David Pepose takes on SPACE GHOST

Dynamite is gearing as much as launch Space Ghost this May. Partnering with Warner Bros and Discovery Global Consumer Products, the brand new e book starring the legendary guardian of the spaceways will function the artistic group of author David Pepose and artist Jonathan Lau.

The Beat chatted with Pepose forward of the discharge.

DEANNA DESTITO: How did this venture come about?

DAVID PEPOSE: I’ve identified Nick Barucci and the editors at Dynamite for going on 15 years, and I’ve labored to remain on their radar as I’ve constructed up my writing profession. I’d prefer to assume my work on Punisher and Moon Knight: City of the Dead is what acquired Joe Rybandt and firm to think about me for Space Ghost — and I’m so glad they did. It’s been such a dream venture to work on, attending to juggle all of the motion and emotion and sci-fi worldbuilding behind these characters.

DESTITO: What attracted you to Space Ghost?

PEPOSE: Boy, there are such a lot of components which have me enthusiastic about this venture. The first must be the character arc we’re placing collectively for Space Ghost and his supporting solid — Space Ghost got here out the identical 12 months as Adam West’s Batman, and the unique cartoons shared a lot DNA. And past the big selection of skills he possesses due to his Power Bands and Inviso-Belt, after I initially began interested by Space Ghost as a personality, my first thought was that it was so distinctive that he not solely had one sidekick however three!

The unique cartoons had been so fashionable and so enjoyable, however they by no means actually had any time to determine any backstory to how or why this unlikely group got here collectively — and that turned the guts of my take on Space Ghost. Beyond all of the enjoyable sci-fi motion and journey, this sequence is finally about how Jan, Jace, and Blip discover themselves in Space Ghost’s orbit, and the way their dynamic evolves from them being rescued orphans to turning into trusted companions to ultimately coming along with Space Ghost to kind their very own surrogate household. It actually is a enjoyable ensemble story the place all of the characters have an opportunity to be taught, develop, and even heal.

And in fact, I’d be remiss if I didn’t discuss concerning the villains. Space Ghost was designed by the legendary Alex Toth, however he didn’t cease there — whenever you see all of the superb villains that Toth created for the character, like Zorak, Metallus, Brak, Creature King, and the remainder of the Council of Doom, you understand that this can be a character who has simply as iconic of a rogues’ gallery that Batman or Spider-Man has. It means that you can inform all kinds of thrilling tales with a personality like Space Ghost as a result of he has such quite a lot of threats to work towards.

DESTITO: Were you a fan of the character beforehand?

PEPOSE: I used to be! I grew up in the course of the Coast to Coast years however actually keyed into his potential as a superhero in his personal proper with works like Joe Kelly and Ariel Olivetti’s Space Ghost run at DC, in addition to Jeff Parker and Doc Shaner’s extremely enjoyable work on Future Quest.

But I believe as I rewatched all the unique episodes to organize for this venture, my appreciation has solely deepened — I did a super-deep dive not simply with the cartoons, however even studying each Space Ghost comics look I may get my fingers on. Mark Evanier and Steve Rude’s Space Ghost one-shot at Comico, for instance? Absolutely chic stuff.

DESTITO: How is it working with Dynamite and this artistic group?

PEPOSE: It’s been completely spectacular. First and foremost, I’m so grateful to my editor Joe Rybandt and the groups at each Dynamite and Warner Bros., who’ve actually given me a ton of latitude to dive into Space Ghost’s universe in essentially the most thrilling and character-driven manner attainable. This sequence has my longest runway to this point, and the truth that everybody concerned has been so open to the wide-reaching plans I’ve give you is such a heartening expertise.

And I can’t say sufficient nice issues about Jonathan Lau — after I first noticed his art work, the factor that stood out to me was not simply how highly effective however ethereal he was capable of make Space Ghost, or how powerfully he establishes the temper of every scene, however that he didn’t ignore Jan, Jace, or Blip. He understood proper from the leap that this can be a story that’s instructed via their eyes as effectively, and that they’ll share the highlight with Space Ghost as they work and develop collectively. (Also, Jonathan’s cutaways to Blip usually crack me up.) Colorist Andrew Dalhouse additionally deserves a ton of credit score for giving this sequence a lot temper and vitality — I’d labored with him as soon as earlier than on a Miles Morales quick story at Marvel, and he’s only a actual artist’s artist along with his colours. I’m fortunate to be working with a extremely top-shelf group right here.

DESTITO: What does this incarnation have for each previous and new followers of Space Ghost?

PEPOSE: We’ve been working to gear this sequence in order that whether or not you’re new to Space Ghost otherwise you’ve watched each episode of the unique sequence, you’ll be capable of observe this e book from the very first situation. For those that are diehard followers of Space Ghost, we’re going to be digging deep into his rogues’ gallery — I rewatched each episode of the unique sequence and the Space Stars revival of the ‘80s, so keep your eyes peeled. It’s a harmful universe on the market — you’re going to see nearly all people you would possibly count on, plus just a few deep cuts that you just won’t.

But even for newcomers who won’t be immediately aware of the lore, the characters are key right here. We’re telling a extremely fantastic story about household, loss, and redemption with this sequence — with out giving an excessive amount of away, I believe Space Ghost, Jan, and Jace’s tales every complement each other in some actually heartfelt methods, and I believe in case you stick round with this e book, you’re going to fall in love with these characters simply as a lot as I’ve.

DESTITO: Any teasers concerning the sequence you may share?

PEPOSE: Hmm, what else can I tease that I haven’t mentioned already…? Expect loads of villains. Expect loads of sci-fi journey, drama, humor, and coronary heart. Expect to fall in love with this cosmic quartet. And most significantly, in case you solely know Space Ghost from his discuss present, ensure that to take a look at our e book to search out out why he’s the best superhero within the galaxy.