I keep meaning to dive back in to the Ghost Machine stories. (I can scarcely believe that I still haven't leafed through the pages of Rook: Exodus yet.) But it was decided today that my next Image Comics reading experience will be Eight Billion Genies. I've been procrastinating for far too long. I've enjoyed many a Soule creation and I'm sure I'll enjoy this one too.
What's your favorite (spoiler-free) thing about Eight Billion Genies?
For us of little space left. I know completionists will recommend the full series, but I also know there are some favorite books in the collections. Given the pulp/noir nature, I was wondering if they can for the most part be picked and chosen by storyline or if you'll be fairly confused without taking it all in chronologically.
I see this book on Amazon but, it looks like it was sold out and when I try to go on eBay no one even has it. How am I supposed to reread haunt now but, in a hardcover edition???
I quite enjoyed the format and I’d like to find more. I got it from a collectible store a few weeks ago but every time I look it up I can’t really find any other issues and I went back to the same store today and they don’t have this. I apologize if this is a very well known thing ime quite new to the comic book scene.
Hi everyone! I am back to give my thoughts on Geiger (2024) #25! This is hands down the best issue of this continuation run! There is so much for me to dive into, so I will not waste anymore of your time. If you have not caught up to this series at this point, I would HIGHLY recommend it. Like all my posts, I will give my general thoughts on the issue, some major takeaways, and some speculation as to what direction the story will go in the future Furthermore, I have included the Unnamed timeline below.
Unnamed Timeline
Geiger (2024) #25 Thoughts
Issue #25 is one of the greatest single issues not just within this continuation run, but with the Unnamed line of books! This issue succeeded in paying off plotlines that were set up multiple issues ago, whilst also continuing ones that weren't given the most spotlight. On top of that, we get introduced to another one of the Unnamed, Widow X! I will touch more on her later on! Overall, this issue lived up to its oversized nature in the best possible way! There was a lot to dive into, but nothing felt rushed or unnecessary.
The issue opens up on the day of the Unknown War, but from the perspective of President Griffin! He has been one of the most mysterious characters in this continuation run, so I am glad we got see some of his backstory. Like the better Unnamed villains, Griffin is a reflection of Geiger. He cares deeply for his family, but unlike Geiger, Griffin is willing to put the United States above them. I liked this brief backstory as it did a solid job of showing how he is a tragic figure like Geiger.
Part of President Griffin's backstory in Geiger (2024) #25
The issue then transitions back to where issue #24 ended. We finally see Geiger and Griffin face off! This is an excellent fight! I was right about Griffin being an opposite to Geiger! Griffin creates radiation! This is a cool concept for his character! Moreover, we finally get to see underneath his bandages and I love his design! Griffin, as an antagonist, functions much better as a counterpart to Geiger than Ash Arden does and this issue confirms it for me! This fight is the most we have seen Geiger struggle since their fight against Arden in Lewistown. I liked that Geiger used what Arden taught him to almost entirely deplete Griffin of his nuclear powers! A solid way to end the fight, and to show how far Geiger has come since traveling across America!
President Griffin with his bandages off in Geiger (2024) #25
In between the Geiger/Griffin fight, we see what Nate, ZigZag, Dr. Molotov, and Joe are up to. The army of Junkyard Joes under the control of the Custodian continue their onslaught of our heroes, as we see General Blackwood and the Custodian argue with each other. The cut to this conflict, didn't takeaway from Geiger's fight. The Custodian uses his universal shutdown to stop Joe and the other Joes in their tracks. There isn't much for me to discuss with this portion of the issue, but it does weave itself back into the conflict between Geiger and Griffin, so I felt it necessary to discuss.
We then see the culmination of the fight between these two as Geiger absorbs the majority of Griffin's radiation leaving him severely weakened. This is a nice nod to the continuity with his training with Ash Arden! We then get a major death with Dr. Molotov stepping in front of a bullet to protect Geiger. While this is meant to be a heartwarming act, I felt as though this death was surprising for the sake of being surprising. Tariq even says as much after Molotov collapses haha. I guess this will streamline the cast a little bit, as the conversations between Nate and Molotov were repetitive. I think there was still more development for their relationship, but it's over now. I will say, that I did enjoy Molotov's final speech. Johns gave Molotov the perfect amount of time and grace in his final moments.
The conflict ends with everyone leaving. We get further insight into why president Griffin covets Geiger so much. Which I thought was nice. But the highlight of this issue for me, was getting a look at our next unnamed hero in the form of Widow X! Like Rick in issue #6 of Geiger (2021), and the old man in Ghost Machine #1, Widow X muses about the hidden nature of the Unnamed. I always enjoy when this mechanism is used in these stories, so I am glad that this was used by her as means of formally introducing us to her! I love her simple and elegant her design is! Something about her vibe screams British assassin, especially with what's going on in the background of her appearance!
Widow X's first appearance at the end of Geiger (2024) #25
Some Takeaways Moving Forward
We get part of President Griffin's backstory
President Griffin's powers are the exact opposite of Geiger's in that he generates radiation
We get insight into President Griffin's plans for Geiger
According to President Griffin, every US president inherits a drawer of national folklore that includes information about: Area 51, Montauk, The Committee of Spectral Affairs
Geiger uses the active radiation absorption technique taught to him by Ash Arden to take away most of President Griffin's powers
Dr. Molotov dies jumping in front of a bullet meant for Geiger shot by the Custodian
Widow X makes her first official appearance into the world of The Unnamed
According to Widow X, she died and came back to life
Widow X has knowledge about the Unnamed
Redcoat has finally located Geiger
My Speculation on What's to Come from Geiger (2024)
With the end of this issue, its clear that the next time we see Geiger will be in Radioactive Revolution. From the way this one-shot is being built up, it looks like we will be getting a Snyder-esque brawl between Geiger and Redcoat, before the two heroes realize that there is a greater evil in the Organ Grinder and his minions. The pair will vanquish this threat, and we will come to stand each other presence enough to not resume killing one another. Since we know that Geiger's current goal is figuring out the mystery of the Time Tank and the Department of Historical Preservation, I am more than sure that Simon will have knowledge about the later party.
The reason I think this is because of the Northerner mentioning how he met Simon for the first time in 1914 in issue #12 of Redcoat. While we have yet to see what happens in that initial run-in, I would imagine that the (at the time) novice Northerner spilled details about the department and his mission to a Simon that is probably still jaded and angry with life, after the death of his family in 1909. I'd wager that once Geiger and Simon stop fighting, the two men will exchange stories about their past, and mention their connection to the Northerner, thus continuing Geiger's hunt and adding Redcoat to this band of heroes.
Conclusion
Geiger (2024) #25 was an excellent issue that rewarded the readers who have stuck with this series and the Unnamed line. I cannot recommend this issue enough to those of you who have not gotten the issue at this point. This is an all time issue that not only raises the stakes in ways that service the story. Thank you for taking the time to read my post! My apologies for taking so long to get my thoughts out! I will be back on r/GhostMachineComics to give my thoughts on Hyde Street #13. I will I have some thoughts about Widow X, if any of you guys are interested in a post about her, please let me know! I would love to hear your thoughts on this issue, and all things Ghost Machine!
