SPACE GHOST #1, by Dynamite Comics on 5/1/24, begins a tale of spacefaring adventure when Jan and Jace’s colony is attacked by mercenaries, followed by the arrival of a mysterious stranger wearing a cape and cowl.
The Details
- Written by: David Pepose
- Art by: Jonathan Lau
- Colors by: Andrew Dalhouse
- Letters by: Taylor Esposito
- Cover art by: Francesco Mattina (cover A)
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: May 1, 2024
What Is SPACE GHOST #1 About?
Zooming across the outer reaches of the galaxy, Dynamite and David Pepose bring readers the next adaptation of famous Hannah Barbera characters in Space Ghost #1. Fans of the spacefaring superhero will be pleased with the reverence paid to the source material, but readers unfamiliar with Space Ghost’s history will have no trouble jumping on board.
Pepose’s script centers on Jan and Jace as the children of Dr. Jarrod Keplar, on the run after their father’s research lab is attacked by mercenaries hunting for something special. Their father warns them to take special care of his monkey, Blip, because the lively pet’s brain contains the prototype code for a gigantic leap forward in Artificial Intelligence.
Soon, the colony is almost completely wiped out, and Dr. Keplar is killed. The mercenaries waste no time ransacking Keplar’s computers looking for the advanced A.I., but Keplar had the presence of mind to wipe all files before he died. The mercenaries, however, know about the prototype and begin ransacking the surroundings to find Blip.
When the mercenaries zero in on Jan and Jace’s hiding spot, a blast of energy knocks one of the hunter’s down. Another is frozen in place, and a third is punched out. A mysterious figure wearing a cape and cowl emerges from the shadows.
Seizing the moment, Jan and Jace dash to escape who they assume is a new enemy. They activate security doors, defense drones, and any electronic devices within reach to escape the masked man following them. After diving through a secured blast door, Jan and Jace run into two new characters.
Jan and Jace assume from their uniforms that the newcomers are from the Galactic Patrol and have arrived in response to their father’s distress call. Jace naively explains why they’re running, who they’re running from, and the importance of the monkey they’re protecting. Too late, Jan and Jace realize they’ve made a mistake when the two Galactic Patrolmen take off their helmets and are revealed to be Captains Brak and Sisto, agents of Robo Corp.
Before the Captains can vaporize Jan and Jace, the Space Ghost arrives for round two.
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What did we like about SPACE GHOST #1?
This is the type of adaptation we’ve been waiting for since Dynamite announced they acquired the licensing rights from Warner Brothers. Similar to Image & Skybound’s work with the Transformers license, this version of Space Ghost feels familiar and remains relatively faithful to the source material, but the tone is more mature. Pepose delivers a knockout punch of an action-packed, exciting space thriller.
What didn’t we like about SPACE GHOST #1?
Incorporating Blip into the story as an important plot device gives the rambunctious scamp something more substantial to do, but it’s a perplexing creative choice. Why take a super-advanced piece of technology and put it in an unpredictable monkey?
How’s the Art?
Fantastic. Jonathan Lau is one of our favorite Dynamite artists, and this issue demonstrates why. Every panel sings with energy, drama, and large-scale excitement.
Final Thoughts
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SPACE GHOST #1 is an impressive first issue showcasing a familiar reverence to Space Ghost’s origins while updating the story with an elevated atmosphere of excitement, drama, and adventure. Longtime Space Ghost fans have a lot to like in this issue, and new readers will have no trouble jumping on.
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