The Ghost Fleet #8
Dark Horse Comics
Written by: Donny Cates
Art by: Daniel Warren Johnson
Nothing makes me happier than finding a comic book creator that is able to garner my undivided attention. As comics become increasingly popular and more attention and care is given to the medium this list of must read creators seems to grow every month. With the conclusion of The Ghost Fleet #8 I can now say Donny Cates has joined that list of elite creators and from this day forward I pledge not to miss a single thing this man touches. The Ghost Fleet has been the perfect blend of 80s action nostalgia, comedy, and complete utter madness. It now stands as my favorite comic about transportation, a unique blend of Tango & Cash, Smokey and the Bandit and Men In Black, The Ghost Fleet is not to be missed.
I don’t want to give to much away so I am going to be brief in my summary of issue 8. Basically The Ghost Fleet Cargo has been unleashed and our crew must stop it before it brings about the end of the world. No matter how hard you try you will never guess how this one ends as Cates may have created the perfect ending for Trace Morales and The Ghost Fleet.
Cates has handled this series insanely well and issue 8 is no exception. In fact its probably 
my favorite issue in a series that has gifted me with more laughs and jaw dropping action than an Edgar Wright film. Donny is perfectly at home in the 80’s action genre and you can feel his love for this unique period in film ooze off every panel, every word, and every intense in your face action scene. Without giving too much away The Ghost Fleet #8 is the perfect ending for this 80’s action love letter. Donny does the unexpected and continues to surprise and engage readers up until the very last panel. My absolute favorite part of issue 8 is the cliched 80s ending with the Cates twist. Its both hilarious and nostalgic while perfectly fitting the characters and tone of the series.
Not to be outdone by Cates’ writing Daniel Warren Johnson’s art is stellar and really sells the time period and tone that Cates is striving for. Johnson’s grungy style works especially well in Donny’s high intensity action scenes as Johnson is able to carefully plot and stylize each scene so they can be easily followed but maintain the messy art style. In fact I would argue that Johnson crafts some of the best action in comics in The Ghost Fleet especially in issue 8 as bullets and blood become art work worthy of a gallery.
The Ghost Fleet #8 is my first big for best comic of the year so far. With a series that has been non stop craziness, Cates and Johnson deliver their most insane chapter yet with issue 8 and present and ending that is not to be missed. If you haven’t been reading The Ghost Fleet, put up your feet, grab a beer and sit back an amazingly awesome ride full of friendship, betrayal, explosions and the end of the world.