The separate Warner Archive December 5, 2017 DVD rereleases of the Saturday morning mid-60s action-adventure series "Space Ghost & Dino Boy" and (the recently reviewed) "Birdman & the Galaxy Trio" contributes to the mountain of reasons for which to worship Archive. As a special feature in the "Birdman" set states, Hanna-Barbera hiring legendary comic book artist Alex Toth to create fare for that legendary animation studio is in response to Spider-man and his amazing friends from many 'verses invading HB turf is a genuine game changer.
The most notable aspect of "Ghost" also relates to Toth; The separate release worthy "Simplicity: The Life and Art of Alex Toth" is approximately 90 minutes of the four children of Roth, current WB animation god Bruce Timm, future comic book artist legend Paul Pope, and a handful of other animation experts/Toth friends discussing this revered figure. We also hear recordings of Toth discussing his experiences.
"Ghost" follows a familiar Hanna-Barbera "and friends" format in having each episode consist of three shorts that separately feature the titular toon and the series with which it is paired. In this case, most episodes open with a "Ghost" adventure," tell a tale of the "Land of the Lost" like modern-day Dino Boy stranded in a prehistoric valley. and conclude with a second "Ghost." The format changes at the end of run by making "Dino Boy." which awesomely includes music from "The Flintstones," history to facilitate a third "Ghost" adventure.
The titular caped crusader uses a combination of special abilities and tech. to battle all manner of alien baddies. Roughly half of these adventures stem from teen "wonder twins" Jace (voiced by Jonny Quest himself Tim Matheson) and Jan and their space monkey Blip encountering trouble while cruising around.
The vulnerability that creates some suspense relates to Space Ghost heavily relying on the offensive and defensive capabilities of the power bands that he wears on his wrists. Often being constrained in a manner that precludes reaching the bands or having the bands taken from him provides a sense that the villain (including Zorak and Brak of the decades-later satirical series "Space Ghost: Coast to Coast") may win that round.
The spoiler in noting that the bad guys in "Ghost" have a surprisingly high success rate in getting away in the wake of their evil plot going awry is shared in the context of another memorable aspect of "Ghost." The series wraps up with an epic six-part "Council of Doom" adventure in which a Sinister Six create a legion for the sole purpose of making Space Ghost an actual breathing-impaired individual.
These episodes puts one or more nefarious character in the spotlight regarding a scheme to off Space Ghost. These outings typically conclude with a "Batman" '66 style cliffhanger that has our hero facing either certain death or a worse fate. A way cool element enters the picture in the form of super friends helping out.
The bigger picture regarding this release and "Birdman" is that they illustrate the benefit of the best form of synergy. Hanna-Barbera contributes the art and the commerce expertise that tremendously enhance the childhoods of Gen Xers, and Toth brings equal love and skill regarding super heroes. The arguably allows Hanna-Barbera to thrive in the strange new world of mid-60s Saturday morning programming.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Ghost" or "Birdman" is strongly encouraged either to email me or to connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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