Ghost Machine Powers Up to Lay Out the Future of Creator-Owned Publishing
An exciting new announcement from New York Comic Con as Image Comics unveiled their new imprint, Ghost Machine, which promises to bring together a stellar lineup of renowned creators such as Jason Fabok, Gary Frank, Bryan Hitch, Geoff Johns, Lamont Magee, Francis Manapul, Brad Meltzer, Peter J. Tomasi, and Maytal Zchut. The new imprint is designed to empower creators by granting them co-ownership of all the characters and universes developed for Ghost Machine.
At the Lunar retailer breakfast during NYCC 2023, the esteemed Ghost Machine team, including Bryan Hitch, Jason Fabok, Peter J. Tomasi, Francis Manapul, Gary Frank, Maytal Zchut, Lamont Magee, Brad Meltzer, and Geoff Johns, shared their enthusiasm for this ambitious project. While one more creator remains shrouded in secrecy due to an ongoing commitment with another publisher, their contribution is eagerly anticipated. A remarkable aspect of Ghost Machine is the exclusivity it offers. All the creators involved will be devoted solely to this imprint
Going beyond superheroes, Ghost Machine aims to introduce new genres, characters, and shared universes that are co-owned by all the creators involved. This innovative approach not only reflects the future of collaboration but also ensures that creatives have meaningful participation in their work.
As the founding creators of Ghost Machine stated, their passion lies in the magic of graphic storytelling and the emotional resonance of compelling characters. But they aspire to be more than just a comic book company; they are the world’s first fully creator-owned and operated media company, driven by a collective desire to create and succeed together.
Eric Stephenson, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer at Image Comics, expressed his excitement about the meticulous planning involved in the projects developed by the Ghost Machine collaborators. He highlighted that this collaboration goes beyond a mere series launch; it is a genuine event. Stephenson praised the way they work together and with Image Comics, emphasizing that their collaboration is a noteworthy development for Image and a must-read comics lineup for anyone seeking fresh and original content.
To kick off the Ghost Machine universe, a two-issue prequel series called GEIGER: GROUND ZERO, created by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, will be released in November and December. This will be followed by Ghost Machine’s first official release in January 2024 with GHOST MACHINE #1, a 64-page special that will introduce four shared universes of characters. These universes include:
- THE UNNAMED: This eclectic universe will unveil a secret group of genre heroes from different eras, featuring characters like GEIGER, JUNKYARD JOE, REDCOAT, and FIRST GHOST. Paramount TV has already begun developing a GEIGER series based on the hit comic by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, with director Justin Simien attached.
- ROOK: EXODUS: Set in the distant future, this sprawling sci-fi epic takes place on a world where humanity has complete control over nature.
- FAMILY ODYSSEYS: Centered around the time-displaced family known as THE ROCKETFELLERS and their friends, this universe promises thrilling adventures.
- HORROR UNIVERSE: A spine-chilling universe co-created and illustrated by a secret superstar artist who is currently under contract.
Following the release of Ghost Machine #1, the titles from Ghost Machine’s universes will start shipping in April 2024 where you can find them at your favorite local comic shop.
Jackie Daytona
A variety geek who enjoys geeking out with friends over video games, comics, or movies/TV shows. An avid wrestling fan since the days of the Attitude Era and N64’s No Mercy, he now spends much of his time reading and collecting comics. All of my puns are intended.