Sarah O'Donell
Meet Space Ghost, a superhero that stands out from the crowd. Born from the creative minds at Hanna-Barbera and brought to life by the legendary Alex Toth, Space Ghost has always been a bit of an enigma in the comic book world. Despite his creation in 1966, he’s never had a consistent presence in the comic book scene, with only a handful of specials and miniseries to his name. But Dynamite Entertainment is changing that, launching a fresh series that brings back the enigmatic Phantom of the Spaceways.
Space Ghost #1 catapults us into a distant future where humanity has not only reached the stars but has also joined a Galactic Federation with other space-faring civilizations. But don’t be fooled, this isn’t a utopia. Despite the scientific and social progress made by these united worlds, there’s still trouble brewing.
The space between star systems is a wild frontier, teeming with bandits, pirates, and villains who prey on remote colonies. In this lawless expanse, the only beacon of justice is a vigilante known as the Space Ghost.
Space Ghost: A Blend of Batman and Lone Ranger
David Pepose, the writer, introduces Space Ghost as a figure shrouded in mystery. The first issue teases various origins for our masked hero, from a rogue cop to an actual ghost. This ambiguity only amplifies the fear he instills in the pirates he battles.
Space Ghost’s invisibility powers and his mysterious persona draw parallels with Batman. But he also echoes another classic masked hero – Lee Falk’s The Phantom, The Ghost Who Walks. The suggestion that he might be a former lawman turned vigilante also brings to mind The Lone Ranger.
Pepose doesn’t just rely on these influences. He also taps into the lore of the original Space Ghost cartoons. The first issue introduces the hero’s young wards, the orphans Jan and Jace, and Blip the Monkey. But Pepose goes a step further, fleshing out Jan and Jace beyond their traditional roles in the cartoons.
In Space Ghost #1, Jace is portrayed as a brilliant young engineer and hacker, while his sister, Jan, is a skilled target shooter. There’s also a hint that Blip, the lab animal, might be more than he seems, being the centerpiece of a potentially lucrative project.
The Artistry Behind Space Ghost
Jonathan Lau, a superstar artist who has been with Dynamite for over a decade, brings this world to life with his stunning visuals. With a rich background in science fiction comics, including work on the Warlord of Mars and Battlestar Galactic franchises, Lau’s expertise shines through in his realistic portrayal of the Space Ghost characters and his designs of advanced technology and exotic aliens.
While Lau’s aesthetic differs from Alex Toth’s, focusing more on detail than simplicity, it complements Pepose’s complex scripting perfectly. The characters are instantly recognizable from the original cartoon, but with a more realistic touch. This is particularly evident in Lau’s design for Brak, who looks truly terrifying.
Space Ghost #1 is a masterful reimagining of a classic. The story and characters retain their original charm, but with added depth and definition. Both the writing and the artwork are exceptional, making this book a perfect fusion of superheroes and science-fiction that will delight fans of both genres.
Grade: 5/5
Get ready to dive into the world of Space Ghost. Issue #1 will be available online and in comic shops everywhere on May 1, 2024.
