Space Ghost vs. the Herculoids #1: A Big Beginning

Dynamite, publisher of Space Ghost, put out a Herculoid series in 2025. In writing Space Ghost vs. the Herculoids #1, though, Pepose does not assume readers are familiar with that series specifically or the Herculoids generally. Significant space is devoted to developing the Herculoids in advance of the issue’s action. This makes for a somewhat slow beginning. There is a lot of exposition. There also comes a point where the timeline of past Herculoid events becomes somewhat unclear. Nevertheless, this introduction to the Herculoids is very effective. Who they are and what their motivation is is clearly set out by the end of this section of the first issue.

Space Ghost vs. the Herculoids #1’s back half contains some fast moving action. Though the issue starts slower with the Herculoids’ introduction, once that is out of the way, the issue kicks into high gear with considerably more energy and urgency. Space Ghost, Jace, and Jan are introduced in a big (albeit throwaway) fight with the cosmic pirates. Initial plot development for the series follows, and the issue goes out with the Herculoids attacking. The seemingly complex plot and the action packed ending sets up a lot of potential for the series.

Pepose doesn’t worry much about Space Ghost’s backstory. What little exposition there is comes during the opening fight between the heroic trio of Space Ghost, Jace, and Jan and cosmic pirates. This is somewhat unusual for a Space Ghost comic. Pepose seldom assumes readers are familiar with the material and as a result usually strikes a better balance between telling the story and allowing for the possibility that every issue of Space Ghost might be someone’s first Space Ghost comic. In the case of Space Ghost vs. Herculoids #1 it’s a good choice. A lot of Space Ghost exposition on top of all the Herculoids exposition could have left very little space for action and plot.

Part of the Herculoids’ backstory is told via flashback. Dalhouse uses a washed out sepia overtone to all the other coloring, doing a good job separating the flashback from the rest of the issue which is, as usual, richly colored and especially vibrant during action sequences.

The artwork in Space Ghost vs. the Herculoids #1 makes the Herculoids immediately engaging. Lau’s use of patches of thin lines to define characters gives everyone in Space Ghost comics a high level of dimension. This works very well for all of the Herculoids, most of which are not human. The high level of detail makes all of the characters compelling. In the case of the human looking Zandor, Lau’s style creates both a strong and very expressive main character.

This level of detail makes for high energy action sequences as well. Character poses look more dynamic because of the depth and dimension Lau brings to the visuals. This kind of visual depth always makes the characters jump off the page and there is a true sense of space. The Herculoids are the chief beneficiaries in that Lau’s work makes them look very powerful.

The Herculoids also benefit from Dalhouse’s brighter coloring during action sequences. As with Lau’s detailed art and subtle shading, Dalhouse’s vibrant coloring gives the Herculoids a sense of power.

Sound effects are used generously throughout the issue’s action sequences. Esposito’s choice of fonts and colors adds a lot of energy (and some fun) to all of these sequences.