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Ghost #0 Advanced Review

By Andy Frisk
September 9, 2012 - 17:51

Vaughn Barnes, a disgraced reporter, is the cameraman for a reality TV show that focuses on paranormal activity called Phantom Finders (think Ghost Hunters). Barnes figures that absolutely no phantoms are ever going to be found, but when he activates a mysterious box that is supposed to help Barnes, and the show's host, Tommy Byers, actually find a phantom, something strange happens. A hauntingly beautiful woman appears, and later reappears at an opportune time to aid Byers and Barnes is a most unique way setting Byers and Barnes on the trail of a mystery...not the least of which is the identity of this beautiful ghost.

The greatest member of Dark Horse Comics' 1990s stab at creating a superhero universe all their own returns in Ghost #0 by Kelly Sue DeConnick (Captain Marvel) and Phil Noto (X-23). I cannot tell you how thrilled I, and many readers, will be to see one of our favorite indie superheroes in action again. With DeConnick writing Ghost's new adventures (at least for a four issue mini-series), the future sure looks bright for the character. DeConnick is doing wonders with Carol Danvers over at Marvel Comics, and she is the perfect choice to bring Ghost back. DeConnick is one of those talented writers that can write strong women and convincing male characters at once. In fact, the story revolves around the main character of Vaughn Barnes rather than Ghost (I refrain from using her "real" name since I'm not sure if Dark Horse or DeConnick are going to use the same name she went by in her previous incarnation). Barnes is a typical down on his luck character who gets mixed up in some very untypical situations, not the least of which is the drawing of a beautiful specter to his side.

Phil Noto's artwork is solid, and he brings Ghost to beautiful life. The character was a bit of titillating one when she first appeared as her costume was originally very much like that of Emma Frost's, but with more style and class. Ghost's bodice was always barely hanging on to her chest and her breasts were always looking like they were tantalizingly about to fall out of it. Noto tones down her hubba-hubba look by reworking her outfit into more of a wrap around type of garment instead of a tightly fitting bodice and leather like pants. Her head wrap and boots are still in place though, even if her twin pistols are, as yet, unseen.

Interestingly, DeConnick gives this version of Ghost a more visceral physicality by having her wreak a little bodily havoc (and violence) more intimately than at the impersonal distance of a pistol. I do hope that Ghost eventually regains her twin sidearms though. They were intelligent phallic symbols. Many of Ghost's original stories focused pretty heavily on male/female relationships and played smartly with gender role stereotypes. Hopefully, DeConnick will recapture some of that edginess.

An all around solid reintroduction of a much loved classic character, Ghost #0 definitely whets the reader's appetite for more, and, for long suffering Ghost fans, holds the promise of the glorious return of an old favorite. 

Rating: 9 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12