Title: Space Ghost Volume 2: The Council of Doom (TP)
Publisher: Dynamite
Writer: David Pepose
Artist: Jonathan Lau
Colorist: Andrew Dalhouse
Letterer: Taylor Esposito
Collection Cover: Francesco Mattina
Price: $ 19.99 US
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Website: www.dynamite.com
Comments: This book collects issues seven through twelve and the Annual.
On the planet Halcyon, Blip and Jace have crash-landed with Space Ghost rushing in, ready to protect Jan. The Creature King rules this strange world of sentient animals.
Blip takes charge here. On this planet, humans are exposed to the Encephalo-Ray, which removes their intelligence, while animals such as monkeys gain enhanced intelligence.
Blip fights for his family. He is clearly the star of this story as he battles to protect those he loves.
The intelligent animals on this planet are illustrated in a way that shows both sides of their nature. They are no longer simply animalistic; they now have the capacity to think, understand, and feel emotions.
Blip ultimately saves the day and proves himself a true hero. But will anyone remember his bravery after he destroys the Encephalo-Ray? Once Space Ghost returns to normal, he is his old tough self and finishes the remaining fight with a powerful right hand.
Space Ghost realizes that Blip was affected by the Encephalo-Ray and understands that Blip played a major role in what happened here — including who really rescued whom.
It is great the way Blip is the star of this story while the others are still used enough to keep them relevant. You learn that Blip is just as much a member of this team as anyone else. He appreciates his family and truly loves them.
The Iron General, also known as General Metallus, and his steel soldiers are an impressive army. They seize control of Planet Vector’s Stiranotanium reserves.
The starship Ulysses comes under attack and Space Ghost responds. He has unfinished business with the Iron General. Space Ghost is illustrated here in a fury, while Metallus is depicted as a massive and powerful foe — a cold-blooded killer who continues to increase the firepower of his warship.
Space Ghost attempts to confront General Metallus head-on but cannot penetrate the General’s armor. He is thrown around brutally, and the battle raises the frightening possibility that Space Ghost may be no more.
Jan and Jace remain calm in the face of this terrifying situation. They stay ready to do whatever they can to help.
General Metallus and his forces then attack the Federation homeworld. Is this the end for everyone? Will he destroy the Federation and rule over what remains? Can anyone stop him? Is Space Ghost truly dead?
The art in these sequences is incredibly strong. Both Space Ghost and General Metallus are illustrated as powerful, unstoppable forces. Watching these two battle is a royal clash of epic proportions.
Metallus and his army invade while Jan, Jace, and of course Blip do everything they can to help. Space Ghost is presumed dead at the hands of Metallus — but after all, he is a ghost. And how does one truly kill a ghost?
When Space Ghost returns, the artwork explodes with action and energy.
Space Ghost must use the resources available to defeat Metallus, and he goes directly after this powerful villain. Their final battle is personal. Space Ghost is filled with hatred and a desire for vengeance, but he is also filled with love — love for the family he once had and love for his new family, Jan and Jace. That love ultimately makes him stronger than any hatred ever could.
Space Ghost is an inspiring hero. He is tough and powerful, yes, but he is more than that. Through his actions and belief in others, he inspires those around him to be stronger as well.
It is also great to see Blip helping out so much. He is far more than just a space monkey.
The story makes good use of the full cast — Jan, Jace, and Blip — even though Space Ghost remains the central hero.
We also see Space Ghost portrayed in a softer light, remembering the time when he had a family. He was not always so hardened, and it is nice to see that humanity in him from time to time.
Then comes the shocking arrival of Space Spectre, who appears to be an evil version of Space Ghost — or at least one without his sense of mercy.
Space Ghost and his sidekicks are investigating Robo Corp when Space Spectre storms in like a violent force of nature.
There is also a heartwarming moment between Space Ghost, Jan, and Jace. Space Ghost may be as tough as they come, but underneath it all he is still just a man.
Space Ghost, Blip, Jan, and Jace launch a full attack on Space Spectre.
When Space Spectre’s true identity is revealed, it is a shocking surprise that readers will not see coming.
This story introduces a time traveler, which is an interesting concept, though not quite enough time is spent explaining how or why he returned. One wonders whether his presence might affect the future — which is actually his past.
Again, it is great to see Jan, Jace, and Blip used more prominently. They are integral to the story.
The artwork presents both Space Ghost and Space Spectre as large, muscular figures capable of tremendous physical power.
The ending leaves readers wondering what danger these heroes will face next. At the same time, it reminds us that the future is not yet written — and heroes like these inspire us to face impossible odds and come out victorious.
Doctor Xander Ibal discovers Zorak and assembles the Council of Doom — a group of five of the most powerful and evil villains imaginable. This gathering certainly does not bode well for Space Ghost.
Meanwhile, at the City in Space, Space Ghost continues doing what he does best: saving others.
At one point, Space Ghost argues with Jan and Jace — and they are right. He overreacts and goes too far. Though he is trying to protect them, he is still wrong.
Soon Space Ghost finds himself under attack by his deadliest enemies. The odds are stacked against him, but he refuses to give up. The situation improves slightly when Jan, Jace, and Blip rush in to help, though Space Ghost only wants them safe.
The Council of Doom ultimately succeeds in completing their mission for Ibal.
The artwork crackles with energy. The characters feel alive as they battle each other. The villains are despicable and their evil presence is palpable. Meanwhile Jan, Jace, and Blip prove heroic as they refuse to remain safe and instead risk their lives to help their friend.
The story ends on a strong cliffhanger that will draw readers back for the next issue.
What are the Ultima Protocols? We may soon learn why Blip is so important.
The Council of Doom — composed of Space Ghost’s deadliest enemies — continues their hunt. Space Ghost is badly injured but refuses to give in. Jan and Jace prove just as brave as they do everything they can to help him.
Moltar, Metallus, and the Creature King are not as clever as they think. With careful planning, Jan and Jace show that even two kids can accomplish a great deal.
Brak, Widow, and Zorak are vile villains who soon begin fighting among themselves, and Space Ghost takes full advantage of their infighting.
When Space Ghost stands facing all his enemies, he stands tall and proud. The art shows a hero with absolutely no fear.
Space Ghost gives himself an impossible task — yet he never falters. This is a hero who does not understand the meaning of failure. Watching him in action is enough to give readers goosebumps, and the artwork captures this perfectly.
A new threat called Ultima now looms over the universe, and Space Ghost prepares once again for battle. He is tireless in his pursuit of evil.
The Collective — also known as Robo Corp — controls much of the galaxy while Ultima continues to pound away at Space Ghost.
Jan and Jace prove once again that they are far more than simple sidekicks. They take action and show real competence. Without them, Space Ghost alone would not be enough.
No matter the evil they face, Space Ghost, Jan, Jace, and Blip are strongest when they stand together.
Jan and Jace also receive a surprise that may — or may not — be pleasant. Meanwhile, a new villain begins to rise and prepares to strike at Space Ghost.
The excitement here is off the charts as our heroes work together seamlessly. They depend on one another.
In this issue the villains remain somewhat in the background while the heroes take center stage. The story focuses on saving others, and Space Ghost, Jan, and Jace all shine as the heroic figures they are meant to be.
The artwork showcases the trio perfectly, leaving readers with no doubt that these heroes are the best of the best.
In the end, teamwork wins the day.
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