Space Ghost Vol 1: With Only Ghosts to Comfort Us
In the future, a great Galactic Federation unites hundreds of worlds across the galaxy. But in the dark space between the stars and 
civilized worlds, evil flourishes. Pirates. Slavers. Mad scientists. Doomsday Cultists. All manner of evil-doer who seek to prey on those innocent settlers of remote worlds who cannot defend themselves.
Yet the final frontier is not completely lawless. For there is a vigilante who stands for those forced to bend a knee to oppression. He is a grim spectre who disappears as quickly as he appears. The tales of his deeds are many, yet his origins are a mystery. The one thing that is agreed upon is his name—Space Ghost!
Some say he is a lawman who abandoned his post to confront those criminals his bosses would ignore. Others say he is a literal shade, back from the dead to seek revenge on those who destroyed his homeworld. The only ones who know even a fraction of his true story are Jan and Jace, two orphans the Phantom of the Spaceways adopted. Two children, with a super-intelligent test monkey named Blip, who may come to know the heart of a hero, and in time, help to mend it.
Space Ghost was one of the most popular of the superhero cartoons created by Hanna-Barbera. Designed by the legendary Alex Toth, Space Ghost was unusual in that he was never given an official original story. He also enjoyed impressive longevity in reruns, with his original show only numbering 20 episodes. He is somewhat more famous (or perhaps infamous) as the star of Space Ghost Coast to Coast, a 1990’s talk show made with recycled animation, which set the stage for Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim block of absurdist cartoons for adults.
David Pepose stays true to the spirit of the original animated series, while updating the general tone for modern audiences. This is no grim-and-gritty reboot, thank goodness. If anything, the comic sticks closer to its core concept of “Batman in space” than the original cartoons did.
This is a comic that runs with its science-fiction superhero premise and explores the intricacies of its universe in detail. Pepose does not shy away from the evil or insanity of the villains, but neither does he make them evil for evil’s sake. Even the mad mantis Zorak, reimagined here as a cultist who seeks to bring about the apocalypse, has a method to his madness. Despite this more mature tone, nearly every issue has a lesson to impart to the reader as Jan, Jace and even Space Ghost learn something from their latest adventure.
The artwork of Jonathan Lau is similarly detailed and driven. The action sequences where we first see (and then don’t see) Space Ghost are truly intense and magical. The designs of the many villains are clearly modeled on Toth’s work, but with subtle changes that make them into something new and generally horrifying. The color art is also amazing throughout.
Dynamite Entertainment rates this volume as appropriate for Ages 12 and up. I agree with that assessment. There is no sex or nudity in this book, unsurprisingly. There is considerable violence, however, and some truly intense moments. There is nothing inappropriate for a teen audience, however. Indeed, I think this book will mostly appeal to those fans of superheroes and science fiction looking for a step away from Batman. There’s broad appeal to both genders, as well, with Jan being the better marksman of the siblings and Jace being more comfortable piloting the Phantom Cruiser.
Space Ghost Vol 1: With Only Ghosts to Comfort Us
By David Pepose
Art by Jonathan Lau
Dynamite, 2024
ISBN: 9781524126858
Company Age Rating: 12+
Related media: TV to Comic
NFNT Age Recommendation: Adult (18+), Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16)
Character Representation: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
