Review by Ian Keogh

Tariq Geiger is in effect a walking atomic bomb. His body generates radioactive energy, and unless it’s dispelled it’ll kill him, yet dispelling it can be fatal for others. There had been a point where the process could be controlled by a system using rods, but it seems that’s no longer possible and he’s searching for a person who might be able to reverse his state.

Much of Volume Three was interlude and flashback, but here we’re back on track with the main story and Gary Frank returning as full time artist. As good as Paul Pelletier was, Frank is another level, a great visual storyteller able to show what’s happening without words, and Geoff Johns trusting him to do it.

We’re not long into this volume before it’s pointed out that Geiger isn’t a very nice man. Despite having followed him through three previous volumes and made allowances for his terrible circumstances, it’s an accusation that rings true. There’s no doubting Nate wants the best for Geiger, but he’s treated like crap, and when Geiger’s implanted with a device regulating his emissions he’s no more grateful. This isn’t just Geiger’s story, though. We’re introduced to Ashley Arden, also radioactively inflicted, yet with greater control than Geiger, and there’s the return of someone surprising, although they’re not among the several people hunting Geiger who now catch up.

Johns has always been a strong plotter, able to take his stories along a different path from the one the audience expects, and there are several Sliding Doors moments straining against convention. One clever example is the consideration of what could possibly make the circumstances of the world Geiger inhabits even worse. That possibility is activated.

Geiger has already collected quite the crew around him, and the band increase with the addition of robot Junkyard Joe. If there’s a character who exemplifies what Johns is achieving here, it’s Joe. Being silent, the only way of knowing his feelings is seeing how he acts, and the combination of Johns and Frank are subtle, but convey an attitude and generate sympathy.

This volume serves up a satisfying story while also expanding Geiger’s world. It’s character-rich and very satisfying while continuing to pull more people into place for what’s to come. Perhaps in Volume Five.