SPACE GHOST #7, by Dynamite Comics on 11/13/24, goes ape in a Blip-centric issue when Space Ghost and the team crash on a planet ruled by the Creature King.
Credits:
- Writer: David Pepose
- Artist: Jonathan Lau
- Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse
- Letterer: Taylor Esposito
- Cover Artist: Francesco Mattina (cover A)
- Publisher: Dynamite Comics
- Release Date: November 13, 2024
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 24
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of SPACE GHOST #7:
First Impressions:
Writer David Pepose’s latest chapter in the stellar adaptation is long on action but elevates the story with heart when Blip has to save the day for his adoptive family. Space Ghost #7 acts as a showcase to remind the reader that every team member, including a tiny monkey, is valuable.
Plot Analysis:
When last we left the team of spacefaring adventurers in Space Ghost #6, Jace isolated himself from the team after their previous adventure cornered him into using deadly force to save lives. Fearing Space Ghost was disappointed beyond all hope in him, Jace considered leaving the team, but a battle that forced everyone to work together resolved and strengthened the bond between surrogate father and son.
In Space Ghost #7, we begin with Jace waking up in a mental haze. He hears a nearby voice telling him to be calm and not strain himself just yet. Through the haze, Jace sees the voice belongs to Blip, and the monkey explains he could only pull one person from the crash of their Phantom Cruiser after it was attacked and forced to crash on Planet Halcyon.
David Pepose matches the reader’s experience with the appropriate amount of disorientation Jace feels. As we’ll soon see, the haze isn’t solely due to the crash, but the beginning feels off-kilter, with good reason.
Jace struggles to think clearly and put words together. Blip hurriedly explains the Creature King has developed a massive array that projects Encephalo-Rays over the entire area, giving animals the gift of intelligence and speech while humans mentally devolve. The advanced chip in Blip’s brain (revealed in issue #1) adapted to the Encephalo-Ray’s influence. Now, Blip must lead Jace into the heart of the nearby jungle to find the mastermind behind the tower’s construction, Creature King, and save their friends.
Pepose concocts a believable plot to explain how Blip can speak and act with reason when Jace and the others cannot. The setup forces Blip to take the lead in the ensuing adventure, motivated by the deep affection he has for his family.
Elsewhere, Creature King gloats over his recently captured hostages, Space Ghost and Jan, who are the latest victims of his Encephalo-Ray creation. Aided by RoboCorp funding for his experiments, Creature King intends to build an army of intelligent beasts who are slaves to his telepathic control. As a show of his dominance, Creature King orders Space Ghost and Jan, suffering the same diminished mental capacity as Jace, into an arena to fight each other and a monstrous Moon Ape.
The issue ends with a brutal gladiator fight and Blip attacking the problem at its source.
Overall, Space Ghost #7 leans heavily on action for a simplified story. However, simple isn’t a bad thing when the action pairs well with Blip’s heartfelt quest to save his family.
Artwork and Presentation:
Then as now, Jonathan Lau’s artwork is amazing. It’s tough to imagine another artist bringing the same levels of power and dynamic energy to an updated cartoon comic. The story looks fantastic, so there’s not a single thing to criticize about Lau’s delivery.
Art Samples:
The Bigger Picture:
Historical Context:
Creature King, like most of the villains who’ve shown up in this series, is not a new creation. The simpler and less intimidating Creature King first appeared in the Space Ghost episode titled “Creature King” on September 24, 1966.
Final Thoughts:
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SPACE GHOST #7 is an action-packed issue that forces Blip to take the lead in thwarting the villain’s plans. David Pepose’s simple plot makes the most of Blip’s heartfelt adventure, and Jonathan Lau’s artwork is spectacular.
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