David Peport and Jonathan Lau began their Space Ghost series with three “one-issue” “finishes” before kicking off a two-part storyline with last month’s Space Ghost #4. With Space Ghost #5 on sale Wednesday from Dynamite Entertainment, we finally find out how Space Ghost’s battle with Zorak and his evil death cult will end. Andrew Dalhouse continues to add colors, with Taylor Esposito providing letters.
Issue 4 introduces Zorak, the prophet and leader of an evil apocalyptic death cult. Pepose and Lau manage to make Zorak look authentic and creepy. By the end of the issue, Jean, Jace and Blip have been captured and are being held hostage by the cult. Space Ghost races out to rescue them. And that’s where Space Ghost Issue 5 begins.
Dynamite Entertainment
Although it’s a solid, action-packed story, Pepose and Lau should have packed it into three issues. This issue is a bit too packed. As a result, everything moves a bit too quickly and there isn’t enough time or space to unfold properly. Additionally, this issue could easily be split into two parts that could have been two separate issues.
Still, I really like most of the plot choices. It’s great to see the decisions Space Ghost makes and what he’s willing to sacrifice to protect Jean and Jace. And the mid-plot twist (which I don’t want to spoil) is incredibly intriguing and works well; Esposito’s letter makes it even better. But if Pepose and Lau had drawn out the opening action sequence a bit more and given more space to the exchange between Space Ghost and Zorak, this twist would definitely have been the cliffhanger of this issue, and everything that followed would have been the focus of the next issue.
I also enjoyed the religious references, suggesting that Space Ghost, Jean, and Jace believe in some kind of God while fighting an evil cult. They constantly talk about how prayer is their only hope and that they must stick to their faith. This theme isn’t explored in great depth, but it does raise questions about the difference between “good” and “bad” religious beliefs.
Dynamite Entertainment
I also think that Space Ghost #5 has some really great character moments, not only for Space Ghost himself, but especially for Jace. Unfortunately, with so much plot unfolding, these character moments feel rushed or shoved in without enough development, and as a result, they don’t have as much impact as they should have.
Jonathan Lau’s art is still a joy to look at. The action scenes are big and bold, full of power and movement. The best images in this issue are undoubtedly the big ones – the splash pages and big panels. However, some of the pages seem a bit more rushed than previous issues. I noticed a bit too much cross-hatching, it doesn’t have the same polish and it looks more chaotic than it should.
In conclusion, Space Ghost #5 continues the rebooted series with an enjoyable, action-packed sci-fi adventure. Unfortunately, this chapter tries to do too much in one issue. Still, it’s clear that David Pepose has a lot of love for the characters and their relationships, even if it feels like it’s been crammed into this issue. Jonathan Lau’s art, while a little weaker, is still a highlight thanks to some fantastic action sequences.
Space Ghost Episode 5 ends the battle with Zorak
Space Ghost #5
Space Ghost #5 continues the rebooted series with a fun, action-packed sci-fi adventure. Unfortunately, this chapter tries to do too much in one issue. Still, it’s clear that David Pepose has a lot of love for the characters and their relationships, even if these scenes feel like they’re crammed into this issue. Jonathan Lau’s art, while a little weaker, is still a highlight thanks to some great action sequences.
An interesting development.
A fun, action-packed adventure.
It’s wonderful art.
There’s too much packed into one issue.
The character beats are underdeveloped.
