SPACE GHOST VS THE HERCULOIDS #2 (DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT)
As the Herculoids continue their attack on the Galactic Federation, the fight intensifies between Space Ghost and Zandor. Space Ghost still doesn’t know that Zandor is fighting out of revenge for his presumed murdered wife and son. But unfortunately, tragedy is going to strike the Space Ghost family as well. Will Zandor and the rest of the Herculoids be able to deal with a very angry and out for revenge Space Ghost? And how does the fighting between both of these powerful warriors fit into the Evil Collectors’ hands?
Space Ghost vs The Herculoids #2 - Written By David Pepose – Art By Jonathan Lau - Colors By Andrew Dalhouse - Letters By Taylor Esposito - Edited By Joseph Rybandt - Published By Dynamite Entertainment
Credit: Dynamite Entertainment
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
WRITING:
This issue is what we love as Space Ghost fans! David Pepose brings the human drama and kickass action to a boiling point in this second issue. The revenge fueled onslaught by the Herculoids feels very personal and relatable for the reader. At the same time, we can’t blame Space Ghost for defending the Federation he thinks he’s protecting innocent people and knows nothing of what happened to Zandors family. Pepose puts a lot of emotion into the fighting scenes which makes them feel more important and feels like the stakes are higher. But the real genius of this issue is the mistake Zandor makes which makes this battle personal for Space Ghost. Pepose tugs at our heartstrings first with what happens but directly follows that with Space Ghost showing up. Any fan of the series knows that this is not going to go well for the Herculoids. The raw emotional drama involving Space Ghost is always the best in the series, and Pepose knows how to milk that perfectly. With all the emotions and action going on, Pepose still finds time to reveal the Evil Collectors motives, as well as give us a pretty awesome twist and cliffhanger to finish the issue on.
ARTWORK:
I feel like I run the risk of sounding too much like a cheerleader every issue of a Space Ghost book because of the praise I sing for Jonathan Lau’s artwork. However, it is well deserved and is proof that he is doing some of the best work in the industry today. With the amount of emotion and action as Pepose likes to put into the script, the fact that Lau not only is able to bring it to life on the page, but he also exceeds all expectations is a testament to his skill. Lau captures every emotion that the reader is supposed to feel and does so without sacrificing a drop of the action. The heavier scenes have so much weight to them because of the expressions on the characters faces along with body language. You know instantly if a character is angry, happy, confused, or whatever the emotion just by looking at how they are depicted. Then add to that the excitement and intensity of the fighting and action scenes. That is the perfect recipe for amazing artwork.
Andrew Dalhouse compliments the amazing linework with some amazing color choices. Going with more natural colors keeps it grounded and makes it so the colors don’t distract you from what is important. Dalhouse helps the reader stay focused on the emotions and action, rather than taking your attention away with his pallet. Taylor Esposito really pushes the emotions and tones of the story with his lettering. The letters convey whatever emotion the reader should be feeling, well never confusing you where you are on the page. They blend into the artwork and never distract from where your eyes need to focus. I’ve always said this art team is one of the best in the industry, and they prove that yet again in this issue.
check out my review of space ghost VS THE HERCULOIDS #1
Final Thoughts:
Space Ghost vs The Herculoids #2 raises the emotional stakes and delivers the explosive confrontation this crossover promised. David Pepose balances grief, revenge, and deception with hard-hitting action, while Jonathan Lau, Andrew Dalhouse, and Taylor Esposito make every impact and emotion land. The issue’s devastating turn transforms the conflict for Space Ghost, and the final twist leaves the story in an exciting place. This is another must-read issue! Grab a copy at your LCS and add the series to your Pull List as soon as you can.
FINAL GRADE: 10/10
Let me know your thoughts on Space Ghost vs The Herculoids #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
