Space Ghost vs. The Herculoids #1 (Dynamite Comics, 9/16/26): Writer David Pepose & artist Jonathan Lau start an interplanetary war when Amzot is attacked and Space Ghost is blamed. Great art, great action, and a serious respect for the source material make a winning combination. Verdict: Another winner for Dynamite.
Credits:
- Writer: David Pepose
- Artist: Jonathan Lau
- Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse
- Letterer: Taylor Esposito
- Cover Artist: Francesco Mattina (cover A)
- Publisher: Dynamite Comics
- Release Date: September 16, 2026
- Comic Rating: Teen
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 24
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Space Ghost vs. The Herculoids #1:
First Impressions:
Space Ghost is the standout title from Dynamite’s licensing of the Hanna-Barbera IP, mainly due to the winning combination of David Pepose and Jonathan Lau. So if you’re shocked that this is a great comic, you haven’t been paying attention.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
Space Ghost vs. The Herculoids #1 begins with Space Ghost losing a battle with the Herculoids, ultimately sending him into submission. Three weeks earlier, we get a quick recap/origin story/introduction to the Herculoids on Azmot. The issue jumps forward in time to see Azmot scarred by destruction, Tara and Zandor supposedly dead, and Zandor out for revenge.
Meanwhile, Space Ghost, Jace, Jan, and Blip intercept a ship full of space pirates. Their leader almost defeats Space Ghost when he powers up with the help of a dose of quasarite, a rare mineral only found on Amzot. Space Ghost prevails. When the pirates are arrested, Space Ghost receives a summons from Mekkano of the Galactic Federation for an urgent meeting with Dr. Arko Diem.
Space Ghost reluctantly agrees to the meeting. Dr. Diem explains his miners were attacked while searching for quasarite on Amzot. The attackers, according to Dr. Diem, are a band of marauders called the Herculoids who harm innocent workers, and he needs Space Ghost’s help to fend off the Herculoids.
Suddenly, Zandor arrives on the ship to avenge his fallen wife and son. The issue ends where it began, with Space Ghost locked in battle with the Herculoids.
How is the story in Space Ghost vs. The Herculoids #1?
David Pepose appears to have a knack for the Hanna-Barbera (HB) characters better than anyone else. The story is gripping, the machinations forcing two heroes into battle make perfect sense, and the cliffhanger is exactly the kind of pulpy goodness you want from these characters.
The minor downpoint that stops this script from reaching perfection is the whiplash bounce between multiple timeframes. You can keep it all straight if you focus aggressively, but the back-and-forth is a slight strain. Pepose could have excised the Herculoids’ origin story for a cleaner experience since it doesn’t contribute to the present dilemma.
How is the art in Space Ghost vs. The Herculoids #1?
Again, Dynamite is bringing their best for this crossover. Jonathan Lau’s powerful art style is tailor-made for gritty, pulp-inspired adventures, where every hero is square-jawed and steely-eyed. Lau’s linework is outstanding, his signature use of dramatic shadows is in top form, and Andrew Dalhouse’s colors are excellent.
Characters
The Herculoids and Space Ghost get roughly equal time in this issue, but the bulk of the character work goes to Zandor of the Herculoids. He’s introduced as a kind warrior with a heart of gold, which makes his quest for revenge relatable and earnest. You instantly want to root for him, even when you know he’s operating under a false assumption about Space Ghost.
Originality & Concept Execution
Pitting heroes against each other based on deception by a villain is not a new concept, but Pepose makes the concept believable by using the attacks of Dr. Diem’s forces to bring Zandor to Space Ghost’s attention. Instead of planting a lie and letting it play out, Dr. Diem essentially hides behind another hero with a lie to make the premise work beautifully.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 4/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1.5/2
Final Thoughts:
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Space Ghost vs. The Herculoids #1 is a winning start to a crossover that pits hero against hero. David Pepose’s idea to force the good guys onto opposite sides of a conflict is well-conceived and executed, and Jonathan Lau’s dramatic artwork proves he’s one of the best at Dynamite.
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