The realm of Star Wars parodies is not unfamiliar to fans of comedic twists on the iconic franchise, with Spaceballs often taking center stage. However, nestled deep within the archives of 1980s independent comics lies a gem that surpasses the likes of Mel Brooks' masterpiece in sheer, unapologetic silliness for many fans: Space Ark. Developed during the comic book boom of the 80s, which saw a surge in independent titles challenging the mainstream dominance of DC and Marvel, Space Ark carved out its own niche with a blend of science fiction parody and "funny animal comics" charm.
Created by Ken Mitchroney, an artist renowned for his work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures, Space Ark follows the misadventures of a galactic police crew under the Fur-Bearing Alliance (FURBALL). The ship, aptly named Space Ark, is manned by a cast of characters that embody incompetence and hilarity in equal measure. At the helm is the egotistical Captain Stone, a fox with delusions of grandeur, supported by a self-important owl Dr. Whoot, a food-obsessed dog Barker, a degenerate gambler engineer Brooklyn aided by a snake Slinx, the competent Kitty as first mate, and Boltz, a non-speaking, hapless droid. Each of the five issues (published from 1985 to 1988) stands as a testament to the comic's ability to craft standalone, ridiculous adventures, from battling mucus-y aliens (the Bucoids) to intergalactic horse racing mishaps.
About Space Ark and Its Unique Humor
The appeal of Space Ark lies in its unbridled embrace of classic cartoon humor, drawing direct comparisons to Looney Tunes and Duck Dodgers in the 24 1/2th Century. Gags are plentiful, with a notable example being Brooklyn's failed attempt to stop Boltz, ending with him wrapped up like a window shade. The comic also delights in dated topical humor, including a reference to comedian Shecky Green and a disguise gag featuring the ship dressed as Groucho Marx. This brand of comedy, while nostalgic, feels refreshingly pure in its silliness, lacking the pretension often found in modern parodies.
Space Ark's influence is multifaceted, clearly parodying both Star Wars and Star Trek, with character archetypes (like the adventurous yet inept Captain Stone) drawing from sci-fi staples like Buck Rogers. Despite its short run, the comic's impact on its fans has been lasting, with its discovery often happening through obscure channels, such as the aforementioned crossover in Usagi Yojimbo #22.
The Sudden End and Potential Revival
The comic's abrupt conclusion after five issues, despite teasing a continuation in its final panel, can be attributed to Mitchroney's subsequent busy schedule with Ninja Turtles and later, Pixar. However, recent activity on Mitchroney's Instagram hints at a potential revival, with the artist cleaning up original comics and hinting at a possible animated series. For fans of genuine, unapologetic comedy, the prospect of Space Ark's return is a welcome one, offering a chance to revisit a bygone era of humor in a contemporary context.
What This Means for Fans and Comedy Lovers
The potential revival of Space Ark signifies more than just the return of a beloved, if overlooked, comic. It represents an opportunity to reintroduce a style of humor that has become scarce in modern media—a humor that celebrates silliness without irony or pretension. In an era where parody often leans on meta-references or complex satire, Space Ark promises a refreshing dive into pure, comedic escapism.
For those eager to experience Space Ark before any potential re-release, the challenge lies in tracking down the original issues, currently only sporadically available on platforms like eBay. The community's anticipation, however, is palpable, with many hoping that whatever form the revival takes, it will stay true to the comic's anarchic spirit and the timeless appeal of its lovably incompetent crew.
Key Takeaways
- Space Ark is a 1980s comic series parodying Star Wars and Star Trek with anthropomorphic animals.
- Created by Ken Mitchroney, known for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Adventures.
- Ran for 5 issues (1985-1988) before its abrupt end, with a later crossover in Usagi Yojimbo #22.
- Potential revival teased by Mitchroney, possibly including republication and an animated series.
As the comic world awaits the fate of Space Ark's revival, fans of retro humor and parody can only hope that this overlooked gem will soon regain its place in the spotlight, bringing with it a wave of unbridled, Looney Tunes-inspired laughter that is sorely needed in contemporary comedy.