THE GHOST RIDER - JOHNNY BLAZE
VOLUME ONE
PART SEVEN
- Notes on the previous posts -
Welcome back, riders of hell! I bet you thought we were done, didn't you? I mean, why wouldn't we be done? We covered everything in the chronology, from Marvel Spotlight #5 through Ghost Rider #81. We even covered the entire original run of The Champions. And to top that off we covered every guest appearance of Ghost Rider's in other books too, reading them in continuity order with the main title for a complete Ghost Rider read! We covered it all!
Or did we?
Looks like we unearthed just enough for one more post to bring this volume to a close. So, What say you? Do you have enough gas in the tank for one more ride?
As we've said every time before, Ghost Rider has long been one of our favorite literary characters. It was the character's epic revival in the 90s where we first became fans and came to know the name; Johnny Blaze. And 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Johnny Blaze. This has inspired us to do something we've never done before, but always wanted to do: a complete read of every Johnny Blaze appearance from 1972 to the end of his initial run in 1983, not just his solo book but every guest appearance in other books as well. A 100% complete Johnny Blaze binge read! And we've done that!
Up to this point we've covered 118 different comic books featuring Johnny Blaze: in Part One we covered Marvel Spotlight #5 thru #12, Ghost Rider #1 thru #12, Marvel Team-Up #15, Marvel Two-In-One #8, and Avengers #118 (22 issues in total). In Part Two we covered Ghost Rider #13 thru #26, The Champions #1 thru #17 (including every Champions tie-in), and a bunch of cameos, guest appearances, and specials (41 issues and more if you include the Champions tie-in issues without GR in them). In Part Three we covered Ghost Rider #27 thru #50, and Marvel Team-Up #91. And in Part Four we went over Ghost Rider #51 thru #67, Defenders #96, Marvel Two-In-One #80, Marvel Graphic Novel #1, and Avengers #214 (for another 21 issues).
Part Five began the epic final run by Roger Stern, J.M. DeMatteis, Bob Budiansky, and Don Perlin. With Ghost Rider #68 the storytelling changed, incorporating new techniques and story devices. The comic book took on a whole new dynamic and the creative team began building towards a culmination. With far more to unpack in those issues, we only covered Ghost Rider #68 through #75 along with a guest appearance in Team America #11 for another 9 issues. Then in Part Six we raced to the finish with Ghost Rider #76 through #81, the final issue! That's a grand total of 135 comic books!
To get caught up on those previous posts, click the links below:
GHOST RIDER - JOHNNY BLAZE: VOLUME ONE Part One
GHOST RIDER - JOHNNY BLAZE: VOLUME ONE Part Two
GHOST RIDER - JOHNNY BLAZE: VOLUME ONE Part Three
GHOST RIDER - JOHNNY BLAZE: VOLUME ONE Part Four
GHOST RIDER - JOHNNY BLAZE: VOLUME ONE: Part Five
GHOST RIDER - JOHNNY BLAZE: VOLUME ONE: Part Six
So... what's left to read? What is this seventh post covering?
In home video terms: the special features. In literary terms: the Epilogue. The Appendices. Supplemental material? Bonus content? All of the above.
GOING THAT EXTRA MILE
In Part Seven we'll cover some extra issues, the following appearances of Johnny Blaze after Ghost Rider #81, but before the 90s revival. And we'll check in on a few other characters from this run to see where they ended up too. Plus a bonus story From Marvel Super Heroes #11 that was published years later that takes place in continuity and a duo of WHAT IF...? issues to round it all out. And then we'll throw in a few lists of our favorite characters and moments from the series as bonuses!
Consider this the special features or bonus material to the main feature.
So, let's get cracking!
THE LOST CHAPTER
Before moving on to events after Ghost Rider #81, we need to cover a story that takes places prior to the finale. Published in October of 1992 within the pages of the quarterly anthology book MARVEL SUPER-HEROES #11, a full length Ghost Rider story titled: Fireworks featured Johnny Blaze and Red Fowler taking a much needed road trip to get a break from the Quentin Carnival. Written by Tina Chrioproces and penciled by Greg Larocque, with a cover by the legendary Ghost Rider artist himself; Bob Budiansky, this story is only specified as taking place prior to Ghost Rider #80, which is pretty vague. Red Fowler costars alongside Johnny Blaze narrowing down the story's placement to within the Quentin Carnival period. Both Johnny and Ghost Rider know GR's true name here too, which means it has to occur after issue #76. So, after issue #76 but before issue #80. Should be easy to figure out, yes?
The problem here is that continuity is pretty tight across these issues. The best place for it, that makes the most sense, is having this story take place between #76 and #77 (it is the ONLY place where it works storywise). Anyway, the continuity purest in me HAD to suss this out in order to consider this canon or not (and I'm glad I did, because I like this story).
Johnny Blaze and Red Fowler, while passing through a small town on a joy ride, become embroiled in a murder mystery with a woman named Veronica and a leader of a survivalist cult, Reverend Stryker. Veronica's fiancé, Frank Anders, died under mysterious circumstances. He worked for the local nuclear power plant, a place and power source Reverend Stryker and his cult have dedicated opposition to. Red, feeling sympathy for Veronica, begs Johnny to help her. Johnny reluctantly agrees and Veronica leads the two stunt cyclists into the cult's compound hidden within a mountain, strong enough to withstand a nuclear blast. Veronica believes Reverend Stryker and his cult are going to sabotage the nuclear power plant.
They listen to Stryker preach to his congregation about the purifying flames of power, alluding to a nuclear holocaust. The cult seems to worship this "Purifying Flame." The trio is found out and brought before Reverend Stryker and the cult assembly. Veronica confronts Stryker, revealing that she killed her fiancé because he refused to leave Stryker's cult. And what's more, Red and Johnny discover Veronica is Stryker's daughter! To purify his daughter of her sins, Stryker moves to burn her alive. Johnny reluctantly let's Zarathos out to save her. Rather than save the day, Zarathos sets the compound and Veronica ablaze! Upon seeing Zarathos, Reverend Stryker believes the demon to be the purifying flames personified. He proclaims to his followers that their savior has come! Zarathos is suddenly filled with power from the faith of the congregation, so much so that he feels he has the power to escape Mephisto's servitude. He schemes to have the murderous Veronica replace him as Mephisto's thrall.
Hearing Zarathos' ravings and watching his daughter consumed in hellfire, Reverend Stryker suddenly sees the evil for what it is. Stryker detonates a bomb to kill everyone present. Seeing his plans suddenly dashed, Zarathos uses all his newfound power to absorb the blast, saving everyone. The feat weakens Zarathos, draining him of his newfound power, allowing Johnny to regain control. Johnny and Red leave wondering what horrible events could've transpired between father and daughter to evoke such depth of hatred.
You know, this story didn't grip me at first, but it at least read fast. Then the story reached the climax and everything came together! Zarathos' characterization is spot on given this moment in the story, having just been severely lied to by Mephisto in issue #76. Acknowledging that Zarathos gains power through the faith from followers was a nice deep cut too (something we readers learn in issue #77). So, if you're looking for an extra issue in this volume, another Ghost Rider story from the volume one era, look no further. Consider this the "lost" issue now found.
AN EPILOGUE FOR JOHNNY, ZARATHOS, AND THE ORB
Following the events of Ghost Rider #81, there are only a handful of appearances between the end of volume one and the 90s Ghost Rider revival featuring the core characters of the series. Most of the cast would return in a big way in the Ghost Rider series of the 90s, but from June 1983 to May 1990, they would appear collectively in less than ten issue. These stories, rather than reviving the characters, act more as an epilogue or final sendoff.
For our hero and heroine, Johnny and Roxanne, they would reappear in THE NEW DEFENDERS #145 and #146, written by Peter Gillis and penciled by Ghost Rider veteran, Don Perlin. Johnny's role in the story is rather small and inconsequential, more than a cameo, but bearing little relevance to the story. The Defenders, at this point in the story, consist of Angel, Beast, Iceman, Moondragon, Cloud, Gargoyle, and Valkyrie. In the previous issue they were betrayed and brutally beaten by one of their own: Moondragon. After the battle the Defenders return to their New Mexico base, Angel's Aerie. Due to the last battle, the Defender's base is on full lockdown. Even the U.S. military has come to enforce a barricade around the base.
A lone motorcycle approaches, an unidentified man and woman riding double mounted. Ignoring the military's warnings, the motorcycle speeds ahead, demonstrating nigh superhuman riding skills. The motorcycle duo successful circumvents the barricade and expertly navigates through the base's defenses. The Defenders rush outside to see which villain is attacking. Instead of a villain they find a bearded man and a beautiful woman, Iceman recognizing them as Johnny Blaze and Roxanne Simpson. After revisiting with his old Champions friends, Johnny says he had a vision of a ghostly horseman in the sky. Roxanne, using latent psychic powers, said Johnny's vision had something to do with his friends, the Champions. Reacquainting themselves, Johnny explains how he became freed from the Ghost Rider and that he and Roxanne have been "riding cross country, meeting people, seeing America, living on beer and love and the open road." (That's a perfect Johnny Blaze line). Johnny's also sporting a Harley Davidson t-shirt to top it off (the writer nails Johnny's character). Johnny goes to see Warren (Angel), one of the team members who was severely hurt in the previous battle.
Angel offers Johnny a place on the team, as their dedicated mechanic since he no longer has the powers of the Ghost Rider. Johnny turns them down though, wanting to put his super-hero days behind him. Roxanne comes forth with a question, one that Johnny's pride won't let him ask; money. They ask Angel for a loan of money, to pay for damages to his motorcycle and... It's never specified what the other thing is that they need the money for, but one can make a decent guess: Johnny wants to buy the carnival. Last we saw of the Quentin Carnival it was in dire financial straits having never really recovered after the Circus of Crime's attacks and given where we next see these characters years later, this conclusion fits. Again, they never specify though. Johnny says he feels slimy asking for a handout. Warren (Angel) readily agrees, citing how Johnny saved his life many times in the past. After staying a few nights, Johnny shaves his beard, cleans himself up, and says a heartfelt goodbye. The Defenders give Johnny a new leather jacket and a new t-shirt that reads: The New Defenders Weirdo's Auxiliary. They ride off with Beast commenting on how Johnny (once a fellow super-hero) made it out alive, wishing they all could someday find that same peace of mind.
And this is the last we readers see of Johnny and Roxanne for six years until their return in the 90s Ghost Rider volume. It's a very tiny and quick epilogue, but writer Peter Gillis, in a short amount of time, perfectly captures Johnny's character.
THE BOOK OF SPIDEY
As for Johnny's darker half (arguably the character we readers are here for), Zarathos makes one more appearance post Ghost Rider in AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #274. The issue is a SECRET WARS II tie-in story, 32 pages! No Ads! All Story! The issue begins with the Beyonder venturing to Mephisto's Realm after wiping out countless galaxies. The Beyonder announces that he has arrived to destroy the infernal realms. To save his realm, and his own life, Mephisto quickly engages the Beyonder in a "trifle amusement" before continuing with his task. Mephisto proposes a game of chance to save his realm (and the entire Marvel universe). The Beyonder agrees, but only to stave off his attack for a single day longer. The fate of the Marvel universe rests on a champion of Mephisto's choosing who will be tested against a champion of the Beyonder's choosing. If Mephisto's champion maintains their faith, then the cosmos will be spared for another 24 hours. Mephisto immediately thinks of the Silver Surfer and then Thor, his two most formidable enemies (which is quite a compliment considering Mephisto is willing to bet the survival of the universe on them). The Beyonder then interjects that it must be a mortal, saying, "Isn't that the point? To see if a mortal is worthy of life?" The Beyonder chooses Spider-Man for Mephisto, much to the demon lord's ire. And the Beyonder chooses Zarathos to be the one to test Spider-Man.
Using his infinite power, the Beyonder frees Zarathos from the Crystal of Souls and sets him on his mission: torture Spider-Man until he breaks. If Zarathos succeeds then he will gain permanent freedom from the crystal and power over Mephisto (but the Beyonder will destroy all reality if he does!). If he fails, Zarathos will return to his prison (and the universe will live for another day). If Zarathos was smart (and he may be), he'd throw the game to ensure his continued survival, even if it is still in a prison. From his expression, Zarathos realizes he's in an impossible position and reluctantly agrees. Zarathos is transported to New York City and sets about trying to make Spider-Man forsake his sense of responsibility in some concrete fashion. Spider-Man, while tracking some criminals, overhears a plot to assassinate the Kingpin. Knowing the Kingpin deserves such an end (or worse), Spidey's sense of responsibility won't let him stand idly by while a life can be saved (even if that life is an enemy's). Zarathos intercepts Spidey on his way, messing with Spidey's mind with visions of demons and forcing Spidey to relive his greatest failures.
Zarathos tortures Spidey with visions of his dead parents, Norman Osborn, Captain Stacy, Gwen Stacy, and finally Uncle Ben. Spidey is even inflicted with boils to add physical pain to his mental and spiritual anguish. But through it all, Spidey never gives up. He maintains his sense of responsibility and stops the assassin from killing Wilson Fisk. Thus his torment is ended and the Beyonder accepts his defeat. Zarathos is placed back in the Crystal of Souls and the Marvel universe is spared for 24 hours. And Secret Wars II continues in another book!
This was a cool little story, Zarathos' role in it very much befitting his demonic nature. Zarathos is depicted less like Ghost Rider here and more like his ancient demonic form (his true form?) from GR #77, which is pretty cool. This story is essentially a parallel to the BOOK OF JOB from the Bible, which is perfectly fitting for the characters and a brilliant move by writer Tom DeFalco. Also worthy of note here, within the issue there is a panel of Zarathos driving a demonic carriage, reminiscent of a Frank Frazetta cover from the 1950s for THE GHOST RIDER #2 (or A-1 Comics #29). Whether it was intentional or not, it is a cool homage to a classic Ghost Rider issue and the masterful work of Frank Frazetta.
AN IGNOMINOUS END FOR THE ORB
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| The Orb... lying broken at Hawkeye's feet |
To finish off the epilogues, let's not forget everyone's favorite villain, The Orb! After Ghost Rider #63, the Orb would not be seen in comics for almost seven years until reappearing in June 1989's SOLO AVENGERS #19, #20, and #21. The story begins with Hawkeye, riding an Avengers Sky-Cycle, chasing the Orb as he rides his motorcycle through the Mojave Desert (not an unusual place to see the Orb). After showing off his impressive stunt-riding skills by dodging several of Hawkeye's arrows, the Avenger eventually brings down the Orb. But not before the Orb gets a shot off at Hawkeye with his helmet laser. The two crash land and the Orb's helmet is smashed in the crash rendering him unconscious. Stranded in the desert, Hawkeye rigs together a stretcher and drags the Orb across the sand. Eventually they come across a glass-like dome building. Seeking refuge from the desert heat, they enter. Both Hawkeye and the Orb find themselves inside a tropical jungle.
After partaking of water from a stream, the Orb pulls a gun on Hawkeye, ready to shoot him in the back while Hawkeye isn't looking. Suddenly the Orb is attacked by sentient plant-life! The flora comes alive and Hawkeye saves the Orb from the carnivorous flora. As more plant-people surround them, the Pernicious Plantman appears! Plantman (Samuel Smithers a.k.a. Blackheath), declares the dome his and Hawkeye and the Orb as trespassers. He summons a monstrous venus-flytrap creature which swallows them whole! Firing a flare-arrow down the creature's throat allows them to escape, but the Orb is subsequently captured and taken with the Plantman while Hawkeye is left for dead among the plant monsters. Hawkeye defeats Plantman's creatures, rescues the Orb, and the two of them escape the dome as it takes flight!
Wandering the desert once more, Hawkeye and the Orb at last reach a town (the exact town the Orb was trying to reach to begin with where he was to rendezvous with his henchmen). The Orb quickly runs off while Hawkeye leaves a message with the Avengers to come help. At that moment the Orb's henchmen arrive and take aim at the archer. The henchmen open fire and execute the Orb instead! In a dramatic twist, the Orb falls down dead while Hawkeye prepares for battle. Clint discovers that the henchmen are actually plant monsters (the Orb's henchmen having been murdered earlier and replaced by the Plantman's creatures). Back against the wall, exhausted, about to die, Hawkeye is rescued by the Avengers at the last minute! And thus ends the story of Drake Shannon ~ the Orb, a dramatic yet anticlimactic finale to one of Johnny Blaze's enduring foes. Another character assuming the identity of the Orb (not Drake Shannon) would appear almost twenty years later though in Ghost Rider #26 from October 2008.
This story was written by Howard Mackie, the very same Howard Mackie who would write the majority of the 90s Ghost Rider volume and launch the character into comic book superstardom. Reading the 90s Ghost Rider volume, it's clear that Howard Mackie knows the Ghost Rider lore very well and he nails the Orb's character here, really showing how despicable and shameless the character is. It's a cool connection between between the Johnny Blaze Ghost Rider volume and the 90s GR volume. Illustrations were done by Ron Wilson (on Solo Avengers #19 & #20) and Al Milgrom (for Avengers Spotlight #21). In another interesting tidbit, in Avengers Spotlight #21, when the henchmen arrive to kill the Orb and Hawkeye, the design of the henchman who battles Hawkeye sports a remarkably similar design and presence to the 90s Ghost Rider. Is it coincidence or was this a design instruction from Howard Mackie? Makes one wonder, yes?
Still want more epilogues? The Water Wizard would change his code name to AQUEDUCT and battle Captain America and the New Warriors and later still join the Thunderbolts during Civil War. The Enforcer would go on to menace Captain America, Iron Man, and Jessica Drew Spider-Woman for a handful of issues before being killed by the Scourge. And the demon lord Asmodeus wouldn't resurface until nearly thirty years later in a comedic role for DEADPOOL TEAM-UP #892.
And that's going to do it here for the epilogues.
IN AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE, WHAT IF...?
And, as a fun aside, Marvel produced Ghost Rider stories for the original volume of WHAT IF? that began in 1977. For those that don't know, the What If? series was basically a non-canon retelling of stories from Marvel comics that changed the outcomes and explored what would've happened had events transpired a little differently. These stories didn't add to the universe so much as provide readers with a fun little diversion and something to talk about with each other at the shop.
In What If? #17 from October 1979, writer Steven Grant and artist Carmine Infantino treated us to what if Ghost Rider was a villain? In this alternate version, Johnny makes the same deal with Satan, but this time, rather than screw over Johnny right away, Satan lets Crash Simpson survive! Feeling like Satan honored their bargain, Johnny honors his end of the deal and gives himself over to Satan (so, in a strange way, by killing Crash Simpson the way he did in the canon only served to galvanize Johnny against him whereas all Satan had to do to get what he wanted was honor his bargain. Funny how things work, right?). Crash walks in on Johnny becoming the Ghost Rider for the first time. Startled, and not knowing how to control his power, Johnny accidentally kills Crash with his hellfire! Johnny flees in horror at what he has become and what he has just done. As Ghost Rider, Johnny becomes the Devil's bounty hunter, collecting souls for Satan. Months later Roxanne tracks him down and attempts to kill him as vengeance for her father. Roxanne fails and Ghost Rider kills her too. His reign of terror continues until Daimon Hellstrom hunts him down and finally kills Ghost Rider, ending Johnny's misery.
I must really love Daimon Hellstrom, because his inclusion here was excellent. The story begins with Daimon confronting Ghost Rider and continues as a warped parody of It's A Wonderful Life, except Daimon recounts all of the horrible events of Johnny's life as Ghost Rider that lead them to this moment. Demonstrating just powerful Daimon Hellstrom is, it's through Daimon's hellborn power that slays Ghost Rider. All in all, this was a cool little addition to the Ghost Rider binge read. But the next What If? Ghost Rider story is even better in that it's written by Johnny Blaze's most prolific scribe!
In What If? #28 from August 1981, Michael Fleisher once again gets to write Ghost Rider! With great artwork by Tom Sutton, this presents the idea of What If Johnny Blaze was separated from Ghost Rider? This story is essentially an alternate ending to Ghost Rider #44 (which was also written by Michael Fleisher). If you recall, Ghost Rider #43 and #44 were a two part story in which Azaziah - the Crimson Mage, used a magic spell to separate Johnny and Zarathos in hopes of Azaziah himself taking over Ghost Rider's body. How the story went, Johnny defeated Azaziah and the Crimson Mage faded away with his withering magic. Reverse engineering the spell that separated them to begin with, Johnny manages to reunite with Zarathos and their story continues.
In What If? #28 Azaziah evades Johnny at the critical moment, renders Johnny unconscious with a magic blast, and completes his plan of bonding with Ghost Rider! Azaziah, now in possession of Ghost Rider's body and powers, leaves for the Vatican to exact a centuries old vendetta against all of Christendom. Johnny awakens, hijacks a private jet, and follows. Azaziah lays siege to the Vatican and prepares the Pope for a ritual sacrifice. The murder of the Pope will complete a spell that will grant Azaziah mastery over all of the worshippers of Christianity. Johnny arrives and attempts to stop him, hurting his leg in a motorcycle jump in the process. Johnny's injury manifests on Ghost Rider as well, revealing that the two of them still share a physical link. During the final moments of the incantation, an ethereal sword appears for Azaziah to kill the Pope with. Johnny steals the sword and plunges it through Azaziah/Ghost Rider's chest. Azaziah dies and then Ghost Rider dies as well. The wound manifests in Johnny shortly thereafter, and Johnny Blaze joins them in death.
Written by series veteran, Michael Fleisher, this story naturally reads seamlessly with the main book. And it reads like an alternate ending to the book. Now, I'm only speculating, but I wonder if at one time Marvel Editorial told Fleisher that they were cancelling Ghost Rider and gave him twelve months to craft an ending. By the time the book was to end, sales were up, and Marvel decided to keep the book going. Again, just speculating, but this story reads too well to be just an idea thrown together for an issue of What If? This is great, dare I say essential, extra reading for the series.
And with this last bit of reading, we've finished our complete read of Johnny Blaze Ghost Rider Volume One!
But before we bid this volume a final farewell, we've something special for you all:
THE TOP TEN LISTS!
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| The Legacy of the Ghost Rider! Artwork by prolific Ghost Rider artist DON PERLIN! |
To finish this series of posts off we thought we'd recount our favorite moments and characters from the series, our favorite issues, and our favorite villains! This is just for this volume and the tie-in appearances from Johnny Blaze during this period. These are our favorites among the volume, the aspects that really stood out the most to us, but that doesn't mean the issues that didn't make our lists are inferior, rather that our personal tastes skew closer to these issues and characters listed here.
First off is...
TOP TEN FAVORITE GHOST RIDER MULTI-ISSUE STORIES
10
THE SON OF SATAN RISES
Ghost Rider #1 & 2, Marvel Spotlight #12: This story actually deserves to be higher, but not because of Ghost Rider. Daimon Hellstrom is the man and his debut story here is epic! So, I've put this story at ten because I like it for Daimon Hellstrom, not exactly for Ghost Rider. But since it is technically a Ghost Rider story too, it qualifies for the list!
9
TWO AGAINST DEATH
Daredevil #138 & Ghost Rider #20: A fun team-up with Daredevil sporting some nice artwork by John Byrne. The battle with Death-Stalker is pretty cool and Ghost Rider comes out more of the hero than Daredevil in this one.
8
THEY WHO SERVE SATAN
Marvel Spotlight #6 thru #8: Johnny's first descent into Hell! Battling a corrupt version of his adoptive father, Crash Simpson, in order to save Roxanne from a ritual sacrifice! Great imagery and one of the darker stories in the series.
7
THE SALVATION RUN
Ghost Rider #17 thru #19: In order to save the life of his stunt-woman coworker, Katy Milner, Johnny must embark on a race through Hell fraught with challenges both spiritual, mental, and physical. The grand mastermind behind it all; the Archdemon of Satan!
6
DEATH RIDERS FROM BEYOND!
Ghost Rider #33 & #34: At first glance it appears as though Ghost Rider is beset by marauders from another world, but they are in fact of Earth, the products of one of the most brilliant and demented minds on the planet! On the outside this story is completely bonkers, yet it is written so well and comes together seamlessly.
5
THE CULT OF DOOM
Ghost Rider #38 & #39: Ghost Rider must unravel the mystery of a murderous death-worshipping cult. Who is the leader? What do they want? And why are they killing people? This is a great two-part story exploring some of the darker sides of humanity.
4
THE CRIMSON MAGE
Ghost Rider #43 & #44: Johnny Blaze and Ghost Rider have been separated! Witness the demonic half of Ghost Rider unbound for the first time! And what are the Crimson Mage's plans for Ghost Rider now that he's set him free? It's another epic two-parter which, at one point, may have been the end of the series!
3
THE MAGE AND THE MONSTER
Ghost Rider #29 & #30: Marvel's two premiere supernatural heroes meet at last... as enemies! Doctor Strange suddenly attacks Ghost Rider out of nowhere. Doggedly pursuing Johnny wherever he goes, one of Strange's spells goes awry striking down Roxanne! Johnny stops fleeing and turns his full hellborn fury on the Master of the Mystic Arts! This is one of the best super hero battles in all comicdom!
2
BEWARE THE BOUNTY HUNTER
Ghost Rider #31 & #32: The devil's bounty hunter comes for Johnny Blaze and this time there's no escape. Weakened from his battle with Doctor Strange, all Johnny can do is run as Satan's noose tightens around his neck. This follow-up to the Doctor Strange two-parter only gets better, making for a quartet of some of the best issues in the entire volume!
1
NEMESIS
Ghost Rider #74, #77, #80 & #81: Witness the rise of Ghost Rider's ultimate foe and the greatest battle of Ghost Rider's life. It's the culmination of the entire series and one helluva ending!
TOP TEN SINGLE GHOST RIDER ISSUES
10
BLOOD IN THE WATER!
Ghost Rider #16: Shamelessly trying to cash in on the JAWS phenomenon, it's Ghost Rider versus a shark! And there's a very human and touching story within as well. But mainly this is here because... it's Ghost Rider fighting a freakin' shark. I mean... c'mon.
9
THE WITCH IN THE WHIRLWIND!
Ghost Rider #66: When the Quentin Carnival's resident medium, Madame Olga, accidentally releases the spirit of a centuries old witch, Johnny Blaze will have to contend with a power perhaps even greater than that of the Ghost Rider! This is a nice little horror story with Mario Bava DNA running through it.
8
THE SHE-WITCH OF DOOM!
Ghost Rider #53: The debut of the demon lord Asmodeus! The She-Witch, Tabicantra, under orders from Asmodeus, schemes to seal Johnny Blaze away forever. Placing a curse upon Johnny, if Tabicantra can force him to change into Ghost Rider three times he will be stuck as Ghost Rider forever! And Ghost Rider will become Asmodeus' servant!
7
IF THE EYES DESTROY ME!
Ghost Rider #63: This is the Orb's final attempt at revenge on Johnny Blaze and the Ghost Rider and perhaps the best issue featuring the Orb as well. Armed to the teeth with more advanced weapons than before, the Orb unleashes everything he's got on Ghost Rider! Can the hellborn biker survive?
6
DEATH RACE!
Ghost Rider #35: Written and illustrated by comic book legend Jim Starlin, Johnny Blaze is confronted by the actual entity of Death itself. Johnny has escaped Death once too often and the Grim Reaper is tired of being taunted. Challenging Johnny to a race to determine whether Johnny will live to see another day, several other lives hang in the balance should Johnny fail. It's another powerful one-off issue!
5
A DOOM NAMED DR. DRUID!
Ghost Rider #26: Sensing a powerful demonic presence on Earth, Doctor Druid finds Johnny Blaze as the power of the Ghost Rider continues to grow more unstable. But Doctor Druid is more than a match for the demonic Ghost Rider. A showdown in the cemetery will determine which of them will live... and which will die. This is easily one of Doctor Druid's best issues as well as one of Ghost Rider's.
4
REMNANTS
Ghost Rider #74: The debut of Centurious, the soulless man! Johnny stumbles into a nightmare of the living dead, facing an opponent more evil than any he's faced outside of Hell. Channeling the best elements of Hammer Horror films and Amicus films and more, not only is this issue a great Ghost Rider issue, but it's a treat for horror fans as well!
3
HOLDING ONTO SALLY
Ghost Rider #67: A tale of love, loss, and revenge, this is a simple yet powerful issue that hits the humanity in us all.
2
GHOST RIDER... UNLEASHED?
Ghost Rider #77: The secret history of Zarathos! Nuff Said!
1
THE CURSE OF JONATHAN BLAZE
Ghost Rider #68: Representing the origin of Johnny Blaze and his eventual transformation into Ghost Rider; this single issue is a perfect representation of the character, letting you know exactly who and what the Ghost Rider is. This may be the best single Ghost Rider comic book of them all.
TOP TEN VOLUME ONE GHOST RIDER VILLAINS
10
FLAGG FARGO
Ghost Rider #45, #46, #56 thru #58, & #62: Not really a Ghost Rider enemy, but rather a rival stunt rider for Johnny Blaze and the only man to have taken the stunt riding championship title from Johnny Blaze. Writer Michael Fleisher gave Flagg Fargo a fun and sarcastic personality making him instantly identifiable. He certainly stands out as a unique antagonist in the series.
9
SILFER / INFERNO
Ghost Rider #4 thru #9, & #11: One of Satan's earliest agents set against Ghost Rider, Silfer took on multiple forms and many schemes to defeat Johnny Blaze. And his story was left unresolved! He could still come back to plague Ghost Rider another day!
8
THE ARCHDEMON
Ghost Rider #17 thru #19: One of Satan's greatest servants, originally calling himself The Challenger, he was the first demon to set Johnny Blaze on a race through Hell, challenging Ghost Rider like no other had up to that point!
7
AZAZIAH ~ THE CRIMSON MAGE
Ghost Rider #43 & #44, What If? #28: The Crimson Mage, an evil magician from 400 years ago, Azaziah held onto his bitterness and revenge for centuries until discovering the Ghost Rider. Using his magic powers, he separated Johnny Blaze from Ghost Rider in an attempt to possess Ghost Rider himself! This villain came very close to ending Johnny Blaze and Ghost Rider forever!
6
THE WITCH-WOMAN ~ LINDA LITTLETREES
Marvel Spotlight #10, #11, #12, Ghost Rider #1 thru #4: Forced into Satan's service, Linda became Satan's chosen priestess and nearly succeeded in defeating Ghost Rider. Manipulated by Satan and his followers, Linda Littletrees is both sympathetic and devilishly evil. One of the stronger villains from the early stories of Johnny Blaze.
5
DEMON LORD ASMODEUS
Ghost Rider #53, #64, & #76: A new demon lord plaguing Ghost Rider, Asmodeus sought to turn Ghost Rider into a servant of his own and use Ghost Rider to elevate his power among the various high ranking demon lords, including Mephisto. Slimy, despicable, and pure evil, Asmodeus was a solid antagonist for Johnny Blaze.
4
THE BOUNTY HUNTER
Ghost Rider ##29 thru #32: The Bounty Hunter is essentially a dark reflection of Ghost Rider. He is what Johnny was supposed to have become had he not fought against Satan, instead honoring the bargain. The Bounty Hunter, through a century of serving the devil, was more than a match for Johnny Blaze and one of Ghost Rider's greatest opponents.
3
THE ORB
Marvel Team-Up #15, Ghost Rider #14, #15, #28, #54, & #63: Goofy looking, ridiculous, and kinda the generic "villain of the month" type, somehow The Orb rises above all of these things that would relegate him to obscurity. Hellbent on revenge against Crash Simpson and later Johnny Blaze/Ghost Rider, Drake Shannon is a truly amoral and despicable person who brings all of his woes upon himself. You gotta admire his determination in the face of impossible odds. And the giant eyeball makes him one of Ghost Rider's standout villains.
2
SATAN (MARDUK KURIOS) / MEPHISTO
Marvel Spotlight #5 thru #12, Ghost Rider #1, #2, #3, #5, #7, #8, #9, #32, #76, #77, & #81: The ultimate evil and the one responsible for merging Johnny Blaze with Zarathos, few enemies can rival Satan himself. Because the continuity is messed up, I chose to present both Marduk Kurios and Mephisto here as both are treated essentially as the same character in the story (though one is Daimon Hellstrom's father and one is not). I prefer Marduk Kurios personally, mainly because of the direct connection to Daimon Hellstrom, but Mephisto is pretty awesome too.
1
CENTURIOUS ~ THE SOULLESS MAN
Ghost Rider #74, #77, #80, & #81: The character I can't stop talking about, the writers put in the time and the effort to build this character up as Ghost Rider's ultimate nemesis, an enmity that has lasted over a thousand years. His design didn't appeal a whole lot to me when I was younger, but now that I'm older, I appreciate the draculian esthetics and obvious nods to Christopher Lee. Ultimately, he is the most fleshed out of Ghost Rider's villains, perfectly aligned against Ghost Rider. Centurious is well deserving of topping this list.
TOP TEN GHOST RIDER GUEST SPOTS
10
THE CHAMPIONS #14 & 15
The introduction of the villain SWARM, this was probably my favorite part of The Champions run. A truly evil villain (he's an undead Nazi for crying out loud!), Swarm pushed the Champions' backs against the wall, Ghost Rider one of the fee of them who could stand up to the Swarm's assault.
9
SUPER-VILLAIN TEAM-UP #14
A two-part crossover with The Champions and Super-Villain Team-Up, and throw in the Hulk too! Doctor Doom nearly wins in this story, but it is Ghost Rider who lands the blow that leads to Doom's defeat. So, yeah, Ghost Rider can claim he brought down Doctor Doom when everyone else failed.
8
MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE #8
This story was almost left off this list, but was reconsidered because of how utterly strange it is. It's a Christmas story with Ben Grimm, the Thing, and Ghost Rider posing as two of the Three Wise Men in the Nativity Story. It's such a strange story that you need to read it to believe it!
7
MARVEL PREMIERE #28
The first meeting of several of Marvel's horror heroes; Ghost Rider, Man-Thing, Morbius, and Werewolf by Night! This line-up of characters is worth it alone! Though the story and artwork are not as grand as the line-up... Just be aware of that. But these four horror heroes together for the first time is worth it alone!
6
DEFENDERS #96
The Defenders story; The Six-Fingered Hand, is incredible and a must read Marvel Comics saga. Issue #96 (Part Five of the Six-Fingered Hand saga) reunites Ghost Rider alongside Doctor Strange and Daimon Hellstrom and sees the heroes battle satanic hardrocker Asmodeus Jones (no relation to the demon lord Asmodeus). Mixing metal music, super heroes, and demons, this is a great guest spot for ol' Ghost Rider.
5
TEAM AMERICA #11
An obscure and oft forgotten title from Marvel's history, Team America brings back the all-american stunt riding show to the Ghost Rider's story. The mystery surrounding the character of The Marauder quickly sucks the reader in. And once Ghost Rider is thrown in the mix the story becomes irresistible. Ghost Rider has a bizarre beef with The Marauder and challenges him to a race off. But Hydra suddenly arrives to ruin their plans!
4
THE HUMAN FLY #2
Another forgotten oddity in the Marvel catalog, this issue expertly shows off Johnny Blaze's stunt riding talents and is perfectly fitting for his character. Similar to the above Team America #11, this issue is more about the all-american pastime of stunt racing and extreme sports. Johnny is showcased very well in this issue.
3
MARVEL TEAM-UP #91
Sporting amazing artwork by Pat Broderick, Johnny Blaze's soul/will is trapped in the mystic orb of Moondark, granting the villain complete control over his body and subsequently the Ghost Rider. Spider-Man arrives and finds himself sorely outclassed. His only hope is to free Johnny's will and turn Ghost Rider against his enslaver! Easily one of the best Ghost Rider guest spots in terms of art and story.
2
MARVEL TEAM-UP #15
The first appearance of the Orb and the first meeting of Ghost Rider and Spider-Man! This issue is more Ghost Rider's than Spidey's and must be considered an essential issue of Ghost Rider's. Solid artwork inside, this issue also reveals hidden secrets of Crash Simpson's Stunt Show. And when you see The Orb's real face you'll never forget it!
1
AVENGERS #214
Ever wonder how Ghost Rider stacks up against Marvel's elite? Look no further than this issue as GR takes on the Avengers! Written by Jim Shooter, one of the scribes who could write Ghost Rider better than most, showcases GR brilliantly here. And this issue juggles so much on top of that and everything lands beautifully! This is an epic issue and a must own for any collector!
Phew! Was that enough for you? Want more top ten lists with Ghost Rider? Click on the links below!
TOP TEN GHOST RIDERS
TOP TEN GHOST RIDER VILLAINS
TOP TEN DOCTOR STRANGE VILLAINS
TOP TEN MARVEL SUPERNATURAL HEROES
TOP TEN MARVEL HEROES YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF
TOP TEN MARVEL SUPER HERO TEAMS
TOP TEN MARVEL SUPER HEROES
After all of this I think I've said just about everything I have to say on this volume! This truly was a joy to partake in and explore and expand our Ghost Rider knowledge. We hope all of you who came along with us on this journey enjoyed the experience too!
Do you feel there's more Ghost Rider conversations to have here? Let us know what aspect of Ghost Rider you'd like to have us explore next! Leave a comment below and let us know, because we could always talk more about Ghost Rider!
Special thanks goes out to my local comic shop for selling me most of the issues spotlighted in these posts! I'd say an estimated 96% of the total comic books we talked about, I purchased from them. They really are one of the greatest comic book shops in America, a place that has made me a loyal customer since the 1990s.
As always, if you missed any of the previous posts, click on the links below!
JOHNNY BLAZE - GHOST RIDER: PART ONE
JOHNNY BLAZE - GHOST RIDER: PART TWO
JOHNNY BLAZE - GHOST RIDER: PART THREE
JOHNNY BLAZE - GHOST RIDER: PART FOUR
JOHNNY BLAZE - GHOST RIDER: PART FIVE
JOHNNY BLAZE - GHOST RIDER: PART SIX
Thanks for riding with us!
When we continue our Ghost Rider reading, Danny Ketch will be next!
And it will be one helluva ride!
KEEP THE FIRES BURNING, MY FELLOW RIDERS
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