Space Ghost #9 concludes a two-issue arc with what amounts to one huge action sequence worthy of any major sci-fi blockbuster. The non-stop action plays right into the strengths of both artist Jonathan Lau and writer David Pepose. It may be more popcorn flick than intellectual cinema, but it will keep you entertained from beginning to end.
The issue starts right in the middle of the fight, as Jan, Jace and Blip desperately attempt to save civilians on the Galactic Federation’s homeworld from the ruthless attack of the evil tyrant, Metallus, and his robot army. Whereas the previous issue was all about establishing the overwhelming might of Metallus and his army, this issue shows us just how Space Ghost and his sidekicks turn the tides in their favor.
Courtesy of Dynamite Entertainment
Although some plot details seem to be missing and others seem a bit too convenient, you won’t care, because it allows Pepose and Lau to skip straight to the more exciting stuff. And although the conflict between Space Ghost and his arch-nemesis – the villain responsible for the killing of Space Ghost’s wife and daughter – does follow a fairly well-known story-arc, Pepose grounds all of the action scenes with one of his favorite themes.
Pepose has always been a writer who wears his heart on his sleeve – which is probably one of the reasons I’m such a fan. And he doesn’t get more sentimental than when he writes stories about the importance and strength of family. Luckily, it’s a theme he writes really well and with genuine authenticity. Pepose’s best stories are about family. So, in Space Ghost #9, he progresses the relationship between our protagonists as Space Ghost literally battles for the family he lost, even as he battles with the surrogate family he’s found in Jan, Jace and Blip.
Courtesy of Dynamite Entertainment
While Lau’s art is still impressive, like last issue, it feels like some pages suffer from time constraints. Certain panels look less polished than others – especially with some shading looking more like scribbles. But that may be Lau experimenting with his style as a way to denote flashbacks or objects seen through smoke or something like that. For me, it made some panels looked rushed.
But, I’m still a fan of Lau’s use of a variety of panel structures that add even more energy to the already dynamic action scenes. And his image-composition is still top notch.
So, get out the popcorn and enjoy the explosive, start-to-finish action in Space Ghost #9. The excitement of the dynamic conflict coupled with an emotional grounding more than make up for minor flaws in both narrative and art.
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