Review: Black Ghost #3
“They” say that there are no more original ideas, only that which has gone, at least once before. That then maybe explains the main ideas of this book. The Black Ghost features a lot of Jessica Jones vibes, from drunk to would be hero, to African American neighbour, possible partner-in-crime, all the way to the 30’s style hero. Throw in the fact that the main character is a reporter and you have shades of “Clark-Kara-Peter-Kent-Zor-el-Parker”.
In the third issue of this series from New Wave Comics, in partnership with Comixology, we get to see Lara (couldn’t be Lana or Kara, so go for the mix, right?), try and cope with a couple of devastating loses by taking to the streets to beat up bad guys and get drunk. A lot! But where does all the action leave the would be heroine?
The book is written/co-created by indie specialists Alex Segura and Monica Gallagher, with the pair also spending time on Archie, and Oni Press and Vertigo respectively. Between the pair, there is a wealth of talent to display, yet I am feeling a tad disillusioned to say the least. The book is hopelessly derivative, with nary a non used trope or character beat from elsewhere used. Gallagher is known for writing with a positive feminist spin, so I am a little non-plussed by the idea that Lara can only exist in some sort of self destructive manner. If I have missed the point, then I truly apologise. As it stands the writing feels like a hodge-podge of a lot of characters that I have already seen time and time again.
The art is supplied by co-creator George Kambadais whose style is reminiscent of books like Hench Girl, with maybe a less emphasis on Manga facial elements. The panels are structured in a pedestrian manner which doesn’t help the lack of cognisant movement; characters often find themselves “in place”. It’s a simple style that is easy to follow for the most part. However, there is an abundance of heavy black inks to denote shadows rather than show gradients. This affects the nuance of the art as does the colors from Ellie Wright who favours a non textured approach, leaving bold colors in their place. Finally, Taylor Esposito, of Ghost Glyph Studios, does his usual excellent job with font design and lettering choices.
May be I am not the target audience for this book; but surely it is the creators role to provide a book that feels like ether a new read or at least offers the opportunity to build on ideas, styling and characters that have gone before. Unfortunately, on this occasion, this book misses the mark for me.
Writing – 3 Stars
Art – 2.5 Stars
Colors – 3 Stars
Overall – 3 Stars
Written by; Alex Segura and Monica Gallagher
Art by; George Kambadais
Colors by; Ellie Wright
Letters by; Taylor Esposito from Ghost Glyph Studios
Published by, New Wave Comics in partnership with Comixology
Black Ghost created by; Alex Segura, Monica Gallagher and George Kambadais
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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