Space Ghost #12 [Advance Review]
With Space Ghost #12, writer David Pepose and artist Jonathan Lau deliver another interstellar haymaker, wrapping up the current arc with searing action, explosive character dynamics, and a surprising amount of emotional weight. This isn’t just a retro revival: it’s a full-force resurrection of a classic icon, executed with a perfect blend of modern grit and silver-age grandeur.
One of the issue’s biggest triumphs is the evolving dynamic between Space Ghost and his young allies, Jan and Jace. Pepose does an excellent job reinforcing their growth - not as comic relief or sidekick archetypes, but as capable heroes in their own right. As Space Ghost pushes his physical and emotional limits - first to recover from the wounds inflicted by his run-in with the Council of Doom, and then to contain the molten fury of his homeworld’s core - Jan and Jace find themselves facing off with the Council of Doom, stepping up as tacticians and defenders. Their bond as a trio feels earned and essential, showcasing a compelling arc of teamwork under fire.
Meanwhile, the Council of Doom becomes its own worst enemy. What begins as a confident villainous coalition quickly spirals into betrayal and suspicion, as fragile egos and unchecked ambition spark friction. Pepose writes their unraveling with razor-sharp precision: never cartoonishly evil, but instead driven by all-too-human weaknesses like pride, insecurity, and outright paranoia. It's a satisfying implosion, and one that underscores just how dangerous these villains could be, if not for the predictability of their own flaws.
Jonathan Lau’s art continues to impress in this latest issue. His portrayal of Space Ghost channeling near-nuclear planetary energy is stunning, while his choreography of wide-screen chaos: falling debris, erupting firestorms, and the fight scenes that are happening in the midst of all of it - gives the entire issue a cinematic pulse. Dalhouse’s color work adds heat and weight to every panel, particularly in the issue’s infernal centerpiece moments.
More broadly, this issue solidifies David Pepose as a serious force in the world of revitalized pop culture properties. After reimagining Savage Avengers for Marvel, Pepose is now making a mark across a growing collection of legacy IPs. With Captain Planet already generating buzz and a Speed Racer series on the horizon, his track record suggests we’re in for more genre-defining revivals. If Space Ghost is any indication, he’s not just dusting off nostalgic characters - he’s reengineering them for a new generation with heart, stakes, and swagger.
Simply put, Space Ghost continues to impress with every issue. With cosmic scale and grounded character work, this series isn’t just honoring the past: it’s building a future. If you’re not reading it yet, you’re missing one of the most thrilling reinventions on the stands.
