Ghost Rider #6: Deal with a Demon

Ghost Rider #6 continues the clash with Doctor Strange in an spectacular issue filled with dark magical violence and more. With the reign of Hell still up in the air, the impending chaos continues to build tension that helps to make this issue a truly enjoyable read.

Now that we are six issues into the new Ghost Rider series from Brisson, Frigeri and company, we can see the conflict between Danny and Johnny taking shape in the larger Marvel Universe. The reign of Hell has massive implications for the interconnected universe and up to this point the series has been unusually self contained. While Doctor Strange has been a favorite lately from Marvel to show up in other series, I do appreciate the flair he brings to this issue specifically.

I’ve said it before and I will certainly say it again, the Spirit of Corruption is just badass. He once again steals the spotlight in Ghost Rider #6 by shoving a sword through the Punisher in a shocking moment. Credit to the art team on this entire issue, but that panel had me rattled. While it turned out to be rather inconsequential, it’s a great example of the shocks and pure entertainment the series brings.

The overall aesthetic of the series has reached a point where it feels consistent in its delivery but also dynamic and exciting. Even if there is a brief pause in pushing the overarching narrative forward, the creative team knows how to keep reader’s hooked with sheer intensity. There is only so long we can build this tension surrounding the conflict with who is King of Hell, but for right now, it works really well.

As we start to see the light at the end of the tunnel for the second arc in Ghost Rider, I can only hope that we see Danny and Johnny come face to face soon. It’s been brewing for quite a few issues and Ghost Rider #6 gives the impression that $#&! will be hitting the fan in the very near future. Doctor Strange kicks everything into high gear and while we don’t exactly know what Johnny and Mephisto are looking for, the inclusion of the Sanctum Sanctorum can’t mean anything good.

I’m exciting as ever for this series mostly because of the delicate drama happening with Danny and Johnny and the implications of their darker selves, the Spirit of Corruption and Ghost Rider. We have plenty of different players involved from the larger Marvel Universe and the stakes have been clearly defined, it’s time for action. If the execution of the series so far is any indication, this creative team is in store to pull off something truly thrilling.