In Ghost Machine, the special 64-page issue, readers get to experience more adventures of the irascible, mercenary rogue, Simon Pure, also known as Redcoat. Originally introduced in Geiger’s 80-page Giant #1, Redcoat immediately grabbed reader interest. Writer Geoff Johns and artist Bryan Hitch put developing his story on the proverbial front burner, debuting a comic carrying his character’s name in April 2024.
New Insight on Redcoat
Though Johns has discussed the character in many interviews, Redcoat’s storyline seeped out in tidbits in various issues of Geiger.
Finally, with the special issue of Ghost Machine, readers nab a new Simon Pure story to get them through until Redcoat #1 debuts on April 3, 2024.
Although Simon’s life and times appear only here and there in giant and special issues to now, and in some Geiger moments, readers have learned a lot about the immortal Brit. Since he became immortal in 1776, Redcoat has confronted and confounded an extensive list of historical figures, including:
- Albert Einstein
• Annie Oakley
• Benedict Arnold
• The Northerner.
If you don’t recognize the last one on the list, The Northerner appears for the first time in Junkyard Joe #6, a fellow immortal and potential enemy or friend, although Simon doesn’t make friends easily.
Providing a Character Guide for the Upcoming Comic Series
Ghost Machine offers backstory and detailed character synopses that help connoisseurs of The Unnamed Universe follow the upcoming comic series, Redcoat.
Due to the complexity of the storyline Johns created, this veritable cheat sheet of important characters will come in handy in April when readers dive into the Redcoat story in depth.
Each of the historical characters with which Redcoat tangled through the years appears in the special issue of Ghost Machine. Readers will see them drawn as they appeared when Simon met them and learn from the characters what their experience with Pure entailed.
What Else Does Ghost Machine Contain?
Besides Simon Pure’s backstory, the massive comic book offers a horror tale, a few pieces of science fiction, and a comedy.
Johns and his multitude of collaborators added a bit of levity to this issue, exploring the amusing notions of coming of age as an angel and a demon, whose families traded them at birth in Hornsby & Halo.
In Hyde Street, the writer explores a supernatural street where all things paranormal occur. In the tale of the Rocketfellers, a family travels through time to survive, providing a science fiction version of Swiss Family Robinson. A new story about Geiger rounds out the collection of comic tales.