Ghost Machine’s “Unbelievables” Crossover: A New Era for Shared Comic Universes
Geoff Johns’ Ghost Machine imprint at Image Comics is poised to launch its first major crossover event, “Who Are The Unbelievables?”, in May 2026. This event marks a significant shift for the publisher, moving away from the previously established “Unnamed” universe and focusing on the interconnected stories within the “Family Odysseys” line – soon to be rebranded as “The Unbelievables.”
From Family Odysseys to The Unbelievables: A Universe Takes Shape
The transition from “Family Odysseys” to “The Unbelievables” isn’t merely a name change. It signifies a deliberate effort to build a cohesive shared universe. Previously, titles like Geiger, Junkyard Joe, and Redcoat operated within the “Unnamed” universe, but the new crossover will center on the more contemporary adventures of series like The Rocketfellers and Hornsby & Halo. This shift acknowledges the differing timelines of these stories, streamlining the narrative approach.
Introducing The Trillion Dollar Kid: A New Anchor Character
Central to this new universe is a new character, “The Trillion Dollar Kid.” This 13-year-ancient trillionaire serves as the focal point for discovering and cataloging extraordinary individuals – the “Unbelievables” – who exist hidden within the world. Geoff Johns describes him as a researcher seeking out beings like the Rocketfellers, Halo & Hornsby, and other yet-to-be-revealed entities. The crossover will explore the reasons behind his search and the looming threat that endangers these individuals.
Crossover Details and Release Schedule
The “Who Are The Unbelievables?” crossover will unfold across multiple titles, beginning with two prologue issues in May 2026: Hornsby & Halo #0 (by Peter J. Tomasi and Peter Snejbjerg) and The Rocketfellers #0 (by Tomasi and Francis Manapul). These issues will serve as entry points for new readers. The four-part crossover will then launch in The Trillion Dollar Kid, co-written by Geoff Johns and Peter J. Tomasi, with art by Stefano Simeone. The story will continue in Hornsby & Halo #14, The Rocketfellers #13, and conclude in The Trillion Dollar Kid #2. A guidebook, Ghost Machine: The Official Guidebook #3, will be released in the summer to detail the characters within this expanding universe.
A Growing Roster of Characters
Beyond the core teams, the “Unbelievables” universe is already hinting at a diverse cast of characters, including the Deadtones, Jean Genies, Unbelievaboy, the Curious Creatures of Dr. Moreau, the Invaders Y’all, Holiday Heights, and the Mad Ghost (previously the namesake of the Ghost Machine imprint). This suggests a rich and varied world ripe for exploration.
The Trend Towards Creator-Owned Imprints and Shared Universes
Ghost Machine’s approach reflects a broader trend in the comic book industry: the rise of creator-owned imprints. This model, championed by publishers like Image Comics, allows writers and artists greater control over their creations and fosters a more diverse range of storytelling. The emphasis on building a shared universe, while not new to comics, is being approached with a fresh perspective.
The Appeal of Interconnected Narratives
Shared universes, like those popularized by Marvel and DC, offer several advantages. They allow for complex storylines, character crossovers, and a sense of ongoing continuity that can deeply engage readers. However, maintaining consistency and accessibility can be challenging. Ghost Machine’s strategy of focusing on a smaller, more curated set of titles may offer a more manageable approach to universe-building.
The Impact of Digital Distribution and Direct-to-Fan Models
The growth of digital comics and direct-to-fan platforms has also influenced this trend. Creators can now connect directly with their audience, bypassing traditional distribution channels and building dedicated communities around their work. This allows for greater experimentation and a willingness to grab risks on new concepts.
FAQ
Q: When does the “Who Are The Unbelievables?” crossover begin?
A: The prologue issues launch in May 2026.
Q: Which titles are involved in the crossover?
A: Hornsby & Halo, The Rocketfellers, and The Trillion Dollar Kid.
Q: Will these comics be available in France?
A: The Rocketfellers has been announced for release in France by Urban Comics, but there is no current announcement for Hornsby & Halo.
Q: What is the role of “The Trillion Dollar Kid” in this universe?
A: He serves as the central figure discovering and cataloging the “Unbelievables.”
Did you know? The Ghost Machine imprint was previously known as “Mad Ghost.”
Pro Tip: Following the creators involved – Geoff Johns, Peter J. Tomasi, and others – on social media is a great way to stay updated on the latest news and developments regarding the “Unbelievables” universe.
Interested in learning more about the evolving landscape of comic book publishing? Explore our other articles on creator-owned imprints and the future of the industry. Share your thoughts on the “Unbelievables” crossover in the comments below!
