SPACE GHOST (VOL. 2) #1 – New Comic Review

Space Ghost (Vol. 2) #1, by Dynamite Comics on 8/13/25, opens on the amusement planet Playtopia, where a villain known as the Toymaker has rigged a group of hostages to detonate in a high-stakes game of life and death.

Credits:

• Writer: David Pepose
• Artist: Jonathan Lau
• Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse
• Letterer: Taylor Esposito
• Cover Artist: Francesco Mattina (cover A)
• Publisher: Dynamite Comics
• Release Date: August 13, 2025
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 24
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of SPACE GHOST (VOL. 2) #1:

First Impressions:

This new volume of Space Ghost comes out of the gate with a high-energy plot and a sharp visual style. It immediately establishes a dual narrative, blending a classic, high-stakes superhero adventure with a quieter, more personal story of family and identity.

Plot Analysis:

The issue begins on Playtopia Prime, a bustling planet of attractions, until a villain named the Toymaker hijacks the holo-signal to announce a hostage situation. He has rigged a group of people to go “boom in just one hour’s time”. He offers them one way to escape, which is for someone to commit a “teensy-tiny little murder”. The Toymaker then challenges Space Ghost directly, telling him that the fun never ends when you play with him.

In a parallel narrative, Jan and Jace Keplar are introduced to a man named Dr. Henry Contra. He reveals that he is their grandfather and that he had a complicated relationship with their mother, which led to him being absent from their lives. He founded Contra Industries, dedicated his life to theoretical physics, and his neglect ultimately tore his family apart.

Dr. Contra explains that after the “fall of Space Colony Omicron,” he feared he had lost the only family he had left. Jan and Jace tell him that they were saved from the pirates who attacked by a man who showed them they didn’t have to be afraid anymore. They mention their caretaker, Dax, wasn’t able to join them, with Jan stating that his work takes him all over. It’s revealed that Dax is their guardian and cares for them deeply.

Meanwhile, Space Ghost is engaged in a two-on-one battle with the Toymaker and his “polymorphic murder-drone”. He is attempting to free the hostages, with the help of his sidekick, Blip. The Toymaker tries to distract him, but Space Ghost cuts him off mid-sentence, saying “You talk too much” as the issue ends with a rousing battle.

Story

David Pepose has a clear grasp of the characters and their voices. He uses dramatic language to set the stage, but also gives a more intimate feeling when showing the dynamic between Jan, Jace, and Dr. Contra. The dialogue is sharp and fast-paced, especially during the action sequences. The two storylines, one high-octane and the other a slow reveal, are juggled effectively, creating a mystery that keeps the pages turning. The decision to connect the kids’ guardian, Dax, to Space Ghost is a smart one, giving the hero more personal stakes in the narrative.

Art

The artwork by Jonathan Lau is dynamic and full of energy. The action is rendered with a sense of fluid motion and impact, making every punch and blast feel powerful. Andrew Dalhouse’s colors give the book a classic, vibrant feel that perfectly fits the space adventure genre. The character designs are expressive, and the panel layouts keep the eye moving smoothly through the story. The art is a key strength, making the book visually engaging from start to finish.

Characters

David Pepose expertly handles a moderately-sized cast, giving each character a distinct voice and motivation. Space Ghost is portrayed as a capable and witty hero who gets right to the point. The Toymaker is a classic, theatrical villain, taunting his opponent with flamboyant language and a flair for the dramatic. Jan and Jace are written with a grounded, innocent curiosity, which creates a powerful emotional center for the story. Dr. Contra is a man burdened by regret and trying to reconnect with a family he hasn’t seen in years. He speaks with a sense of sadness, but also with an undercurrent of hope.

Positives

The comic’s greatest strength is its ability to balance a sprawling cosmic conflict with an intimate, personal story. The action on Playtopia Prime is visually spectacular and high-energy, while the quieter moments with Jan, Jace, and their grandfather are emotionally engaging. The story’s pacing is excellent, moving quickly between the two storylines to maintain momentum and build suspense. The dialogue is snappy and often humorous, particularly during the battle between Space Ghost and the Toymaker. The artwork is clean, expressive, and dynamic, making it easy to follow the fast-paced action sequences and appreciate the more subtle character moments.

Negatives

While the comic is full of strong ideas, the fast pace sometimes feels a little too rushed. The new villains are interesting, but their motivations aren’t fully explored, which can make them feel a bit one-dimensional. The Toymaker’s design is striking, but the drone he sends to fight Space Ghost is a bit generic. The cliffhanger ending, while effective, feels a little abrupt, leaving the reader wanting a more satisfying conclusion to the first chapter of this new adventure.

Art Samples:

Final Thoughts:

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SPACE GHOST (VOL. 2) #1 is a strong debut issue for Volume 2 that delivers on all fronts. It’s a fantastic example of modern superhero comics done right. The writing is clever, the art is breathtaking, and the plot is a perfect mix of action and intrigue. It successfully reintroduces a classic character while making him feel fresh and relevant. The dual narrative provides a solid foundation for future issues, giving readers a reason to come back for more. It’s a must-read for fans of cosmic adventure and a perfect jumping-on point for anyone curious about the character.

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