TONIGHT'S EPISODE... Zorak Vs The Smogmonster

Space Ghost: Coast to Coast - perhaps, the greatest drama of all history; the storied tale of the host with the most, Tad Ghostal, and his epic quest to face the omnipresent forces of evil - otherwise known as Zorak, Moltar, Brak, the extended Legion of Doom, and an endless barrage of strange late 90's guests, cameos and total freakshows.

Passed down to me at a young age - a sort of, stoner family heirloom -  I instantly became a hyperfan, as I endlessly rewatched the Season Two DVD.  I believe it was from Suncoast Video. Look 'em up..

Cookout, Sharrock, Jacksonville, 20.01 - flawless nostalgic classics. Endless hilarious quotes I remember day-to-day; "You Killed the Chicken." ... "I'm one hundred percent Stupid." ... "Tonight's Episode: Hickory. Dickory. Dead." Not to mention, real wicked menus and music on that Season 2 set, literally burned into the waves of my brain...  I even remember doodling Zorak as a nasty fetal kid. Or at least, trying. Guy's hard to draw.

A shame the only complete DVD collections are bootlegs. I found this one on Craigslist. 

Dusting the Linoleum, Sir.

Was I too young? Maybe. Did it shape my entire sense of humor? Definitely. Do I owe the Ghost Planet all that I am? With Absolute Certainty. 

Back, again, when I was but a wee lad, I had the great honor of meeting the demonic extraterrestrial terrors Zorak and Moltar, themselves - that is, C. Martin Croker!- on, where else, but "sunny Ghost Planet"! The interstellar adventure of a lifetime. We even passed by the remains of Melmac. 

Such a charming guy - little-baby-me, awestruck, nervously beamed my love for Zorak, - and he was like - paraphrased - "Did you know I'm Moltar, too! MoltarbabbleMoltarbabble" - I was like... Huh?! What?! How!!! I still remember real well. I couldn't even grasp that idea. I sort of thought to myself, at the time... wait... so he... replaced Moltar's guy? Or...? 

Croker was so memorable - down to even that wicked ol' surfmonster look. Just take the incredibly dedicated signature. A signature - and it's so loving, and funny! What a guy. You can find similar examples of very personal signings and sketches, online; he truly appreciated his fans - especially a Yung Creature like me. Which also, so happens, to have been my rapper, and prison name(s), before I began going by Lil Zorak.

He is missed. A King among Adult Swim's lifeguards... the original Doctor Weird... little, lovable Steve... Truly - Zorak!

MidLife production art

One of my biggest regrets; I never got the chance to meet Space Ghost - George Lowe - despite the fact I lived right nearby his hometown for years. Perhaps I sold him some odd folk art... 

A living legend, Lowe's humor is literally unmatched; watch any interview, he's unbelievable. Any show, anything. One can only wish to have such endless charisma, literally commanding the audience. Endless comedy, endless talent. What a voice - the best voice. 

It's so great he, and Tad, got such a beautiful closer on that weird Hannah-Barbara-Universe show. Jelleestone? Money can't buy me happiness... Lowe will always be the definitive Space Ghost, to me. With that; a fabulous video tribute to Mr. Lowe...

Still walking among us; haunting the peaceful Ghost Planet; the powerful - the insightful - the musical - Brak! - Andy Merrill! Who even rocks an original Brak doodle PFP by yours truly. That being, Me. Me!! Look at me!!!

He even once sang me Feel Good Inc. Seriously!

This is all to say; on the very eve of Croker's passing, I encountered a nasty little Zorak perched atop the Everclear-bleached studio bar; who, soon, attacked my associate, The SmogMite. Disturbing.