After opening their run on Space Ghost with three ‘done-in-one’ issues, David Pepose and Jonathan Lau started a two-part story in last month’s Space Ghost #4. With the release of Space Ghost #5 on Wednesday from Dynamite Entertainment, we finally get to see how Space Ghost’s battle against Zorak and his evil death cult concludes. Andrew Dalhouse continues to add colors, while Taylor Esposito provides lettering.
Issue #4 introduced us to Zorak, the prophet and leader of an evil, apocalyptic death cult, who Pepose and Lau managed to make authentically creepy. By the end of the issue, Jan, Jace and Blip had been captured and were being held hostage by the cult. Space Ghost rushed off to rescue them. Which is exactly where Space Ghost #5 picks up.
Dynamite Entertainment
Despite being another solid action-packed story, Pepose and Lau should’ve made this a three-issue arc. This issue is just a little too full. Consequently, everything happens a little too fast, without enough time or space to properly develop. Besides, the issue is very easily separated into two distinct halves which could’ve been two separate issues.
Still, I really like most of the plot choices. It’s great to see the decisions Space Ghost makes and the things he’s willing to sacrifice in order to protect Jan and Jace. And the plot twist in the middle (that I don’t want to spoil) is incredibly interesting and works well. Esposito’s letters make it even better. But if Pepose and Lau had drawn out the opening action sequence a bit and given more space to Space Ghost’s interactions with Zorak, the twist definitely could’ve been the cliffhanger of this issue and everything afterwards the focus of the next issue.
I also enjoyed the religious references suggesting Space Ghost, Jan and Jace have faith in some sort of God, even as they battle against an evil religious cult. They continually talk about prayer being their only hope and having to hold on to faith. The theme isn’t explored in a huge amount of depth, but it brings up the question about the differences between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ religious belief.
Dynamite Entertainment
I also think Space Ghost #5 has a few really good character moments, not only for Space Ghost himself, but especially for Jace. Unfortunately, with so much plot happening, these character moments feel rushed or squeezed in without enough development. As a consequence, they don’t have as much impact as they should.
Jonathan Lau’s art is still a joy to look at. The action sequences are big and bold, full of power and dynamics. The best images in this issue are definitely the big ones – splash pages or larger panels. But some pages look a little more rushed than in previous issues. I noticed a little too much crosshatching that didn’t have the same polish and looks more chaotic than it should.
In conclusion, Space Ghost #5 continues the reboot’s run of fun, action-packed sci-fi adventures. Unfortunately, this chapter tries to do too much with just one issue. Still, David Pepose obviously has a great love for the characters and their relationships, even when those moments feel squeezed into this issue. Jonathan Lau’s art is still the highlight, due to the awesome action sequences, even in a slightly weaker showing.
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