Giger #24 (Image Comics, 7/29/26): Writer Geoff Johns and Artist Gary Frank drop Geiger into the clutches of Junkyard Joe’s creator and his army of automatons. Junkyard Joe fans finally get to see the mechanical soldier let loose. Verdict: A rousing return for Geiger.
Credits:
- Writer: Geoff Johns
- Artist: Gary Frank
- Colorist: Brad Anderson
- Letterer: Rob Leigh
- Cover Artist: Gary Frank (cover A)
- Publisher: Image Comics
- Release Date: July 29, 2026
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Page Count: 36
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Geiger #24:
First Impressions:
As the cover suggests, this is Junkyard Joe’s big moment, and it delivers… sort of. Joe is not chatty, so there’s a bit of difficulty getting inside his head to understand his motivations and goals. Thankfully, Gary Frank gives readers plenty of eye candy to fill the gap.
Recap:
On his own with his two-headed wolf companion Barney, Geiger encounters the mysterious Northerner, who claims he could potentially use time-travel to prevent the Unknown War. To get answers, they trek to Detroit where Northerner’s handlers—the Department of Historical Preservation—operate. When they enter the DHP office, Geiger finds himself briefly transported to his past to see his family. When he’s yanked back to his present day, the Northerner is sent back to 1864 against his will, and Geiger is suddenly attacked by the Custodian and his army of Junkyard Joe-type robot soldiers…
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
The issue begins with Geiger being captured by the robot army. When he’s confronted by their human leader, Junkyard Joe’s creator, Barney leaps into action and tears the man’s hand off. The leader orders Barney captured and Geiger put in chains.
Meanwhile, Junkyard Joe leads Geiger’s friends on a trail to find Geiger using Joe’s built-in sensors. They eventually reach the spot where Geiger was captured and are promptly ambushed by the robot army. The issue ends with Geiger getting free in the chaos, only to be met by President Griffin.
How is the story in Geiger #24?
If the description seems short, that’s because it is. Plotwise, there’s not a lot of development in this issue. Except for the dialog and bits of action, the plot description above is almost a complete recounting of the entire issue. Still, the issue doesn’t need to feel long to be valuable. Geoff Johns makes every word balloon and action, no matter how small, feel purposeful and thoughtful.
How is the art in Geiger #24?
Gary Frank is the star of the comic. Frank’s eye for realism and cinematic framing is the best around. You could easily imagine you’re watching a streaming show or film with grounded, rich settings, exquisite shadows and lighting, and fantastic levels of detail in the character pencils and inks. Combined with Brad Anderson’s immaculate inks, you’d be happy to pay a little more for the cover price just on the artwork alone.
Characters
Nate the Nuclear Knight carries the emotional weight of the issue. During the long trek into Detroit, his heartfelt talk with Doctor Molotov about the nature of their misdeeds and whether or not he’s a “good person” is the kind of real, relatable dialogue most comic writers only dream of crafting.
Originality & Concept Execution
The execution is strong in that the issue does what it sets out to do – force a confrontation between Junkyard Joe and his creator. However, the strength of the execution is slightly hindered by the fractured plot threads that come together by the end. It’s not a bad issue, but there’s a sense that the plot is simply the next step to get Geiger to the next thing and the next thing and the next thing.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 4/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2
Final Thoughts:
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Geiger #24 gives readers the Junkyard Joe they’ve been waiting for, and the ending promises a showdown that’s 24 issues in the making. Geoff Johns gives readers a light but still enjoyable script, but whatever shortcomings in the writing, they’re more than made up for by the art from Gary Frank and the art team.
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