Future Quest Presents: Space Ghost is beautiful intrigue for 9 and up

Future Quest was a mini-series put out by DC Comics in 2016. I was quite excited for it initially because it was bringing back some of the classic Hanna-Barbera characters. When the mini-series came out I was lukewarm to it at best because it was light on action. While it was great to see some of the old school characters being introduced to new audiences it left us wanting more. Apparently that was the purpose of Future Quest all along because now that series has ended and in its place if Future Quest Presents: Space Ghost.

Future Quest Presents is an ongoing mini-series that will concentrate on individual characters or storylines at one time. The first collection is Space Ghost, which is awesome because he’s a well known property that nobody knows anything about. You say Space Ghost I say Coast to Coast, yet I’ve heard that he’s also a kick butt superhero, but that doesn’t jive with how most of my friends see him.

Space Ghost starts out with that version of the mysterious space hero. He’s stopping a group of space pirates from stealing some needed supplies. It’s the cool demeanor that Space Ghost is using that’ll attract your attention. He’s using lasers from his wrists, responding to the legendary aspects of his reputation, turning invisible and then wrapping it all up before school ends.  That last part is important because he has to meet the three members of the Space Force once they’re released from school.

Jan, Jace and Blip are the other three members of the team. They’re two teens and a monkey. I know, two teens and a monkey sounds like a bad French film that might later be re-made into a semi-accepted fish out of water comedy. However, in this case they’re the assistants that help a possibly avenging spirit help others by training on an abandoned that used to be the most populated place for humanoid life in the area.

Future Quest Presents: Space Ghost is a very fun comic book for ages 9 and up. For old school fans who know the mythos of Space Ghost will enjoy seeing the action aspect of his history that was only shown in the late 1960’s cartoons. Young readers, who like age appropriate pulp, science-fiction action will really enjoy this comic book. The way that that comic book is drawn is realistic, but with a pulp noir look that will attract younger readers on a level that they won’t realize. Older fans will recognize the vibe that the comic book produces and appreciate the fact that it’s toned down for younger readers.

Future Quest Presents accomplishes what its predecessor didn’t, a sense of mystery and movement. From the opening panels we’re immediately vested in Space Ghost, his powers and what he’s trying to accomplish. There is also a wide variety of scenes and characters. We meet large stone monsters, flying dragons and are teased with Metallus. This all done with art that looks like it has real photography blended in with the background, but by the time we look at it again we’re too curious about the story to concentrate on that aspect of the comic book.

For young readers there is nothing objectionable, however, there is too much reading for them to be too interested in what’s happening. Ages 9 and up, who like fantasy, science-fiction comic books-with just a touch of super hero will enjoy Future Quest Presents: Space Ghost.