If you’ve been following the thrilling adventures of Space Ghost, Jan, Jace, and Blip, then get ready for an absolute treat with Space Ghost Annual #1. Fresh from the explosive finale of issue #12, the dynamic duo of David Pepose and Jonathan Lau are back with an annual that truly pulls out all the stops. This time, our heroes are thrown against every enemy imaginable. Can the Space Ghost crew survive this onslaught, or will they crumble to cosmic dust?
This issue immediately immerses you into a creepy, mind-controlling dystopia thanks to “The Collective” and their one-frequency dominion. Blip, everyone’s favorite space monkey, is shockingly at the center of it all, holding the key to The Collective’s sinister device. Meanwhile, the sentient computer Ultima delivers a classic villain’s monologue, perfectly captured by Jonathan Lau’s gritty, intense artwork.
Space Ghost, with Jan and Jace in tow, crashes into Robo Corps Tower for an epic showdown with Ultima and the Council of Doom, featuring fan-favorites like Zorak and Moltar. Our heroes are totally outmatched, but Jan and Jace prove they’re more than just sidekicks, using their wits and gadgets to escape the chaos. Amidst all the action, there’s a genuinely touching “found family” moment between Jan and Space Ghost that reminds us “family sticks together.”
Dynamite Comics
Space Ghost Annual #1 is a blast from start to finish. Pepose delivers here, keeping the action front and center, and most importantly, making it a seriously fun read. If you’ve been following the series since issue #1, you’re in for a wild ride with a huge payoff.
Beyond the thrills, the comic offers intriguing food for thought. During Ultima’s monologue, he suggests that individuality leads to chaos, proposing group thinking as the key to survival. While this notion is nonsensical, it’s a believable premise that a supervillain or supercomputer could easily exploit for nefarious reasons. On a lighter note, there’s a gentle reminder that this universe is our only home, so we’d better make the most of it, and I just loved that.
Jonathan Lau’s art remains a standout. His action sequences are phenomenal. One highlight is the panel depicting Space Ghost and the kids in a force field, with magma colliding against it, looking fantastic. And you’ll want to frame the panel of Space Ghost battling Zorak, Brak, and Widow; it’s just plain awesome. Lau also uses creative diagonal panels during Jace’s plane scenes, effectively conveying the speed of the dogfight action. His cosmic space scenes are equally impressive, demonstrating a superb sense of scale and perspective.
Dynamite Comics
The colors throughout the issue by Andrew Dalhouse are fantastic, with a special shout-out to Moltar’s flames. The orange-red, crimson hues bathing the panels are so vivid and glistening that you can almost feel the heat radiating from them. Last but not least, Taylor Esposito’s lettering is top-notch. The easy-to-read letters and abundant onomatopoeias immerse you in the non-stop action.
While Space Ghost Annual #1 is largely a stellar experience, there are a couple of minor points. It’s a bit puzzling why Blip, who is clearly key to Ultima’s master plan, seems relatively unguarded. You’d expect more security around such a crucial asset. Additionally, while Ultima’s plan is clever, the “why” behind it, beyond simply following programming, doesn’t feel as impactful as it could, slightly diminishing the emotional punch of the ending.
Despite these minor quibbles, Space Ghost Annual #1 culminates in a punchy, action-packed display, complete with a surprise family member and exciting plans for a Season 2! It’s an excellent read for fans of the series and a fantastic example of how to bring classic characters into the modern age with style and substance.
Have you picked up Space Ghost Annual #1 yet? What were your favorite moments? Send us a message and let us know!
‘Space Ghost’ Annual #1: Blast from the Past with a Fresh Twist
Space Ghost Annual #1 culminates in a punchy, action-packed display, complete with a surprise family member and exciting plans for a Season 2. It’s an excellent read for fans of the series and a fantastic example of how to bring classic characters into the modern age with style and substance.
