Casper and the Spectrals #2 (Ardden Entertainment – Dezago / Delgado / Oats)
When new friends Casper and Wendy find themselves framed and captured for taunting the Ogres, the impish Hot Stuff – who, incidentally, framed them – finally realizes that he may have gone too far this time! Meanwhile, Professor Field is about to activate his new invention, unaware that the results will effect both the real world and the spectral world forever!
Back in November I read Casper and the Spectrals #1 and it was one the best surprises of the year. When the folks over at Ardden Entertainment were remaking a classic comic icon like Casper it gave me (and everyone else) extreme pause. Casper is loved by multi-generations of geeks and non-geeks alike who have delighted in playful adventures of the friendliest ghost around. In Issue #1, Todd Dezago paid homage to the original characters, brought a twenty-first century life into the story and made it entertaining for readers of all ages. With issue #2, he proved it wasn’t a fluke!
In this issue, we see Casper, Wendy and Hot Stuff start to combine forces and get the upper hand on some ogres and a werewolf… but the trio isn’t that lucky when it comes to pulling the wool over the eyes of their own guardians. They are separated and each forced to do their own version of penance (how do you ground a ghost or devil?). The issue ends with Volbragg (the spectral world’s version of the bogeyman) breaking free and ready to use his magic to enslave Ghostville and every other town beyond.
The writing is fun and adventuresome. The three main characters are smart, likable and somehow I think relate-able to any elementary age reader. The art is distinctive and well-thought out. The writing and visual-creative team do nothing but compliment and enhance each other. And the synthesis is absolutely worth looking at!
The Bottom Line: It might have taken a while, but it was worth the wait!
Issue grade: A
