Ghost Rider 2099 #1
Recap
In a brand NEW 2099, Doom reigns everything and this isn't even close to the 2099 you're used to!
Review
This current crop of 2099 has yet to disappoint me. Each one is unique, fun and enjoyable. The Ghost Rider 2099 one-shot is the weakest of the bunch, but it’s by no means a bad comic, in fact, it’s quite enjoyable. Comic writer supreme Ed Brisson creates this incarnation of GR 2099, and it’s probably the furthest away from the standard Ghost Rider origin that I’ve seen, which is a nice change of pace. It does have connects to the classic Ghost Rider mythos in a very cool and respectful way. My absolute favorite thing about this book is the dialogue. It’s part 90’s future throwback (if that even makes sense) and the other part is just made up slang, but it’s made up slang that’s not based on today’s world. It’s very random and to me, that’s how it should be.
The characters that Brisson introduces in this world are instantly likable and sort-of relatable, which is weird considering that their bikers from 80 years in the future. But, they have some of the same problems that we all do, and they have very human personalities. Even one of the bad guys is probably the most sympathetic villain I’ve seen in my many years reading comics. The part of this issue that I didn’t care for is that about half-way through, you realize that there’s no way this issue can come to a conclusion by the end of the issue. And it doesn’t. The story is to be continued, but NOT in any of the 2099 books. It continues into issue 3 of the current Ghost Rider series. Have to be honest, not a big fan of that.
The art by Damien Coucheiro fits this book like a glove. His style lends itself to the “future dystopia” landscape of this book. The technology that he designs is pretty good, but I found it to be a little too reliant on some of the standard sci-fi stuff that you see in other books or movies or TV shows. It’s good, but not great. Aside from that, all the basics are well covered. The pages are laid out very well, the character placement is on point, and for the most part, everything looks very good.
Final Thoughts
A good issue that totally stands on its own, until it doesn't. This is good, but if it would've been self-contained, it would've been great.
Ghost Rider 2099 #1: The Ghost in the Machine
- Writing - 7.5/107.5/10
- Storyline - 8.5/108.5/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 8/108/10
- Cover Art - 9/109/10