Review by Ian Keogh

Seeing as he’s radioactive, Geiger leads a solitary life, and a character trait established by Geoff Johns in Volume One was a constant search for books he’s not read. It’s the purpose to his wandering around Nevada in a devastated United States. However, he’s now on the radar of several regional powers, but unexpectedly also has a new ally in Nate.

In reality Nate is a narrative convenience allowing for conversations during scenes when Geiger would otherwise be alone, enabling Johns to supply information and update on situations. That’s needed because unlike the previous volume’s continuous series of events, this has connecting threads, but is largely a selection of individual stories as Geiger travels from place to place. Despite the post-apocalyptic background, because society has devolved to simpler, but more dangerous times, this volume has the feel of a Western TV show.

When the spotlight’s not on Geiger it’s on Barney, the two-headed wolf so beautifully drawn by Gary Frank. If you agree with that statement, you’ll be delighted to see Frank deliver Geiger’s first meeting with Barney as an even cuter pup, and then let loose on an entire zoo, although artistic licence is required to believe in the different species alongside each other depicted in a stunning spread. That’s the standout, but Frank’s such a good storyteller with a great sense of how to pace the action, so there’s not a poorly drawn page in the entire collection.

Despite most of this volume being wanderings and setting up the future, Johns ensures there’s investment in Geiger despite his surly personality, and Volume Three continues his wandering with greater purpose.