Revenge of the Cosmic Ghost Rider #3: Memory Lane

The Cosmic King has finally caught up with Castle, and things get ugly. I really enjoyed the use of flashbacks in Revenge of the Cosmic Ghost Rider #3. The first depicted Castle’s family being murdered and saying how he can’t even remember his daughters face. He goes on, “But I’ll never forget what it sounded like when her screaming stopped.” The panel cutting back to the present shows in a near identical position as his daughter. Throughout the series, Castle refuses to let Cammi kill because she is innocent. This flashback feels really significant especially knowing that he might see his daughter in Cammi. He couldn’t save his daughter, but he can save Cammi. The other flashback that sticks out is of Castle alone in the jungle during a war. He says, “buried to the waist in the wet remains of friends and enemies.” Before becoming a Ghost Rider, Castle saw more death than anyone ever needs to see.

Whether it is the Punisher or Cosmic Ghost Rider, Castle finds a way to surround himself with death. His existence is defined by it. During his fight with Cosmic King, Castle says, “Death is the air I breathe — the water I drink.” Cosmic King even refers to them as “two monsters.” The entire issue is one big awesome fight. I thought for sure that the fight was over multiple times. It came to a point where I was not sure if either of them were giving it their all. The banter was somewhat witty, so that is some indication that things aren’t too serious yet. In issue #2, Cosmic King obtains Castle’s mortal soul, and I was wondering where it would come into play. The fight shows no sign of slowing down until Cosmic King offers Castle his soul, which he gladly accepts. Castle says, “Whatever murderous thing he’s got planned — I welcome it.” Does Castle have a plan too? I hope he does because Cammi still needs to be rescued!