Space Ghost Annual 2025 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST ANNUAL 2025, June 2025

Weighing in with a fairly hefty twenty-eight pages, David Pepose’s narrative for this “very first Space Ghost Annual” may well have proved rather bamboozling for any readers hoping to just jump on on board the title for their first ride. For whilst the comic’s plot is absolutely packed full of dynamic action sequences and the odd emotional moment, it's far from being an accessible standalone story, and instead just carries straight on “after the thrilling events of Issue Twelve’s second-story-arc finale” with absolutely no exposition whatsoever; “Ever since the dawn of time, chaos and corruption have infected this universe…”

Indeed, even for those long-time fans of this ongoing series the revelation that Robo Corp’s nefarious leader Doctor Xander Ibal has somehow been completely “consumed by the infinite singularity of Ultima” may well come as something of a shock considering that the unscrupulous scientist has only just activated the artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the sheer speed in which the evil computer takes over the minds of almost all of the galaxy’s inhabitants repeatedly begs the question as to how it’s doing such a thing, as well as why it needs a little monkey known as the Binary Language Integrated Prototype to do so..?

Disappointingly, this book also seemingly suffers from some unconvincing developments such as Jace deciding he needs to undertake a lengthy spacecraft chase outside Robo Corp Tower so as to distract Ultima. Bearing in mind the Collective is already capable of simultaneously seeing through billions of different eyes and controls multiple satellites, why would it decide to focus so much of its attention upon a smart-mouthed boy who is clearly distracting it as part of a much wider ruse..?

By far this annual’s biggest asset therefore lies with the pencilling of Jonathan Lau and Andrew Dalhouse’s colours. The artistic duo do a great job in depicting a decidedly disconcerting view of a galaxy where every inhabitant serves a single unified purpose, and this then really helps emphasise the terror experienced by the few citizens who have a natural resistance to Ultima’s mind-controlling power. In addition, this publication’s visuals definitely don’t lack for plenty of zip, whether it be Jan running to reprogramme the Collective at its central core, or Space Ghost blasting into orbit in a desperate attempt to free his brain of the Collective's zombifying signal.

The regular cover art of "SPACE GHOST" ANNUAL 2025 by Francesco Mattina

Space Ghost #12 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST No. 12, April 2025

Considering that at the start of this twenty-two page periodical both “Ghost Planet lies in ruins” and “Space Ghost clings to life”, many a bibliophile were probably excitedly wondering just how David Pepose’s subsequent plot would show the titular character still saving the day. Indeed, with Moltar’s seismic resonator threatening to blow the entire place apart in less than an hour, and Dax literally bleeding out from a grisly wound to his side, it’s debatable whether things have ever looked quite so bleak for Hanna-Barbera Productions’ costumed cartoon super-hero; “This is bad, Jan… What’re we gonna do?! Space Ghost is down, the bad guys already stole Blip…”

Unfortunately, having created such a dramatically tense dilemma for the central protagonist to overcome, the American author arguably then simply decides to rely upon a series of unconvincing contrivances to ensure that the day is well and truly saved. Foremost of these has to be the notion that Alex Toth’s co-creation can just shrug off all of his numerous injuries at the hands of the savage Council of Doom by having one of his sidekicks partially-roast him alive using the flame-thrower on his Power Band. This solution is understandably incredibly painful. But afterwards seems to result in the brutalized cosmic vigilante being perfectly able to withstand “nearly the level of a nuclear bomb” single-handedly.

In addition, the Ringo Award-nominee would have his audience believe that Doctor Kander Ibal’s band of murderous renegades would throw away their victory just because Metallus destroyed some “magnificently coloured flames” conjured up by Jace, much to the great anger of Moltar. This internal squabble-turned-dissolution of Brak's fellow team-mates appears extremely petty, and whilst it does perhaps show just how obsessed with fire “one of the main antagonists of the Space Ghost franchise” has become. It doesn’t debatably ring all that true for a reason as to why the murderous band of villains would unceremoniously splinter apart just as they are on the cusp of a resounding, planet-wide victory.

Far more compelling than this publication’s penmanship is its layouts, with Jonathan Lau arguably providing all of this comic’s considerably-sized cast with plenty of spotlight. In fact, even poor little Blip, bound and gagged with Widow Web’s vines, is given a moment or two at Robo Corp Tower, even if any explanation as to just how the little monkey's cybernetically-enhanced brain powers the decidedly deadly Project Ultima isn’t terribly forthcoming.

The regular cover art of "SPACE GHOST" #12 by Francesco Mattina

Space Ghost #11 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST No. 11, March 2025

There’s a lot of all too familiar plot points to David Pepose’s narrative for Issue Eleven of “Space Ghost” which arguably suggest that the American author has disconcertingly run out of fresh ideas for his “Defenders of the Spaceways” before the ongoing title is even a year old. Indeed, considering that this twenty-two page periodical opens with the titular character once again leaving his three demoralised sidekicks behind for fear of them being injured during one of his adventures, some readers probably thought it prudent to check to ensure that this particular tome wasn’t somehow chronologically set in the central protagonists’ past; “Do you remember what he said when he agreed to make us his partners?”

In addition, the former crime reporter simply regurgitates a number of the cosmic vigilante’s most formidable enemies without even bothering to explain to the audience just how the majority of them ever managed to escape custody, or join forces with the ever evil Doctor Xander Ibal. Such evident omissions genuinely make it almost impossible for Pepose’s penmanship to prove even semi-convincing; especially when it concerns the supposedly dead Zorak who shockingly just turns up alive and well on the planet Orkon having viciously slain poor Commander Kovacs.

Similarly as unsettling though has to be the sheer serendipity of Space Ghost’s latest full-blown argument with his proteges, which results in the trio angrily departing their home in a spaceship just as the giant space mantis arrives to kill his arch-nemesis. This rather obvious manufactured moment provides the “award-winning writer of Punisher” with the opportunity to once again recycle one of his seemingly favourite twists, by having the adolescents dash back to their badly-beaten mentor just as he’s about to succumb to the injuries caused by his unrelenting enemies.

Fortunately for those who picked this particular publication up off the spinner rack, Jonathan Lau and Andrew Dalhouse are on top form, with both artists imbuing this rather fast-paced affair with all the pulse-pounding panels its script requires. In fact, it’s debatably a pity that the pair weren’t given the sheet space of a second issue to work with, as so many thoroughly enjoyable clashes between Dax and his ‘Rogues Gallery’ are frustratingly crammed into just a couple of pictures rather than be given the room they deserve – such as when he cleverly uses the Widow’s Web to smash the woman straight into an over-confident Brak.

The regular cover art of "SPACE GHOST" #11 by Francesco Mattina

Space Ghost #10 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST No. 10, February 2025

Seemingly setting up the titular character to have a nail-biting battle against a deeply disturbed, mirror image of himself from the future, David Pepose’s penmanship for Issue Ten of “Space Ghost” arguably demonstrates just why “Dynamite Entertainment” refer to him as an “award-winning scribe” in the solicitation synopsis for this comic. Sure, Dax’s plan to use his dark doppelganger’s intimate knowledge of his crime-fighting tactics against him doesn’t actually work out too well in the end. But this decision just confirms in the reader’s mind that they know precisely who is wearing Space Spectre’s costume – and resultantly will be completely blindsided by the American author’s sense-shattering conclusion.

In addition to so stunning a climax, this twenty-two page periodical also delivers an intriguing insight into the cosmic vigilante’s relationship with Robo Corp, and in particular Doctor Xander Ibal. The goatee-bearded boffin is clearly as cold-hearted as his multi-billion business is rich, and yet the super-hero is shown willingly helping him launch the scientist’s suspiciously named Ultima Satellite rather than let his time-travelling enemy destroy it before it can launch. So dubious a decision genuinely adds some depth to the “Hanna-Barbera Productions” cartoon creation, and helps establish things within this publication’s universe aren’t as black and white as some onlookers might think; “If you don’t want to die of radiation poisoning, you’ll do exactly as I tell you…”

Perhaps this comic’s most notable asset though is surprisingly what the writer’s plot doesn’t say. Just as soon as Space Spectre arrives in his past he mercilessly incinerates Doctor Alan Zorket before the debt-ridden “Merrill Prize-winning Geophysicist and Roboticist” has even begun “creating your legion of Rock Robots.” This murder must surely have already changed the future for the better, so just what cataclysmic event is on the horizon which could cause the deluded, former champion of Justice to still try to destroy an entire city with Lucidium Crystals.?

Also living up to this book’s hype is “superstar artist” Jonathan Lau, whose pencils do a fantastic job of depicting all the adrenalin-fuelled action required by Pepose’s script. Of particular note has to be the way the illustrator makes Space Ghost and his identically costumed opponent appear different in their mannerisms, despite the pair obviously looking very similar to one another. These disparities are especially noticeable during Space Spectre’s attack on Robo Corp Tower where the deranged villain is perfectly willing to relentlessly bash Ibal’s bonce against the computer panel until he gives up the rocket’s schematics.

The regular cover art of "SPACE GHOST" #10 by Francesco Mattina

Space Ghost #9 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST No. 9, January 2025

Stripped of his famously formidable power gauntlets, David Pepose’s opening for Issue Nine of “Space Ghost” seemingly appears to set up a storyline in which Jan, Jace and Blip will “somehow pull victory from the jaws of defeat” rather than their helpless masked mentor. Indeed, stranded alone without any means of attack, this twenty-two page periodical’s plot appears to be on the verge of completely sidelining the titular character as he becomes increasingly hemmed into the shadows by an endless series of ship-wide robot trooper patrols.

Impressively however, the “award-winning author” instead decides to take a different route entirely by focusing upon the actual human being behind the galactic crime-fighter’s mask, and firmly establishing that the Federation will only be saved through the use of brains as opposed to brawn. This insight cleverly builds upon all the pent-up rage and despair Dax experienced when he first encountered the cold-blooded killer of his biological family, and ultimately replaces the super-hero’s blind, almost reckless hate-filled vendetta into a successful, much more well-thought out campaign which focuses upon the love he felt when he was with his wife and daughter, not their actual loss. 

Of course, that doesn’t mean for a moment that the vigilante’s adolescent crew aren’t also penned being up to their necks in deadly danger on the surface of Cetia-7. Metallus’ murderous assault upon the Galactic Federation’s Homeworld still needs stopping, and enjoyably the American writer provides the trio with a convincing set of circumstances in which they can do so. In fact, Jan’s discovery that a huge electromagnet can completely shut down the would-be space conqueror’s robots quite neatly brings the entire quartet back together again for this comic’s satisfying conclusion; “Nice work Blip -- I always knew you were the real brains behind this operation…” 

Equally as important to the success of this book’s storytelling are Jonathan Lau’s adrenalin-fuelled layouts. The “artist extraordinaire” appears particularly prodigious at capturing all the quick-witted, acrobatic antics a reader would expect of two kids and a cybernetically-enhanced monkey as they strive to stay one step ahead of a fatal laser beam. However, the illustrator is also incredibly adept at even making this publication’s quieter moments all the more thrilling, by somehow capturing the emotions resonating from its cast members – such as when an agitated Lieutenant Transor gruffly questions Robo Trooper H-B-7 over “the equivalent of a door hinge in need of tightening.”

The regular cover art of "SPACE GHOST" #9 by Francesco Mattina

Space Ghost #8 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST No. 8, December 2024

For any fans of the “Hanna-Barbera Productions” mid-Sixties “American Saturday-morning superhero animated television series”, David Pepose’s introduction of the mass-murdering Metallus at the start to Issue Eight of “Space Ghost” probably did live up to young Jace’s claim that “this is like every Birthday and Christmas rolled into one.” In fact, the American author manages to cleverly establish an incredibly dark tone to this comic, by initially showing its titular character openly enjoying himself battling a supposedly nameless band of deep-space pirates, only to suddenly discover he is actually facing the former “War Captain of the Galactic Federation” who murdered Dax's entire family on the planet Vector.

This shocking revelation genuinely reverberates throughout the twenty-two page periodical, predominantly by it transforming a slightly overconfident cosmic vigilante into an arguably unthinking, reckless avenger, who just repeatedly hurls himself physically at his arch-nemesis without any plan of action. Such blind anger should really strike home to this book’s audience just how much pain and hurt the costumed crusader still carries for his lost loved ones, as well as making it incredibly clear just how different this ongoing series’ storytelling tone is from the old aforementioned cartoons shown on the CBS network approximately sixty years ago. 

Equally as intriguing as this publication’s plummet into the depth’s of Space Ghost’s rage is its depiction of his adolescent sidekicks - who together also provide a notable lesson in being a tad too self-assured in one’s own abilities. The notion that Robo-Trooper A-X-8’s severed head could still pose a severe threat to the children doesn’t enter the mind of Jace, who even rebukes his sister for suggesting such a thing. However, it soon becomes clear that Metallus is using his damaged droid for his own purposes, and demonstrates that just like Dax, the young wannabe heroes have acquired an unhealthy does of hubris following their recent victories; “Yes -- I’ve been aware of your clumsy intrusions ever since you reactivated my loyal soldier.”

Undoubtedly helping to add even more captivating drama to all these proceedings is penciller Jonathan Lau and colorist Andrew Dalhouse. Together, the creative team genuinely deliver some stand-out moments within this magazine, such as when Space Ghost is startled to hear the Iron General’s machines voicing precisely the same ‘mantra’ as they did when destroying his own planet, and the very evident anguish etched across the central protagonist’s face whenever he sees General Metallus.

Writer: David Pepose, Artist: Jonathan Lau, and Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse

Space Ghost #7 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST No. 7, November 2024

Definitely managing to keep this ongoing series’ storylines refreshingly different, David Pepose’s twenty-two page plot for Issue Seven of “Space Ghost” must surely have thoroughly entertained the comic’s audience back in November 2024 with its heartfelt spotlight upon Blip. True, Jan and Jace's pet primate is admittedly changed into an English-speaking animal for the vast majority of this publication in order to help facilitate its readers understanding him. But such is the American author’s convincing delivery of the Creature King’s nefarious Encephala-Ray, that few onlookers won’t be convinced by the Robo Corp built beam’s temporary transformation; “Don’t worry, old friend -- You’ve taken care of me long enough. Now it’s my turn to take care of you.” 

In addition, this book’s basic narrative of “our human heroes” being imprisoned upon a mysterious planet where its intriguingly eclectic menagerie of beasts rule with an iron paw proves incredibly enthralling; especially once it becomes clear that the titular character’s powerful wrist gauntlets are apparently no longer functioning. Coupled with the disconcerting notion that the cosmic vigilante is rapidly degenerating into some sort of lesser-functioning sub-human, and events really do not look too bright for “Hanna-Barbera Productions” costumed creation.

Furthermore, Blip isn’t simply depicted as being some all-powerful protagonist either. But rather still a somewhat physically frail Capuchin monkey who very much needs the help of a badly-battered Jace, as well as a sizeable slice of luck, to succeed in toppling the tower housing the aforementioned Encephala-Ray. This vulnerability arguably makes the tiny sidekick’s mission all the more exciting, and genuinely suggests the possibility in the mind’s eye that the little fellow could actually fail at any moment.

Lastly, it’s difficult to find any fault with Jonathan Lau’s artwork for this periodical, with “the resident artist at Dynamite Entertainment for more than a decade” appearing to take a page out of Jack “King” Kirby’s notebook when it comes to quickly creating a wealth of varied and colourful extra-terrestrial life-forms. Indeed, the first splash page to feature the so-called Creature King upon his throne, surrounded by multi-eyed monsters and a wooden cage filled with ragged-looking people, instantly establishes that the Space Ghost has landed on a world unlike any other he has so far encountered.

The regular cover art of "SPACE GHOST" #7 by Francesco Mattina

Space Ghost #6 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST No. 6, October 2024

Whilst many within this comic’s audience may well disagree with the New Jersey-based publisher’s claim that its narrative ‘ratchets up the tension’, Issue Six of “Space Ghost” certainly shines a disconcertingly dark spot on the dysfunctionality of the titular character’s relationship with young Jace following “the shattering events” of the ongoing series’ previous instalment. In fact, for the vast majority of this twenty-two page periodical, the hero’s former side-kick spends most of his time simply sat in shadows scribbling down just how miserable he feels inside a handwritten journal; “I should consider myself lucky that he didn't cut us loose after everything that happened. After what I did to Zorak.”

Fortunately for those readers who enjoy a good fist-fight though, David Pepose at least appears to try to keep this book from being too bogged down with the boy’s feelings of worthlessness, by pitting “Hanna-Barbera Productions” creation against the utterly mad Moltar. This fire-obsessed maniac genuinely brings a palpable sense of deadliness to the publication’s proceedings, and actually appears perfectly capable of besting Dax’s costumed alter-ego if the cosmic vigilante isn’t too careful.

The American author also does a first-rate job in penning a reasonably straightforward scheme for his villain-of-the-piece to achieve, courtesy of the fire-proof fanatic’s strangely polite verbal agreement with the evil Doctor Xander Ibal, and this resultantly allows him to spend a good portion transforming the leader of the Magma Men into a much more rounded antagonist than perhaps that seen during the 1966 animated cartoon television show. Furthermore, the massively destructive desperado, who seemingly likes nothing better than to stand in the middle of a large-scale lava eruption, is clearly capable of using his brains as well as brawn, when scientifically “calculating the melting temperatures” of Space Ghost’s force fields. 

Similarly as successful in adding a genuine feeling of heat to this comic are Jonathan Lau’s layouts. The artist appears particularly good at pencilling plenty of convincing lava discharging all over the place, as well as showing how somewhat bulky and cumbersome Moltar is when walking around the likes of Contra Industries in his garishly coloured, somewhat ill-fitting costume. Perhaps the illustrator’s finest moment though comes somewhat quietly towards the end of this book, when he tucks away a truly endearing, emotional embrace between Jace and Dax into a bottom corner panel.

The regular cover art of "SPACE GHOST" #6 by Francesco Mattina

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

Space Ghost #4 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST No. 4, August 2024

Many a reader may well feel that publisher “Dynamite Entertainment” were probably being overly-boastful when they announced that “danger and excitement expand like a supernova” inside this particular twenty-two page periodical. But David Pepose’s storyline for Issue Four of “Space Ghost” absolutely nails it, blending high-octane action with a seriously disconcerting twist that sees poor Jan, Jace and Blip battling for their very lives against their masked mentor’s greatest enemy; “We couldn’t stay behind -- There were hostages on Grax-3. But I swear to you… We didn’t know it was him."

Leading this palpable assault upon the audience’s senses has to the introduction of the mentally-deranged mass-murderer Zorak, whose terrifying penchant for mutilating hapless humans establishes the character as being a million miles away from the goofy-looking animated space mantis voiced by Don Messick during the late Sixties. Indeed, this modern-day incarnation of the Dokarian is enthrallingly ruthless, and completely captures all the attention whenever he makes an appearance – whether that be hacking a fallen prison warden to death with a homemade hand-scythe, or fervently leading his army of fanatical Zorathian warriors to a hollow victory over some defenceless scientists.

Just as good though, is arguably the Guardian of the Spaceways’ fisticuffs with the wonderfully envisaged Titanor. This huge, cyclopean robot makes for a truly menacing foe, who quickly establishes that he won’t be quickly beaten by the hero’s famous all-powerful energy bands. In fact, for once it momentarily looks like Space Ghost’s occasional hubris may well have got the better of the super-powered protagonist, as he is forced to quite literally dig deep so as to overcome the seemingly invincible metallic might of his opponent.

Similarly as successful as Pepose’s prodigious penmanship is also Jonathan Lau’s lavish layouts. Whether it be projecting Zorak’s sheer insanity straight off of the printed page, or showing the total desperation of his perilous predicament in the jawline of an increasingly bruised Dax, the “exclusive illustrator” does a first-class job. Furthermore, due to the downtrodden look sketched into their demeanour, many a reader will doubtless sense the sheer terror emanating from Jan and Jace as the two children inadvertently fall straight into the Harbinger of Slaughter’s death-dealing claws.

The regular cover art of "SPACE GHOST" #4 by Francesco Mattina

Space Ghost #3 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST No. 3, July 2024

Filled full of family feuding, near-fatal feminine wiles, and a bucket load of diabolical double-dealing, David Pepose’s storyline for Issue Three of “Space Ghost” should have ticked plenty of boxes with its audience upon the comic’s release in July 2024. Indeed, besides the titular character making a somewhat dubious decision to listen to his two understandably naïve sidekicks rather than trust in his own experience as a veteran crime-fighter, there isn’t much wrong with the award-winning writer’s twenty-two page plot at all; “Ten million credits has a way of illuminating one’s priorities, young lady.”

Foremost of these successes is arguably the well-fleshed out villain-of-the-piece, the seductive Widow, who completely captures the audience’s attention with her super-slick deadliness whenever the immoral madame appears. Able to mentally control the killer tentacles of numerous Venusian Spider Plants, as well as “manipulate any [other] botany in the vicinity”, the inter-galactic criminal conveys a persistent, genuinely palpable sense of peril for anyone foolish enough to stand in her way – and that includes both the titular character, as well as his masked entourage.

Likewise, the comic contains some truly gratifying emotional moments, where the likes of Dax, Jan and Jace all take a good look inside themselves to establish just what is the most important thing in their lives. This reflection upon what motivates them is especially important for Space Ghost's young female ward, who so impresses the treacherous Widow with her level-headedness that she is offered “a life of untold power” if the girl agrees to leave her blindsided mentor behind, and betray him to Robo-Corp.

Quite definitely also adding to this book’s beguiling storytelling is artist Jonathan Lau, who quite brilliantly gets the tome off to a pulse-pounding pace by pencilling a wonderfully-dynamic gun-fight between the main protagonists and a horde of blaster-toting Lizard Slavers. In many ways it’s actually a pity that this laser-fest doesn’t carry on for a bit longer. But the sheer ‘noise’ this ferocious fracas creates in the Mind’s Eye then contrasts really well with the need for stealth and absolute silence later on, when the heroes need to quietly infiltrate Robo-Corp’s Central Mainframe via a network of access corridors.

The regular cover art of "SPACE GHOST" #3 by Francesco Mattina

Space Ghost #2 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST No. 2, June 2024

It’s probably a safe bet that many a reader of David Pepose’s twenty-two page plot for Issue Two of “Space Ghost” wasn’t expecting the American author to take them on a genuinely emotional journey back to when the “Hanna-Barbera Productions” animated super-hero was just plain old family-doting father Dax. However, not only does the former crime reporter impressively do just that, he also manages to pen an enjoyably pulse-pounding central storyline which sees the mysterious titular character recruit recent orphans Jan and Jace as his unlikely sidekicks; “If we do this, you follow my lead -- There’s no room for recklessness.”

Admittedly, some critics might point out that all this publication’s harrowing loss of immediate family members does somewhat smack of Bob Kane’s origin for Batman and Robin - especially when it results in the cowl-clad protagonist asking his new found adolescent helpers to don their own colourful costumes and face masks. But whereas the Dark Knight’s grounded backstory is inescapably entwined with the seedy streets of downtown Gotham City, this ‘fresh take’ on the intergalactic crime fighter heavily leans into all things science fiction, including a seemingly unstoppable energy creature.

In addition, this comic intriguingly shows Jan and Jace rescuing Space Ghost from both a gruesome death and his own inner demons, as opposed to the all-powerful vigilante saving them. This delightful nod to the children’s talents neatly highlights that the kids’ relationship with their mentor won’t be boringly one-sided, and that they’ll actually be bringing certain specialisms of their own to the partnership. Furthermore, Pepose even somehow manages to give the cybernetically-enhanced monkey Blip a moment in the spotlight, by having the pet “organ grinder” masterfully fire a pair of particle cannons at an increasingly formidable opponent. 

Just as successful as this book’s sense-shattering script is Jonathan Lau’s artwork and Andrew Dalhouse’s colours. Together the pair of creatives do a masterful job in depicting poor Dax with all the haunting gravity a bibliophile might expect of a man who instantly loses his beloved family and wife during a devastatingly evil attack upon their planet. The “exclusive penciller at Dynamite Entertainment" is also exceptional when it comes to showing just how much fun the younger cast are having during their adventure, even when the pressure on them to succeed is dangerously high.

The regular cover art of "SPACE GHOST" #2 by Francesco Mattina

Space Ghost #1 - Dynamite Entertainment

SPACE GHOST No. 1, May 2024

Announced by “Dynamite Entertainment” in December 2023, this opening issue to an “action-packed series” penned by David Pepose clearly built up a solid fanbase when it was first published some sixteen weeks later - becoming the thirteenth best-selling title of the month according to “ICv2.com”. True, the “award-winning writer” doesn’t spend much time at all explaining just why poor space colony Omicron has become the target of mass-murdering space pirates. But that’s just part of this twenty-two page periodical’s initial hook, as its largely bewildered audience are only fed the odd scrap of information whilst the adrenalin-fuelled action continues to ramp itself up.

Furthermore, the entire story is arguably told from the somewhat naïve viewpoint of adolescents Jan and Jace Keplar. This wholly innocent perspective genuinely adds some extra “KATHOOOM” to proceedings, as every threat, curse and weapon discharge appears even more calamitous through their eyes. Indeed, due to the pair of children witnessing the horrific demise of their hapless father shortly after this comic starts, the entire publication appears to take both the young antagonists, as well as the utterly enthralled audience, on a serious rollercoaster ride packed full of dramatic physical exertions and excruciating emotional trauma.

In addition, to make matters even more intriguing, the “former crime reporter” seems to keep the titular character well in the shadows for a significant portion of his book. This actually does generate some enjoyable doubt within the mind of the reader that perhaps this particular incarnation of “Hanna-Barbera Productions” creation might be a little darker than that seen on the small screen during his animated cartoon series in the Sixties. It also quite nicely helps sell the suggestion that the two kids don't even know just who their would-be rescuer is – making their headlong flight from the caped super-hero straight into the hands of some corrupt Galactic Patrolmen even more believable.

Lastly, the pulse-pounding pencils of Jonathan Lau are well worth mentioning, seeing as his layouts do a truly stellar job in depicting all the chaos and fear filling the children’s previously perfect world. In particular, the “superstar artist” clearly knows how to sketch someone throwing a formidably-strong punch straight into an opponent’s side or a corrupt cop getting roasted alive by a spaceship's engine blast; “Not after you spend the next six months in traction!”

The regular cover art of "SPACE GHOST" #1 by Francesco Mattina