderson, the colorist, and Rob Leigh, the letterer, stitch the issue together, their work symbolizing the shared vision and harmony that Ghost Machine strives to achieve.
Ghost Machine #1, while perhaps more a collection of enticing previews than a traditional anthology, sets the stage for a myriad of enthralling tales to come. It stands as a showcase, akin to DSTLRY’s 2023 The Devil’s Cut, of the extraordinary talent and visionary storytelling at the heart of the Ghost Machine team. This isn’t just another comic book; it’s a gateway to a realm of storytelling yet unexplored, a clarion call to the future of the medium, echoing in the halls of the imagination.
