Last Time…
As Issue #10 ended, the time traveling Space Spectre had arrived to attempt to prevent an upcoming disaster. A seeming doppelganger of Space Ghost, he battled our hero, trying to do what he thought was right. To intervene in the tragic future that he saw coming. In the end, however, he became faced with the choice of fulfilling his mission or saving Jan, who was plunging to her death. He chose to save Jan, revealing or confirming his identity to her (see Issue#10). But before returning to his past, he left her with a warning. A warning of Doom.
Space Ghost, Issue 11
One of the defining characteristics of comics is that nothing is permanent, especially the seeming demise of a character. This is often a hallmark and challenge for comic writers, who must devise creative ways to resurrect a presumed dead hero or villain. Typically, this occurs to the “surprise” of the protagonist, who continues to operate under the belief that death is final. Silly hero. We comic readers know better.
Returning from the “Supposed” Death
In this case, the villain who makes his return is the evil insectoid Zorak, who made his apparent departure from this mortal coil in Issue#5. (see what you miss when you aren’t following along?) No sooner does he make his return, when the equally evil Ibal from Robo Corp reaches out to him to recruit his assistance. Their offer? To reveal Space Ghost’s home in exchange for the return of a certain item. In addition, he offers Zorak the backup (followers) he requires to achieve their common goal. This is in the form of the “Council of Doom.” (You knew that “DOOM” had to fit in here somewhere.) A collection of villains that on their own, has already tasted defeat from Space Ghost and his young allies. But together, they will succeed where they have separately failed. That’s the IDEA anyway.
Forging a NEW Path
Back at the Ghost Planet, Jan and Jace were tinkering at home while Space Ghost had been called away on a mission. It seemed like this was becoming more the norm than an exception. Him leaving them behind as he faced danger and possible death. You would think by now, they had proved themselves to be an asset and not a hindrance in such situations. It had become such an issue that Jan was looking into joining the Academy and perhaps forging her own path.
Hurt and Betrayal
The only problem was, she never let Space Ghost know what she was considering. And once he found out about it, he was aggravated that she would even think about such an action without discussing it with him. “After all he had done for them.” This was in spite of the distance he had been keeping from the kids since the Space Spectre incident. For Jan, the idea that something was going to happen in their near future, made her consider what she wanted to do with her own life. Before anything “bad” happened. Even Jace wondered what it would be like seeing other “girls” besides his sister.
Forbidden
After listening to Jan explain the reasons for her application, SG did what many parents do: dismiss what she said and inform her and Jace that they were “forbidden” to leave the Ghost Planet. Never in the history of the ongoing battle between parents and children has that proclamation yielded the desired results. Tell a child they are “forbidden” to do something, and you can be sure they will do the opposite. Jan and Jace were no different. In no time, they jumped into their personal space shuttle and departed. That will show Space Ghost!
The Council of Doom
At least it would, but he was in the midst of a battle for his life as the aforementioned Council of Doom arrived at the Ghost Planet unannounced. How RUDE! Meanwhile, as the battle ensues, Jace is trying to convince Jan to let Space Ghost know where they are going and that they’re alright. He believes they can still resolve their argument once they have both cooled off. Jan finally agrees but after trying to contact Space Ghost, they pick up the sounds of the battle. Argument or not, Space Ghost is family, and they rush back to help.
Jan and Jace to the Rescue
Joining into the fray, Jan and Jace attempt to assist Space Ghost in any manner they can. As for Jace, he is surprised to see Zorak had returned. He had been feeling guilty about possibly being the reason for his apparent demise. Guilty Conscious abated. Well, at least that was ONE good thing to come of it. With that concern over with, they attempt to distract his adversaries into concentrating on them, hopefully giving Space Ghost an opportunity to regroup. But all he cares about is for Jan and Jace to get out and save themselves.
During the battle, their chimpanzee friend Blip was captured. As it turned out, this was the prize that Ibal and Robo Corp had demanded from Zorak. The opportunity to eliminate Space Ghost and “those meddling kids” (courtesy of Scooby-Doo) was an added bonus. This nearly happened when Moltar set the area they were fighting on ablaze with molten rock, almost taking out his team in the process, much to the chagrin of Metallus, who did not appreciate Moltar’s carelessness. However, the fact remained that there were six members of the Council of Doom against only three heroes. The odds were in their favor.
Thoughts
Throughout the series, a constant theme has emerged: the age-old battle between parent and child. While Space Ghost appreciates Jan and Jace’s willingness to assist him, he cannot ignore one obvious consideration—they are children. Although it was his idea to give them costumes and allow them to fight alongside him, the fact remains that if anything were to happen to them, it would be his fault, at least as far as he was concerned. Therefore, it is only natural that this conflict would become a matter of contention between them.
Family Crisis
Regarding Space Ghost, the anger he felt upon discovering that Jan was considering leaving was likely a cover for his own hurt and the fear of losing another family. After losing his wife and children, he was unsure if he could endure another such loss. This undoubtedly explains why he was so protective of Jan and Jace. He would not fail his family again! The danger in this lies in the possibility that his over-protectiveness is what ultimately drives them away.
Thus, Space Ghost faces a dual dilemma. He is perpetually concerned for the safety of his two young protégés while attempting to concentrate on combating his numerous adversaries. These enemies, now aware of his whereabouts, have no qualms about exploiting his young allies against him. This is the conflict faced by most heroes and explains their hesitance to form close attachments. It is a familiar narrative, captured brilliantly in David Pepose and Jonathan Lau’s Space Ghost saga, particularly in Issue #11.
Dynamite Comics Space Ghost, Issue#11 by David Pepose and Jonathan Lau is available now where great comics are sold.
Senior Writer at GeekVibesNation – I am a 60 something child of the 70’s who admits to being a Star Trek/Star Wars/Comic Book junkie who once dove headfirst over a cliff (Ok, it was a small hill) to try to rescue his Fantastic Four comic from a watery grave. I am married to a lovely woman who is as crazy as I am and the proud parent of a 21-year-old young man with autism. My wife and son are my real heroes.
