Customer Reviews

Space Ghost

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Joe Kellys' Space Ghost has been hailed by comic critics and fans as one of the greatest reinterpretations, or redemptions, of a cartoon character in years, this marks the first time the character has had a serious run since the 1980s' "Space Stars" series, after this, he became a cult figure on the series that launched C.Ns' Williams Street animation studios into noteriety, Space Ghost: Coast 2 Coast.

Kelly is a fan of both the original series AND "Coast 2 Coast", and true fans of both can clearly tell where the influences lie, and where the in-jokes appear (THADIUS Bach anyone? Come on, whats' that an extension of? "THAD", not to mention several of Thads' facial expressions and mannerisms come from his C2C persona, read the part hes' yelling at Jan and Jayce in classic "Jerk" mode), Kelly alo adds a new, sleeker look for Zorak, and a new ability to transfer his concsciousness to other bodies when he is destroyed, combined with a story of betrayals from both sides to the hapless inncoent, barbaric battles, tragedies, discovery, and rediscovery. Space Ghosts' rebirth as a serious character is one touched by all aspects of humanity, and what makes and breaks a hero. Read it for that, but if, like me, you can't hope to take Thad seriously, read his lines in George Lowes' voice

Back in the 60's/70's, Space Ghost was one of many Hanna Barbera Saturday morning cartoon super heroes that were, needless to say, quite cheesy. In the 90's, he was re-born as an animated talk show host in the wonderful spoof Space Ghost: Coast to Coast on Cartoon Network, and now, Space Ghost is re-born once again as a brooding hero in this TPB. Joe Kelly gives Space Ghost a tragic past as a good cop in a corrupt system whose pregnant wife is murdered and he is left for dead. He survives, and with the use of alien technology, becomes Space Ghost and sets out for his revenge. However, when he learns of a planet in grave danger, his heroic nature comes full circle. No, this Space Ghost isn't family friendly and it's not funny, and it's not meant to be. Kelly's storytelling is solid, albeit predictable, while Ariel Olivetti's art is beautifully textured. Longtime fans of the character will notice other classic Space Ghost characters as well, including siblings Jan and Jayce, and the evil mantis-like villain Zorak. All in all, if you're a fan of Space Ghost, whether it be the original show or Coast to Coast, give this a look.

Those who only know Space Ghost from the Cartoon Network "talk show" format might not realize something: Space Ghost was cool. As a nine-year-old in 1966 I got up every Saturday to watch him smack down the bad guys.

This graphic novel brings cool back to the character. If you're obsessed with the original character, you won't be happy with it. The art is more detailed, the story line more complex. Space Ghost goes through more moral conflicts in this one book than he did in the entire TV series.

The story line is his origin story. It covers where he came from, Jan, Jayce and all the cool gadgets. I won't spoil the story line by telling you the details, but if you like Space Ghost, you'll recognize most of the characters.

If you like Space Ghost -- especially if you remember the original -- you'll like this.

WARNING, THIS REVIEW DOES CONTAIN SOME SPOILERS.

While only recently discovering Space Ghost I am a big fan, his costume, abilities, and voice have forced me to be. This isn't for the Coast to coast fans out there, or the Brak show fans, this is for fans of the old 60s and 80s character(he was a character in space stars during the eighties). While this book doesn't show much of Space Ghosts personality (a problem other reviewers had), it wasn't a bad thing, because in reality, it was showing how he got that way, sure he's broody and dark for the majority of the comic, but in the end he was starting to warm up, even getting friendly to the kids, Jan and Jace (he wasn't mean to Blip because Blip never showed up). All in all, I found this to be an amazing comic with beautiful art and great storytelling. The inner conflict, the drama, the action, the pain the Space Ghost goes through to get revenge and serve justice. Well worth the coin, I recommend this wholeheartedly to any fan of Superheroes, revenge stories, or Science Fiction.

I've been a fan of the original cartoon since I was a kid. I had heard that an updated comic had been published a few years back but I hadn't had a chance to pursue it. I finally got it via Amazon and hence, my review.

Overall, I like what the writer tried to do; Space Ghost never had a proper origin story so it was time for that to be told. We also find out how he came to meet his wards and partners in crimefighting, Jan & Jace. After that, my opinion tends to become a classic case of "What could have been.."

I found myself thinking some details were left out somehow because certain things were mentioned in the comic that were not clearly defined:

When Thad acquires his power bands we don't see him getting a tutorial on what they were capable of. We needed to know exactly what kind of rays it could emit. In the story we see what appears to be a heat ray and a forcefield but little more.

At another point in the book, Thad's nemesis, "Temple" mentions "silensorbs" but we have no idea what they are or exactly what they do, much less see them in action. He also mentioned a "stim suit". Again, I need more details.

What was the name of the planet Thad and his doomed family lived on? It's never formally mentioned although I fanwanked it was called "Eidolon" since Thad was a member of the "Eidolon Elite" police force.

Did the story take place in the future during a time of space colonization by people from Earth? Or is it like "Star Wars" in which humans just live in an undetermined time period amongst aliens?

There are more examples but I think I 've proven my point.

As far as the artwork goes, it looks good but Olivetti seems to have an obsession with designing characters with multiple appendages (eyes, arms, etc). Been there seen that.

I was also annoyed with Thad's design; he seemed too heavily muscled and as an earlier reviewer mentioned, he resembled Frank from "The Punisher". Alex Toth did in fact design Space Ghost without his cowl so I had hoped they would have worked from that.

Jan and Jace were another issue; although the characters had been traditionally depicted as human (likely descendants of colonists), we see them drawn with strange markings on the sides of their faces between the eyes and the hairline and there is no one else on their home planet who has this marking. Again, explanation please.

I am disappointed that a followup was never issued, even though from what I know, sales of the first book were respectable. I still would like to know where this story eventually could have gone.

Many of us grew up watching the Hanna-Barbera cartoon Space Ghost. It was a cheesy show about a superhero and his teenage sidekicks who battled evil across the galaxy. It was a fun show for kids, and in this new book we get to see a serious look at the characters of the show and how Space Ghost came to be.
The book examines the origins of Space Ghost, back when he was a policeman on his planet. After crossing corrupt officers, his wife is murdered and he is left for dead. He survives due to his thirst for vengeance, and becomes Space Ghost. At first he goes after those who murdered his beloved wife, but he must soon use his new powers to help defend a world from an invading hoard of aliens led by the menacing Zorak.
The plot of the book is a little weak and could have been more fleshed out, but overall it was still a great story. It tells the tale of how one man went through hell and came out a symbol of justice and hope. The artwork was a beauty to behold and is probably the best I've ever seen in a graphic novel. Fans of the show will certainly love this prequel to the series and it will capture the interest of those unfamiliar with Space Ghost.

Short and sweet... bought the book based on the previous reviews and they are right on the money! (Spoiler alert..) The scene of Jan and Jace as little kids being rescued by Space Ghost said it all! I would love for DC to continue this series for the sake of fond Saturday morning memories and to see what else could be done in a serious vein to SG's other nemesis's.

This graphic novel is great. I like seeing a hero considered to be a joke turned into someone you're proud to have in your comics collection. I really wish they'd turn this into a regular series. I liked it. The artwork was superior and the story was gritty.

If he WAS a talk show host, I'd be afeared he'd tear my head off...

Let me begin by saying that I loved Joe Kelly's Deadpool more than any man should love a comic, and Space Ghost is one of my favourite tv shows. This may mean that I'm a bad person to judge this comic...

But even on its own merits, the series falls flat on its face. The storyline is generic to the nth degree; the relationships hackneyed and obvious; and the shoehorning of Space Ghost's origin story is brutally hamfisted.

I even found time to dislike the artwork! Space Ghost veers between super-buff and horrible mid-90s steroid juiced past any realism, and Zorak's redesign is also disappointing.

There were even points of the comic that were just plain bad storytelling. On at least two occasions I had to re-read pages because what had happened was not at all clear.

So; I would not recommend this title, not so much. Why hire the writer of Deadpool if you want him to write a dead straight interpretation of a character who has comic potential? If I wanted to read the Punisher set in space (this series is a shameful rip, right down to Frank/Thaddeus' face); then I'd think twice (or dust off that TPB where the Punisher... goes into space. Really. Sigh.)

I'm gonna order the Space Ghost Comic Book now.I think the this
comicbook is awesome.This comicbook is for those who are Space Ghost fans around the earth.I'm also a huge fan of Space Ghost in Sweden.Order the Space Ghost Comicbook now!You're gonna love it.
Thank You!Bye Bye!