Space Ghost #5 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST No. 5, September 2024

It’s probably fair to say that David Pepose’s storyline for Issue Five of “Space Ghost” may well appear a little rushed for a twenty-two page conclusion to a much-hyped “impossible battle”. Indeed, despite the comic’s intoxicating pace and adrenalin-fuelled action sequences, some readers may well feel that the titular character defeats both Zorak and the alien’s fanatical Cult of Lokar a little too easily for their liking; “I know you’re scared, son -- But you saved us all. If you hadn’t stepped in, I’d be dead…”

These doubts as to just how convincingly this comic’s plot plays out arguably begins almost from the start too, when Hanna-Barbera Productions’ cartoon creation quickly kneels in supplication before his arch-nemesis, and fully co-operates with the multi-limbed lunatic’s plan to open the universe up to the feeding frenzy of a gigantic extra-dimensional locust deity. Now admittedly, at the time the Dokarian is about to horribly kill Jan and Jace in a vacuum chamber if his orders aren't obeyed. But Dax’s submission is so startlingly swift, that he appears to instantly give up the fight without any thought as to the fact he’s surrendering the lives of the entire galaxy for the sake of just two people.

Similarly as sudden and unpersuasive though is debatably young Jace’s decision to quit being a sidekick because he zaps Zorak just before the maniac can fatally stab Space Ghost in the back with a blade. It’s clear this moment has a dramatic impact upon the ordinarily happy-go-lucky boy, and in many ways is really well-penned by this book’s author. However, it’s certainly not the first time the lad has blazed away at his opponents with a laser gun, including the escaped convicts who recently beat him semi-senseless, so just why this particular death affects him so very badly is a bit unclear – and resultantly seems somewhat forced for theatrical effect.

By far this publication’s best element therefore is Jonathan Lau’s phenomenal pencilling, which does a fantastic job in showing just how desperate the situation becomes once the central protagonist unwisely chooses to aid his long-time opponent. Furthermore, the artist does a great job in showing just how physically undersized and underpowered the children actually are when it comes to tussling with their much larger, adult captors.

The regular cover art of "SPACE GHOST" #5 by Francesco Mattina