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space ghost #1
Comic Book

Dynamite Entertainment comic reviews 5/1/24 – Space Ghost #1

Jeffrey Lyles , , ,

Nostalgia has been all the rage in 2024 with successful revitalizations of popular 70s and 80s properties. Add Space Ghost #1 to that list with an outstanding debut issue. Tailored for fans of any era of Space Ghost, this launch is an exciting kickoff to what looks to be a title worth following closely in 2024.

Writer David Pepose establishes the basic premise quickly and efficiently. Interstellar pirates attack Space Colony Omnicron leaving twins Jan and Jace — along with their pet monkey, Blip — clinging to slim hopes for survival. Just when all hope seems lost, a ghost arrives to ward off the pirates and hopefully keep the twins and their precious cargo safe.

The challenge with Space Ghost and his teen sidekicks is there’s a deeply established lore for the character created in 1966. Pepose navigates the difficult task of not making Space Ghost overly modern with over-the-top violence and not making him too cheesy either. Mission accomplished.

Pepose’s Space Ghost has a mysterious vigilante tone with some traces of Batman without coming off like a pale imitation. Space Ghost is a formidable fighter but not so invulnerable that his initial encounter with the pirates is completely one-sided. Jan and Jace are also written in a likable fashion. They’re kids and Pepose doesn’t write them like adults.

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At the same time, they aren’t written like helpless hangs-on either. They’re capable enough in a pinch while Pepose lays some groundwork for them to become savvier and more competent as the series continues.

Jonathan Lau’s artwork definitely provides a more serious tone. Lau’s crisp layouts with smooth execution of action sequences makes for easy-to-follow panels. There’s a good sense of momentum and Lau does a fantastic job of framing the characters, particularly Space Ghost.

Andrew Dalhouse’s color work is clean with strong vibrant hues. Reds, blues and oranges really stand out. And Dalhouse gives Space Ghost’s white costume elements an almost ethereal quality making for a stunning showcase.

Letterer Taylor Esposito crafts easy to read dialogue with a variety of prominent and subtle sound effects.

If Space Ghost #1 is any indication, Dynamite Entertainment has a huge new hit on its hands and well worth seeking out for any Space Ghost fan.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: Dynamite Entertainment

Check out Space Ghost and Dino Boy: The Complete Series on Blu-Ray on Amazon.

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