SPACE GHOST #6, by Dynamite Comics on 10/9/24, finds Jace withdrawing from his hero role after using violence to stop Zorak. Can Jan’s little brother find his way out of the darkness?
Credits:
- Writer: David Pepose
- Artist: Jonathan Lau
- Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse
- Letterer: Taylor Esposito
- Cover Artist: Francesco Mattina (cover A)
- Publisher: Dynamite Comics
- Release Date: October 9, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 24
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of SPACE GHOST #6:
First Impressions:
Space Ghost #6 continues to prove this title is one of the best adaptations by Dynamite or any other publisher. Writer David Pepose delivers a healthy dose of action with the modern introduction of another classic Space Ghost villain while crafting a thoughtful character piece about Jace’s struggles with the violence that comes with the job. This issue may not have the big spectacle of the previous arc, but it’s a banger nonetheless.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left Space Ghost, Jan, and Jace in Space Ghost #5, they defeated Zorak and prevented the Cult of Lokar from bringing the all-consuming god into our universe. During the heat of battle, Jace was forced to resort to violence to save his family, but the trauma prompted him to quit being a hero for good.
In Space Ghost #6, we begin with a prologue from six weeks ago. The malevolent Moltar receives an offer from Dr. Xander Ibal to provide a hefty fee to fund Moltar’s experiments if the former can retrieve Lucidium Crystals in Contra Industries facilities. Moltar is all too happy to agree, both for the money and to satisfy his vendetta against Contra.
David Pepose wastes no time using the prologue to set up an introduction to Moltar with an effective dialog scene that sets the foundation for the upcoming conflict. If you have no memory of Moltar, the first few pages give you everything you need with expert efficiency.
The comic comes forward six weeks with a battle in progress between Space Ghost and Jan against Moltar after his latest raid on a Contra facility. During the battle, Moltar creates a diversionary attack on a nearby building to create a window for him to escape with the latest batch of crystals. Meanwhile, we see narration from Jace as he pens his feelings about shooting Zorak during the finale of the last arc. When each new crisis arises, Jace hangs back, believing his actions let everyone down.
Although the two threads aren’t directly connected, Pepose uses Jace’s narration to further the story during the action between Space Ghost and Moltar, which is a smart ploy to make the fight more meaningful. Plus, Jace’s narration gives readers insight into how deeply the fight with Zorak affected him.
Later, Jan tries to cheer Jace up by acting silly. When humor doesn’t work, she gives Jace a special project – outfit the Phantom Cruiser with a new cannon that mimics the diverse capabilities of Space Ghost’s wristbands. Elsewhere, Moltar uses intel from his previous fight with Space Ghost to figure out how to melt through Space Ghost’s force fields.
Jan handles Jace’s trauma by showing him the worst way to get out of a funk is to wallow in it. By creating a constructive distraction, one which he doesn’t immediately accept, Jan creates an avenue for Jace to solve his own problem. This comic has a few moments of impressive maturity.
The issue concludes with a rematch between Space Ghost and Moltar that gets too hot for our hero to handle, Jace finding out the best way out is through, and a moment of tenderness.
Overall, Space Ghost #6 doesn’t have the same big wow moments and spectacle of the previous issues, but that lack is more than made up for with a well-written character piece that shows how tough the hero’s life can be and gives Jace a fair bit of impressive character growth.
Artwork and Presentation:
Fantastic. Jonathan Lau’s artwork can’t be beat, which is why he’s one of the best artists Dynamite has on tap. Lau is a master at using deep, heavy shadows to pump up the drama. Plus, Lau’s figurework and heavy, powerful lines are amazing.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Historical Context:
If you’re new to the Space Ghost mythology, Moltar is a fire-themed villain who first appeared in the Space Ghost cartoon. Moltar debuted in the episode titled “The Ovens of Moltor” on December 31, 1966.
Final Thoughts:
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SPACE GHOST #6 eases back on the big action and spectacle in favor of a surprisingly mature character piece that builds the bond between Space Ghost and Jace. David Pepos’e setup and character-building is on point, and Jonathan Lau’s artwork is stunning.
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