Ghost Rider #1: Burns Going Down and Coming Out

The wrath of Hell returns in the newest Ghost Rider series featuring Johnny Blaze as the King of Hell and the return of reluctant holder of the Spirit of Vengeance, Danny Ketch. Within these pages, we find a dark and twisted tale of demons pouring from Hell’s confines and a rather surprising fall from grace that will force Danny back into the fight against sin! 

The Ghost Rider series has been somewhat spread thin lately, with people coming and going from the title including the recent Robbie Reyes, it has started to shift away from the core of what this title should be about. While Ghost Rider #1 may not be a return to the classic comics featuring Johnny Blaze punching baddies, it does take us back to the fundamental conflict between the user and the Spirit of Vengeance itself. There is a level of what feels like shame emanating from Ketch that fills the pages with dread, but is offset by the power-hungry nature of what Blaze has become.

It’s in this clash of the Ghost Rider(s) that the first issue of this new series really finds its success. There is a grand setup happening involving the escape of some demons from Blaze’s grasp in hell, but the interaction between Blaze and Ketch is what makes the book tick. It’s a grim look into some of Marvel’s darkest characters, but it works. It pulls you into this dire conflict and sets up a story that feels exciting and more importantly, worthwhile. This isn’t just another inconsequential plot, it deals directly with the regime change in Hell and what it means for citizens of Earth. 

The action horror elements in Ghost Rider #1 help to create a thrilling experience as we see Ghost Rider violently take down demons almost without breaking a sweat. When the action hits, it hits hard and fast, establishing a pace that suits the story really well. We get character drama to catch readers up to speed and set up the overarching narrative, but we also get plenty of deadly moments to kick the series off with explosive action. Though I am not completely sure what the Mother of All Demons’ plans are, I am always ready to see someone get their heart ripped out of their chest. Moments like this that tell us this series isn’t afraid to go where it needs to go.

With such a strong script from Ed Brisson, it’s great to see Aaron Kuder, Jason Keith and Joe Caramagna pull off such powerful visuals as well. It’s tough to find anything to complain about in all honesty. 

Hellfire’s fury has never looked so beautiful. 

The demons verge on epic, but the way they are brought down by the Ghost Rider is the real stunner. This creative team knows how to catch the character at all the right angles to give a truly badass outing in the first issue. There are a few instances found in the more dialed back moments that feel a bit dull compared to the spectacle surrounding it, but not enough to detract from how enjoyable the book is. The ending features a short story about the Caretaker Chronicles, but with how little information we are given it’s hard to tell if it’s going to add something worthwhile or not. Hopefully it does. 

Ultimately, the horror side of Marvel Comics feels right once again with the release of Ghost Rider #1. It has all the makings of an instant classic and feels poised to open new and great doors for horror stories at Marvel. Longtime fans will certainly be thrilled to have Johnny Blaze back in the focus, but new fans looking to jump in won’t feel left out at all with Blaze’s brother Danny Ketch being thrust back into the fight.