Dustin Gebel
Marvel revealed the identity of the next spirit of vengeance in a press release yesterday. The Hood, aka Parker Robbins, takes up the mantle of Ghost Rider when the demonic spirit leaves Johnny Blaze in March’s Ghost Rider: Final Vengeance miniseries. Billed as “an evolution” of the current Ghost Rider run by writer Benjamin Percy and artists Cory Smith and Carlos Nieto, the book picks up on Johnny Blaze finding his soul fully taken by the vengeful spirit that grants his powers. As Blaze tries to claw his way back, he comes to find the Hood filling his previous role as the avenger of innocent blood spilled.
Daniel Kim will be taking over for art on the new series, having previously illustrated Ghost Rider Annual #1. That issue saw Blaze and Elsa Bloodstone working together to defeat the Hood, and laid the tracks for this new development. Along with providing interior art, Kim also redesigned the Ghost Rider costume to blend with the Hood’s, well, hood forward look. That new design can be seen below.
In the press release, Percy discussed the new direction of the book, stating:
“Some villains you know all too well. Doctor Doom. Thanos. Mephisto. But I find it especially fun to bring the lesser known baddies out of the shadows and give them a shot at a starring role. That’s what I did with Omega Red during X LIVES OF WOLVERINE/X DEATHS OF WOLVERINE—and that’s what I’m doing now with Ghost Rider. The Hood wants a taste of the big-time. And he’s made a deal with the devil to help him on his way. This is what happens when the Spirit of Vengeance is stripped from Johnny Blaze and grafted on to a character who has no moral compass. An epic crime saga—flavored with horror—awaits readers in GHOST RIDER: FINAL VENGEANCE.”
The Hood was originally created by writer Brian K. Vaughn and artists Kyle Hotz and Eric Powell back in 2002. First, he appeared in a solo MAX title that established his look, past, and role as budding mystical criminal. Outside of some limited uses, the character would fall by the wayside until writer Brian Michael Bendis brought him back as a shimmering antagonist in New Avengers. Hood would then continue the rising path to become a member of The Cabal during the Dark Reign era. He would make continuous appearances every few years, trying to kick start his criminal empire, whether that be by replacing the Kingpin with the power of the Norn Stones, returning from the dead, or now by taking the power of the Ghost Rider.
GHOST RIDER: FINAL VENGEANCE #2
Written by BENJAMIN PERCY
Art by DANNY KIM
Cover by JUAN FERREYRA
On Sale 4/18