Ghost #1 Review - Mobile Edition

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Ghost #1 Review
By J. Skyler
October 26, 2012 - 00:11

Dark Horse Comics
Writer(s): Kelly Sue DeConnick
Penciller(s): Phil Noto
Cover Artist(s): Phil Noto
$2.99 US

I love reading anything with a feminist slant. In the opening pages of Ghost #1, writer Kelly Sue DeConnick dives into the mind of title character by likening her to the goddess Athena. Though internal monologue, Ghost questions why the myth regarding the birth of Athena is essentially a story about Zeus, never mentioning anything from the perspective of Athena, even though it is her origin. Like Athena, Ghost realizes she was brought into the world through force, by the actions of men who she would otherwise have no connection to.

I assume that by design, this mini-series utilizes the myth of Athena's birth as a blueprint for Ghost. Ghost #0 gives us far more information and character development regarding supporting characters Tommy Byers and Vaughn Barnes, the paranormal investigation team that are responsible for conjuring Ghost through a stolen piece of technology. In contrast, Ghost #1 begins the character's quest to discover the mystery of her own existence, in spit of the fact that others, including Byers and Barnes, are already obsessed with discovering that information for themselves. This is the quintessential element of feminist theory, that a woman is burdened with the challenge of reclaiming the right to define her own existence from the men in her life who wish to do it for her. To be clear this is not a matter of vilifying men, as Ghost freely admits her companions are essentially good men, but this is nonetheless her life and her narrative, not theirs. Additionally, the first significant antagonist we are introduced to, Dr. October expresses a cultural bias that every woman cringes over: no matter how intelligent or skilled a woman is at what she does, her success is always dependent (at least in part) on her level of attractiveness.

Overall, DeConnick's storytelling and Phil Noto's artwork make for a very enjoyable read. If Ghost #1 is any indication, this four issue limited series maybe a new definitive story in this character's publication history. One I sincerely hope will lead to a new on-going monthly series.

Rating: 9/10