I really like Space Ghost. I’ve always been fascinated with the character. Created and designed by Alex Toth and Hanna-Barbera Productions, there was always something mysterious and intriguing about him.
He debuted before my time, but I think I caught him on Space Stars in the 80s. The show had a pretty basic premise–fearless leader dude with fancy wrist gauntlet fighting intergalactic bad guy while accompanied by a couple of kids and a silly monkey, who also got to wear the cool uniforms the kids wore.
The surprising thing was, we never saw an origin. I never knew who exactly these kids were and why they were hanging out with Space Ghost. We kind of knew or assumed they weren’t his kids. They didn’t call him “Dad” or anything. It just didn’t matter that we never knew. The simple stories and cool designs were enough. We did get a pretty cool mini-series comics in the early 2000s that told the back story of Space Ghost, but that was it.
Now we’re getting more of the story.
When I heard there was a Space Ghost comic coming from Dynamite Entertainment, I was both excited and petrified. Space Ghost was always near and dear to my heart. What if they messed it up? I immediately thought about the fact that Dynamite does put care into their books and there is a great team working on it.
David Pepose knows how to dig into the motivation of characters and has often shown he can easily write books with a lot going on. Seeing Jonathan Lau’s name as artist was also reassuring. He’s always been consistent with his art and action sequences. Andrew Dalhouse is a brilliant colorist. (I often cringe at the colors in space/sci-fi comics, they’re gorgeous here). Taylor Esposito always puts care in and takes pride in his lettering. All of this is crucial to executing an excellent comic, and I was feeling good about the book.
How was the first issue?
It was great!
With my love for the character, it always felt that I only ran into people who knew him from Space Ghost Coast to Coast. I’m likely in the minority, but I didn’t love that show. Space Ghost always came across as kind of lame. Pepose gives us what we want and deserve. Or at least he gives me what I want.
Taking a step back, Pepose chose to explore that mysterious origin I mentioned–specifically with who the heck are these kids and monkey? As a child, maybe I could simply accept they were there taking part of the adventures. Now, we need more specifics. We learn more about the kids, Jan and Jace, as well as the monkey, Blip, right away. From the opening pages, we learn there is much more to Blip than just a monkey wearing clothes serving as a comedic relief. This all adds to a more interesting set up.
The clincher for me was when Space Ghost first appears.
Space Ghost makes an entrance like a tank. This is clearly not the light-hearted Hanna-Barbera stories I watched as a kid. The kids’ lives are in danger. There’s no time to goof around. Space Ghost doesn’t hold back in dealing with the present threat. There are hints of an almost brutal nature, but it never feels like it strays too far form the lovable character many are familiar with. Pepose simply nails it. This is exactly what I wanted in a Space Ghost comic.
And it’s only the beginning!
Dynamite Entertainment has another hit on their hands. Space Ghost #1 is fantastic. The killer creative team is a great sign that we can expect a thrilling and exciting ride. I didn’t think it’d be possible to have a really cool ongoing Space Ghost comic. It just didn’t seem likely. Reading the first issue has me more than excited for more. I almost feel like a kid again even though this is definitely at a more mature and structured level than the old cartoons.
Regardless of whether you’re a fan of the classic cartoons, the goofier Coast to Coast, or just don’t know anything about Space Ghost, do yourself a favor and check out the first issue. It’s absolutely accessible to everyone and is fully of fun and exciting pages.
Now say it with me, “Spaaaaaaaaaaaaace Ghost!”
What the Heck is going on?!? 