Ghost Machine is preparing to unlock the secrets of its expanding universe. This April, Image Comics will release Ghost Machine: The Official Guidebook, a five-issue miniseries created by Geoff Johns, Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Ivan Reis, Peter J. Tomasi, Brad Anderson, and more.
The series promises answers to long-running questions. How hot does Geiger burn? Who are the new Wardens facing Rook? What are The Unbelievables? What secrets does the Scorekeeper hide on Hyde Street? The guidebook explores all of it and more.
A Deep Dive Into Four Connected Universes
The guidebook profiles more than 120 characters. It previews major storylines and upcoming events across Ghost Machine’s four interconnected universes.
These include THE UNNAMED and its heroes and villains from across the American timeline in Geiger, Redcoat, and First Ghost. The series also covers Rook: Exodus and its sweeping science-fiction saga. Readers will explore Hyde Street, home to the terrifying Residents of a nightmarish dimension.
The guidebook also dives into THE UNBELIEVABLES. This universe follows extraordinary figures hiding in plain sight, including The Rocketfellers, Hornsby & Halo, and the upcoming The Trillion Dollar Kid, along with many new characters.
Editorial Vision Behind the Series
Ghost Machine Editor-in-Chief Brian Cunningham says the project draws inspiration from classic comic encyclopedias.
“I was always a huge fan of these entertaining encyclopedic comics,” Cunningham said. “Whenever I wanted to know something about a character, I knew where to go.
“I also loved learning about characters I had never seen before, and then wanting to track down those comics with them so I could read those stories. I’m hoping fans will do the same with our Guidebook.”
What Each Issue Will Cover
Each installment focuses on a specific corner of the Ghost Machine universe.
Issues #1 and #2 spotlight The Unnamed Universe, featuring Geiger, Redcoat, Junkyard Joe, and more. Issue #3 explores THE UNBELIEVABLES, including The Rocketfellers, Hornsby & Halo, and several new characters making their first appearance. Issue #4 centers on the sci-fi epic Rook: Exodus and Issue #5 shifts to horror with a deep look at the Residents of Hyde Street.
A Tribute to Classic Comic Handbooks
The series draws inspiration from Who’s Who in the DC Universe and The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe. Like those classics, the guidebook offers detailed profiles and background information for longtime and new fans.
At the same time, it celebrates the tradition of character reference collections that helped define earlier comic eras.
Variant Covers and Collector Appeal
Each issue features three distinct covers.
- Cover A by Gary Frank and Brad Anderson presents a timeless group portrait of each issue’s featured characters.
- Cover B by Bryan Hitch and Brad Anderson pays tribute to The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe.
- Cover C by Ivan Reis, Danny Miki, and Brad Anderson honors Who’s Who in the DC Universe.
Ghost Machine: The Official Guidebook #1 arrives at local comic shops on Wednesday, April 1.
All Ghost Machine titles, including Geiger, Hyde Street, Redcoat, Rook: Exodus, The Rocketfellers, and more, are also available on major digital platforms.
