Dynamite Entertainment reviews 8/7/24 – Space Ghost #4

Space Ghost #4 is another high-quality installment from one of the best series of the second half of 2024. Writer David Pepose, artist Jonathan Lau, colorist Andrew Dalhouse and letterer Taylor Esposito have turned a fun old school cartoon character into a thrilling space adventure. All without losing the charm of the original series.

In this issue, Space Ghost learns that Zorak has escaped from prison. That’s not good news as Space Ghost barely defeated him the last time they tangled. Space Ghost isn’t so sure if he would win the rematch. He tells Jan and Jace to stay behind to shield them from possibly encountering another of his archenemies.

Pepose is doing an excellent job of writing the siblings. He gives them just enough youthful exuberance where they can make some faulty decisions without being annoying hostages that always put themselves in danger. There’s an art to this that a lot of classic cartoons didn’t always succeed at doing to make the hero look better. Space Ghost #4 is a tremendous example of making the sidekicks make naive mistakes without being stupid.

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Space Ghost doesn’t just have to contend with Zorak. This issue he faces off with another classic enemy that Pepose treats seriously. Not in that boring deconstruction mode, but just enough to not be a goof. Lau also does fantastic work here in making a simple design look formidable.

The artwork has become a highlight for the series as Lau has a strong director’s sense in posing his characters. He frames them in a way that the action scenes and tense discussions resonate equally impressively. Dalhouse’s color choices continue to shine with a good mix of flat and bold colors.

Esposito gives the alien creatures a distinct font to further convey they’re not human. The sound effects are nicely done as well.

Pepose has largely kept stories to one issue so this cliffhanger ending feels earned and gives the story added gravitas. The series keeps rolling and is remains a must-read for those seeking a fun space adventure.

Rating: 10 out of 10

Photo Credit: Dynamite Entertainment

Check out the Zorak Funko Pop figure from Amazon.

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