Dynamite; $5.99 

I've been a Space Ghost fan for most of my life. I grew up watching the original cartoon on Saturday mornings in the 1970s, loved Space Ghost Coast to Coast, and really enjoyed DC's 2005 miniseries by Joe Kelly and Ariel Olivetti with painted covers by Alex Ross. Because of that, I've seen quite a few versions of the character, and David Pepose's run has become one of my favorites. 

Space Ghost Annual #1 is less about delivering wall-to-wall action and more about giving Dax a chance to reflect after everything he's been through. While a new threat involving Magnus and a mysterious alien keeps the story moving, the real focus is on Space Ghost, Jan, and Jace. One of the best things about this series has always been its emphasis on found family, and this issue reminds readers that those relationships are what hold the team together. 

Jonathan Lau continues to impress. His artwork captures both the larger than life action and the quieter character moments, giving the story plenty of emotional weight without slowing the pace. 

What I appreciated most is that this annual doesn't feel like an afterthought. It wraps up the current chapter of the series while setting the stage for the upcoming meeting with the Herculoids. It's a satisfying bridge between stories and another strong entry in what has been an outstanding run. 

Pepose and Lau have done something special with Space Ghost. They've respected the character's history while creating a version that feels fresh for today's readers. I only hope they're not finished telling his story. 

–Scott Schlazer