Ghost of a Ghost #1 — Mike Mignola and Michael Avon Oeming Serve Up Psychedelic Spy-Fi
Agent Jian returns from the Giant Robot Hellboy arc to lead a psychedelic 60s-era spy ring in this new four-issue series. Mike Mignola and Michael Avon Oeming team up for a ride into the world of enkeladite.
There is a particular kind of magic that happens when Mike Mignola’s distinct narrative voice meets Michael Avon Oeming’s bold, expressive art. It’s a partnership built on shadow and spotlight, and now they are turning their gaze away from Hellboy and into the sleek, dangerous world of 1960s espionage. Ghost of a Ghost isn’t just a spinoff; it’s a chance to see the creator duo tackle a completely different genre with the same gravity and weirdness that defined their earlier work.
You might remember Agent Jian from the Giant Robot Hellboy crossover, where she was exposed to the mysterious mineral known as enkeladite. That transformation didn’t just give her powers; it pulled her into a hidden world. Now, she’s not fighting monsters in the ruins of civilization. She’s operating as a superspy, part of a clandestine ring tasked with tracking down and securing these dangerous mineral deposits. The goal is simple on paper: keep the material out of the wrong hands. The execution is where the fun begins, as Jian quickly realizes that in the world of high-stakes espionage, the definition of 'wrong' is rarely black and white.
What makes this debut so inviting is the sheer audacity of the setting. We’re talking psychedelic 60s spy-fi, a time capsule of mod aesthetics, secret labs, and moral ambiguity. Chris Roberson and Taki Soma have joined Mignola and Oeming on this run, adding layers of dialogue and visual flair that complement the core team’s strengths. The art is going to be a character in itself—sharp, stylish, and perfectly suited to the era. It’s the kind of book that feels like it was pulled from a vintage paperback cover but has the soul of modern comics.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens to the supporting cast that elevates a crossover story into something memorable, this is your answer. Jian goes from a powerful ally to the lead, and seeing her navigate a world of double-crosses and government secrets is a thrill. It’s a four-issue run, which means you get a complete, satisfying arc without having to commit to a massive saga. It’s a perfect entry point if you love creator-driven projects that aren’t afraid to get weird.
As you look at the variants, keep an eye on the Dave Johnson and Michael Cho covers—both artists have a way of capturing that era’s vibe with incredible detail. Oeming’s main cover is the one that sets the tone, but these alternatives offer different windows into Jian’s world. Grab the issue that speaks to you, and trust me, you’re going to want to see where this four-issue ride ends.