Space Ghost #6-10 [Review]
I’ll admit it - I fell behind on Space Ghost. Life got busy, and despite loving the first five issues, I hadn’t kept up with the series in real-time. But as soon as I sat down to catch up, I was immediately reminded why I loved this run in the first place. David Pepose and Jonathan Lau have maintained the same level of excellence I saw in the early issues, delivering a pulse-pounding, visually stunning, and thematically rich adventure. These latest issues put Space Ghost through the wringer, pitting him against a gauntlet of foes: from the molten fury of Moltar, to the raw power of the Creature King…then finding himself in the iron grip of General Metallus, before facing the eerie menace of Space Spectre. These issues are an exhilarating ride, packed with the best kind of Saturday morning cartoon energy, modernized for today’s comic book landscape.
The Story: Fire, Nature, Steel, and Shadows
Picking up where I left off, Space Ghost and his allies find themselves in the crosshairs of some of their most dangerous enemies yet. Moltar, a villain reborn in flame, brings destruction on an apocalyptic scale, commanding an army of molten monsters in his quest for revenge. The way Pepose writes Moltar feels like a perfect upgrade of the classic character: he’s still a force of destruction, but with a deeply personal motivation that makes him all the more compelling.
But Moltar is just the beginning. Soon after, Space Ghost finds himself at the mercy of The Creature King, a megalomaniacal telepath who has rallied an army of animals against humanity. As one of the most outlandish yet surprisingly unsettling villains in this run, The Creature King twists a righteous cause - liberation from human cruelty - into a spectacle of vengeance, using his telepathic crown to force his victims into brutal combat for his subjects’ amusement. Pepose leans into the horror of mind control here, with Lau delivering some truly chaotic, frenzied visuals as Space Ghost and his allies struggle against their own instincts. The battle escalates into a desperate fight for free will, culminating in a moment where Blip, despite his animal nature, reaffirms his unwavering loyalty to Space Ghost and the family that raised him. It’s a standout moment, reinforcing the series’ themes of chosen family and moral strength even in the face of overwhelming manipulation.
Following his battle with The Creature King, Space Ghost is forced to deal with the looming threat of General Metallus; a warlord from his past whose mechanical armies threaten to wipe out organic life entirely. While Moltar and The Creature King represented destruction in their own ways, General Metallus conveys cold, calculated oppression. He’s a strategist as much as a powerhouse, and his presence gives these issues a looming sense of dread.
Then comes Space Spectre, arguably the most personal and sinister of all Space Ghost’s enemies. A twisted mirror of the hero himself, Spectre is more than just a physical threat—he’s an existential one, forcing Space Ghost to confront his own rage, his thirst for vengeance, and the weight of his mission. Their battle isn’t just about who’s stronger; it’s about what it means to be a hero.
While these villains push Space Ghost to his limits, his young allies, Jan, Jace, and Blip, each get their moments to shine. One of my favorite moments is Blip rejecting the chance to side with his own kind in the name of loyalty to Space Ghost. It’s a heartfelt beat that reminds us that this series isn’t just about action: it’s about the bonds these characters share.
Jonathan Lau’s Art: Power in Motion
If you’re looking for some of the most kinetic, cinematic action in comics today, Jonathan Lau has you covered. Every page bursts with energy, from Moltar’s fiery inferno to Metallus’s cold, mechanical empire to the eerie, shadowed clashes with Space Spectre. Lau’s linework is crisp, his compositions are dynamic, and his ability to convey both grand-scale destruction and intimate character moments is impressive.
One of the highlights of these issues is how Lau visualizes each villain’s domain. Moltar’s molten fortress oozes with heat and destruction, the metal corridors of Metallus’s empire feel suffocatingly rigid, and Space Spectre’s eerie presence is framed in unsettling shadows. Space battles feel vast and chaotic, every punch lands with a real sense of force, and the action is always easy to follow despite its intensity.
Lau’s character work is also excellent: Space Ghost feels powerful in every panel, Jan and Jace radiate youthful determination, and even Blip gets expressive moments of bravery. The fights aren’t just brawls; they tell a story, and that’s a testament to Lau’s storytelling skills.
David Pepose’s Writing: Balancing Nostalgia and Evolution
Pepose gets what makes Space Ghost work: pulp adventure, cosmic spectacle, and just the right amount of emotional weight to give the action stakes. His villains aren’t just obstacles; they represent something deeper. Moltar is raw vengeance, Metallus is tyranny, and Spectre is self-doubt incarnate. Each one forces Space Ghost to grow as a hero, making his victories feel truly earned.
The pacing is relentless in the best way possible, and the dialogue nails the tone: serious when it needs to be but never losing that Saturday morning excitement. The themes of family, responsibility, and redemption run strong throughout these issues, elevating them beyond a simple action romp.
And of course, Pepose’s ability to modernize classic characters while keeping them true to their roots remains one of his biggest strengths. If you grew up watching Space Ghost on TV, this series doesn’t just recapture that magic: it’s amplified.
Final Thoughts: A Space Opera Worth Following
Catching up on Space Ghost #6-10 was a blast. These issues showcase everything that makes this series special - heart-pounding action, incredible artwork, and a deep respect for the legacy of the character. Whether it’s Moltar’s fiery destruction, Metallus’s cold ambition, or Space Spectre’s sinister reflection, Space Ghost faces some of his greatest challenges yet.
Jonathan Lau’s artwork continues to be some of the best in the business, delivering high-energy fights that never sacrifice clarity or emotion. David Pepose’s writing keeps things moving at breakneck speed while ensuring there’s always something deeper driving the characters forward.
If this run is any indication of what Pepose can do, then his upcoming Captain Planet revival - set to launch on Earth Day - is going to be something special. If you love classic heroes being reimagined for a modern audience while staying true to their roots, Space Ghost is a must-read.
