Review: Space Ghost #2
From Dynamite Comics
After the excellent (re)introduction to Space Ghost, the series continues with issue #2 from Dynamite Comics.
Escaping from the wreckage of Space Colony Omicron, Jan, Jace, Blip, and their rescuer travel to the Ghost Planet - the mysterious headquarters of the even more mysterious Space Ghost. Leaving on an urgent mission, Space Ghost gives explicit orders to the three survivors: STAY. PUT.
Two children and a monkey left alone in a secret space hero's lair - what could possibly go wrong? (Hint: This issues also features an unexpected flight of the Phantom Cruiser!)
Written by David Pepose, Art by Jonathan Lau, Colors by Andrew Dalhouse, Lettering by Taylor Esposito, Edited by Joseph Rybandt, Covers by Francesco Mattina, Jae Lee, Bjorn Barends, and Michael Cho
After the introduction in the previous issue, we get a lot more insight into the characters. Added to that are some classic adventures and peril.
It’s interesting that we are diving into Space Ghost's past. There is some trauma there, and I think that makes his link with the rescued children stronger. Although gruff at first, there is some humanity in there, and the ending of this issue links nicely with what we see at the beginning. It’s a new direction for Space Ghost, and I can see some teething troubles on the horizon.
The children are good characters—I get the feeling of the children in Fantastic Four from them. They are smart and adventurous, which is a good mix and adds to what the overarching story is telling us.
This issue has the duo feeling their way on the Ghost Planet and wanting to explore. The lack of food rations makes sense, as does Space Ghost’s reaction to getting more. He needs to find out what is going on first.
Even so, there is an adventure to be had, and Jace is the one to have it; going joyriding in a spacecraft may not have been the best of ideas, significantly as to what comes next, but it adds to the character of the children, while also showing off their skills. Ultimately, it also becomes a bonding issue for the four of them.
I love the art in this issue, with some classic action stylings. The space battle and scenes are vibrant. And then there are the darker aspects and the tone of Space Ghost himself - very well played off!
This continues to be a fun series and I can’t wait to see what comes next as it combines smaller adventures with the larger story.
