Space Ghost Vol. 2 #3, by David Pepose, Jonathan Lau, and Andrew Dalhouse, is a thrilling comic that explores the heart of what makes a hero. It blends old-school action with modern storytelling by pitting Space Ghost and his sidekicks against an ancient, cryogenically preserved Viking warrior named Tarko the Terrible.
The comic kicks off with Space Ghost and his sidekicks, Jan and Jace (or the aptly named Space Sprite and Ghost Boy), chasing a new villain named Feron. After capturing him, they make a wild discovery: a Viking warrior named Tarko the Terrible, who has been frozen for thousands of years. Space Ghost takes Tarko to Doctor Henry Contra, Jan and Jace’s grandfather. Contra is fascinated by Tarko, seeing him as a research subject who could provide valuable insights into aging and gene therapy. Space Ghost, however, doesn’t see eye to eye with the doctor.
Their philosophical disagreement is cut short when Tarko wakes up, busts out of his icy prison, and immediately goes on a rampage. He sees Space Ghost and Doctor Contra as enemies and attacks them with his voltaic battle axe, which shorts out Space Ghost’s power bands. After a ton of chaos and action, they manage to subdue the warrior. With some quick thinking from Doctor Contra and the kids, they find a deserted planet for Tarko, giving him a new world to rule and a chance to live out his days without hurting anyone else.
Pepose does an excellent job of building the conflict between Space Ghost’s unwavering moral code and Doctor Contra’s more utilitarian, scientific mindset. While Contra sees Tarko as a specimen to be studied, Space Ghost sees a man who, though ruthless, never asked to be pulled into the future. It’s this core disagreement that gives the issue a surprising amount of depth. Jan and Jace aren’t just along for the ride, either; they’re crucial to the plot. It’s their input and their grandfather’s love for them that ultimately saves Tarko. Space Ghost even calls them his partners, and in a touching moment, he admits he thinks of them as his own children.
The clash between Tarko’s ancient, brutal ways and the futuristic technology of the future is what makes this issue so entertaining. Tarko, a Viking warrior, mistakes the Phantom Cruiser for a dragon and is baffled by its advanced weapons. His rage, a product of a different era of conquest, feels both out of place and terrifying in this futuristic setting. He’s a far more interesting antagonist than your typical laser-blasting villain, especially since he’s incredibly strong for a caveman.
The art by Lau is dynamic and visceral, perfectly capturing the high-octane action. The panels of Tarko’s rampage, showing his immense strength and rage, are especially powerful. The characters here are expressive, and the environments, from the icy landscape to the sleek interiors of Contra Industries Tower, immerse you in the world. Dalhousie’s colors take the art to another level. The bright, contrasting colors help to differentiate the characters and their powers. The cool blues and whites of the ice stand out against the warmer tones of the explosions. The visual effects of Tarko’s battle axe and the power bands are full of energy, making every attack feel really impactful. Even Blipp the monkey gets in on the action, shooting a laser pistol, which is just as funny as it sounds.
Esposito’s lettering is a key part of what makes the comic so great. The sound effects, like SHRAKOOOM, are huge and dynamic, adding to the intensity of the action scenes. The dialogue bubbles are clear and well placed, guiding your eye through the panels without cluttering the art.
My one hang-up is a minor one, but I have a hard time believing Doctor Contra wouldn’t realize he’s working with his grandkids. I mean, there are two of them, and they have a pet monkey. How do you not recognize that?! Pepose may be saving that reveal for later, but it feels like a stretch to think he hasn’t noticed.
Overall, Space Ghost Vol. 2 #3 is a fun read. The collaboration between Pepose, Lau’s Dalhouse, and Esposito continues to create a seamless and highly enjoyable experience. This issue not only delivers on the action but also leaves you with a thought-provoking message about empathy and the clash between different eras. If you haven’t been pulling this modern classic, pick it up!
‘Space Ghost Vol. 2’ #3 Delivers on Vikings, Space Cops & Moral Dilemmas
Space Ghost Vol. 2 #3 not only delivers on the action but also leaves you with a thought-provoking message about empathy and the clash between different eras. If you haven’t been pulling this modern classic, pick it up!
