Space Ghost is something of an oddity among superheroes. Originally created for Hanna-Barbera and designed by the legendary Alex Toth, the character has never had a huge presence in the world of comics. While he has seen a few specials and miniseries since his creation in 1966, he has never had a monthly comic. Dynamite Entertainment has addressed this, publishing a new series that reintroduces the Phantom of the Spaceways.
Set in the distant future, Space Ghost #1 reveals a reality where humanity has reached the stars. More, they have joined with other space-traveling people in a great Galactic Federation. However, despite the scientific and social advancements made by many worlds working together, things are far from utopian.
While the planets in Federation Space are generally safe, the territory between star systems is a lawless frontier. Bandits, pirates, and villains of all kinds roam the cosmos and raid remote colonies for any resources then can. Here, the only law and order is delivered by a vigilante known as the Space Ghost.
Space Ghost is Batman Mixed With Lone Ranger
Writer David Pepose presents Space Ghost as a true mystery man. The first issue suggests several origins for the masked hero, ranging from rogue cop to actual specter. However, this ambiguity only serves to make the Phantom of the Spaceways more frightening than the pirates he faces.
In this, he invites comparison to Batman, particularly as he uses his invisibility powers to strike at enemies unseen. Yet it is also reminiscent of another classic masked mystery man – Lee Falk’s The Phantom, The Ghost Who Walks. The idea that he is a former lawman turned vigilante also seems inspired by The Lone Ranger.
Apart from these influences, Pepose also draws upon the lore of the original Space Ghost cartoons, such as it was. This first issue introduces the hero’s young wards, the orphans Jan and Jace, and Blip the Monkey. However, Pepose also takes care to develop Jan and Jace beyond the stock “boy sidekick” and “girl sidekick” roles they played in the cartoons.
Space Ghost #1 reveals Jace as a brilliant young engineer and hacker. By contrast, his sister, Jan, is a gifted target shooter. It is also hinted that there is more to Blip than meets the eye, due to his status as a lab animal and the centerpiece of some lucrative project.
The Artwork of Space Ghost
This world building is perfectly visualized by superstar artist Jonathan Lau. A resident artist at Dynamite for over a decade, Lau has an extensive background in science fiction comics. He previously worked on both the Warlord of Mars and Battlestar Galactic franchises. This gave Lau the ideal skillset to create a more realistic take on the Space Ghost characters, as he has experience with designing both advanced technology and exotic aliens.
Lau’s aesthetic is different than that of Alex Toth, being detail-driven rather than streamlined. However, this proves a perfect match for the complexity of Pepose’s scripting. The heroes and villains are all recognizable as the classic characters from the original cartoon, albeit more realistically rendered. This is particularly true of Lau’s design for Brak, who looks truly fearsome.
Space Ghost #1 is a retro reimagining done right. The classic story and characters are unchanged, beyond being given a little more definition. This is true of both the writing and the artwork, both of which are fantastic. This book is a perfect blend of superheroes and science-fiction, sure to please fans of both genres.
Grade: 5/5
Space Ghost #1 releases on-line and in comic shops everywhere on May 1, 2024.
