Tuesday, January 9, 2024

GHOST RIDER - VOLUME 10 - BY BEN PERCY (2022 - 2023) ~ PART ONE

FIRE, BRIMSTONE, & EXHAUST -

GHOST RIDER VOLUME 10

Part One


In 2022, the year of Johnny Blaze's 50th anniversary, Marvel Comics announced a new volume of the Ghost Rider comic book to commemorate the occasion. Volume Ten is this anniversary volume. But before we get to there, we need to look at...

THE ROAD THUS FAR

The asphalt has been rough, bumpy, cracked, and littered with potholes for Ghost Rider comic books over the last ten years. Volume Six of Ghost Rider (which ran from 2006 to 2009 comprising 35 issues, a sequel mini series, a tie-in mini series, and an annual) was perhaps the last successful era for the character. Written by Daniel Way and succeeded by Jason Aaron, no volume since has had the longevity nor enthusiasm from readers surrounding it. Volume Seven saw the mantle of Ghost Rider pass from Johnny Blaze to a new character named Alejandra Jones (consisting of 10 issues and a six issue crossover). Then another new character became Ghost Rider named Robbie Reyes (who had two volumes: All New All Different Ghost Rider, which lasted twelve issues, and Robbie Reyes Ghost Rider, technically Volume Eight according to Marvel, which lasted five issues). 

Volume Nine saw Johnny Blaze return, a book that was hotly anticipated by yours truly given that it was being written by author Ed Brisson. That volume, sadly, was a disaster, lasting seven issues (interrupted by the pandemic) before being abruptly cancelled leaving the book incomplete. Eventually Volume Nine was unceremoniously tied up in a King In Black tie-in issue, an ignominious end to say the least.

I can't tell you the depths of my disappointment with Ed Brisson's run on Ghost Rider as it held maybe the most potential of any Ghost Rider volume in the ten years preceding it. That volume was the subject of a perfect storm of negative elements, the least of which being the interruption of the pandemic. Ghost Rider had been relegated to mere guest appearances here and there between volumes eight and nine, showing up in the Daredevil event series Shadowland and the Doctor Strange event series Damnation and then in a cool mini series called Spirits of Vengeance, the latter being the high point among it all.


THE 50th ANNIVERSARY ANNOUNCEMENT

While hope springs eternal, enthusiasm wilts after many repeated losses and losing seasons. And our trust in Marvel wavers after several mishandlings of the book. Marvel Comics of late certainly has lost the gold standard of approval with current comic books, as though the company as a whole has lost its way (or leadership has failed or led them astray). When this announcement for Volume Ten of Ghost Rider was made, it was declared that Johnny Blaze would once again be back in the saddle as the main Ghost Rider. Ever since the cancellation of Ghost Rider Volume Three (the Danny Ketch saga) Marvel has been trying to get Johnny Blaze over with readers as the main Ghost Rider. But they've forgotten what differentiated Johnny Blaze from the others, instead borrowing the powers and iconography of Danny Ketch. Not only has this not worked, but it also left Danny without a discernable identity whenever he returned to the story, seldom though it was.

Alejandra Jones and Robbie Reyes, while having their own merits, only served to muddy the already murky waters. And the dilution of the Ghost Rider brand has only continued with countless other Ghost Riders introduced over the last few years (many by writer Jason Aaron, another from writer Robbie Thompson, yet another by Donny Cates, with more to come so it seems). The premise of returning to the basics is instinctually a wise choice after a brand has been burned out, but going back to Johnny Blaze, the same tactic used so often in the past, has become so very tired. 

Yet who else could they go to? Danny Ketch seems the obvious choice, Volume Three historically being the most successful period in Ghost Rider's history. But Danny was left in a terrible state after Volume Nine and in dire need of repair. Alejandra Jones was killed off just prior to Volume Nine. And Robbie Reyes had just come off of two lackluster solo books (and was being used heavily in the concurrent Avengers book), although Marvel had been pushing the narrative that Robbie is the "ultimate" Ghost Rider. Needless to say, the Ghost Rider brand had been scorched so badly that Marvel didn't have much choice but to go back to Johnny.

The two creators, author Ben Percy and artist Cory Smith, were not household names in the comic community either. Not having read any of Ben Percy's work, and only a little familiar with Cory Smith's art, there seemed little to be excited about save for Cory Smith's artwork.

THE CREDITS AND WHAT'S INCLUDED

Who are the architects of this new series, you ask? Written in its entirety by author Ben Percy, with artist Cory Smith providing pencils for the majority of the issues (14 out of 21 regular issues). Brent Peeples provides pencils for one issue and assists with pencils on two more. David Wachter fills in for an issue, Chris Campana for another, Geoff Shaw penciling one issue, and Carlos Nieto penciling the final three issues. Bryan Valenza provides colors for 20 of the 21 issues with Oren Junior inking for 13 issues. The editor of this entire series is one Darren Shan with C.B. Cebulski as editor in chief.

This volume was supplemented with one annual issue (Ghost Rider Annual 1 2023), an anniversary special one-shot titled: Ghost Rider - Vengeance Forever, and a four part crossover with the concurrent Wolverine volume collectively referred to as Weapons of Vengeance (all of these also written by Ben Percy). This iteration of Ghost Rider also guest appears in Fantastic Four 2023 Annual and in three issues of the Daredevil & Echo four-issue mini-series. He also makes a one-page cameo in Doctor Strange #4 (August 2023). Lastly Ghost Rider is featured in a digital only release titled Strange Tales Ghost Rider Infinity Comic (October 2022). None of these guest appearances are written by Ben Percy or referenced in the actual Ghost Rider series, so, they are not essential to the series. All in all there are 26 issues comprising the complete story by Ben Percy and six extra issues for a total of 32 issues featuring this iteration of Ghost Rider (a nice size collection for an omnibus?). 

THE NONESSENTIAL APPEARANCES

Ghost Rider makes an appearance in Elektra: Black, White & Blood #4 which was published during this run, but does not feature Johnny Blaze Ghost Rider from this era, presumably taking place before Ghost Rider and Elektra's time together on the Thunderbolts (so, we're choosing not to count it, even as supplemental material, for this Ghost Rider volume). Ghost Rider also makes a comedic one-page cameo in Damage Control #1 (October 2022), but isn't sporting his redesign from this run, so, once again we're not including this appearance, even as supplemental material, for this Ghost Rider volume. Ghost Rider's appearance in Ziggy Pig and Silly Seal Infinity Comic #3 (September 2022) also is not included for the same reasons above.

More significantly, the four issue mini series Danny Ketch: Ghost Rider (published from July 2023 to October of 2023) prominently features Johnny Blaze in all four issues. This series takes place entirely within Ghost Rider Volume Three, Johnny Blaze represented in his incarnation from that era. While this story is important to the lore and certainly essential Ghost Rider reading, it has no bearing on Ghost Rider Volume Ten and, therefore, is deemed nonessential for this volume. 


VOLUME 10, THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE ABSURB

Readers beware: This is an overview of the series, spoilers, commentary, and analysis will ensue. 

Well, 21 issues, a crossover, and two one-shot specials later, Ghost Rider Volume Ten came to a close in December of 2023. Across the series comprised five different story arcs and three single issue self-contained stories. The first story arc wrapped up with issue six and smoothly transitioned into the second story arc which finished with issue ten, the last two pages teeing up the next arc. Issues eleven through fifteen complete the third arc. These first three arcs represent the most satisfying stories of the volume, flowing organically from one arc to the next, having deeper connectivity to the greater Ghost Rider mythology. The artwork from all of the artists across the volume is pretty solid throughout, showcasing gore and graphic violence, and quality rendering of skulls (believe it or not, how well the artists' draw Ghost Rider's skull is a big deal).

Issue sixteen is a one-off story and issue seventeen sets us off on the next arc, a crossover with Wolverine's comic book. From here on, sadly, the book dips in quality. The crossover with Wolverine comes across gimmicky with no organic transition from the previous arc nor feeling like the natural progression of the story Ben Percy had setup thus far. Luckily the story is four parts, only one issue actually taking place in Ghost Rider's series with the others occurring in two one-shot specials and one issue of Wolverine's book. So, by issue eighteen we're beginning the next and final story arc of the volume. This story arc, which should be the climax of the volume and the culmination of everything the volume had been building toward, shifts the primary focus from Johnny Blaze to Talia Warroad, Ghost Rider taking a backseat. With this being the climax of the volume, it left me wondering who this volume was really about? Was this volume of Ghost Rider really about Ghost Rider? Or was it about someone else entirely? 

Let's get into the details, shall we?

THE STORY

The story begins with Johnny Blaze finding himself in the life he always wanted; living the American dream with his wife, Roxanne, his two children, Craig and Emma, and working for his adoptive father, Crash Simpson. Yet, there's an itch in the back of Johnny's mind, something telling him that this heaven is really a hell. He's having visions of demons randomly and scratching at a strange scar along the back of his head. And there's no sign nor memory of the Ghost Rider. We're introduced to a mysterious new character named Zeb who offers to wake Johnny up from this nightmare he's found himself in, saying the Ghost Rider is needed. Taking Zeb's offer, the Ghost Rider is set free and Johnny finds himself in a town filled with demons. Elsewhere, we're introduced to another new character, an FBI agent who hunts monsters. This FBI agent's name is Talia Warroad. Back to the city of demons, Ghost Rider lays waste to the town and sets out to discover who had imprisoned him. And deliver his infernal judgement upon them.

This all occurs in the first issue, an oversized comic book that amounts to a satisfying read. Dropping Johnny and us readers into a new setting made for a compelling beginning without forcing the story to directly address the mess that was left behind by Volume Nine. By featuring Crash Simpson, Roxanne, Craig, and Emma, despite them being fakes, it displayed the competency of the writer and or editor, that Ben Percy or Darren Shan had at least done some research of the Ghost Rider mythology. For longtime readers this left us feeling reassured that our beloved characters, so often mishandled of late, were in good capable hands. 


The following issues in this first story arc (#2 through #6) feature Ghost Rider traveling from town to town hunting down demons and eradicating them. Issues one through four are primarily self-contained stories with B and C plots running in the background. The A plot focuses on Ghost Rider and his freeing of towns from demons all the while trying to figure out the big picture. The B plot involves Talia Warroad and her FBI partner slowly closing in on Ghost Rider. The C plot revolves around the mystery of Zeb, full name: Zebadiah, and the introduction of yet more new characters, a group of five calling themselves The Council of Night Magicians. They seem motivated to free Ghost Rider from his demonic prison for the purpose of reestablishing supernatural order to the world. 

Of particular note; Issue four sees Johnny facing off against the Circus of Crime. For longtime readers, we know that the circus carries great meaning to Johnny Blaze. A big portion of his life was spent with a traveling circus, the Quentin Carnival, where he worked for many years and eventually owned and operated it alongside Roxanne. There was even a pivotal story arc where the Quentin Carnival faced off against the Circus of Crime. Sadly, there is no mention of that in this issue, nor does Johnny seem to recall or recognize the characters or events, merely the general recognition of circus atmosphere. The knowledge of the writer and editor is betrayed here and the confidence of the readers is slightly eroded (not significantly, but somewhat). The circus/carnival environment is very significant to Johnny Blaze's character and no acknowledgement of that whatsoever is glaring. Otherwise it's a fine issue.

Issue five stands out as perhaps the most absurd issue in the entire volume, a story which so far had been treated quite seriously until now. We get a quote from The Fast And The Furious franchise here, "Ride or Die" before Ghost Rider enters a race called the Hell's Backbone Rally alongside a who's who of characters across the Marvel universe. In perhaps one of the most ludicrous panels I've ever seen, we're shown Ghost Rider in a group of motorcyclists consisting of Dr. Doom, Man-Thing, the Rhino, Dracula, Blade, Moon Knight, and Elektra among others, all astride their own unique motorcycles. Wolverine, Kraven the Hunter, Bullseye, Black Widow, Multiple Man, Boom Boom, and more are shown later, all racing along Hell's Backbone. The allure of this race is that the winner is allowed council with the Devil and granted anything they wish for. The race is as ridiculous as the cast of characters too. Johnny's scar along his head begins opening and a demon begins spilling out. Wolverine comes to Johnny's rescue, carting Johnny away to safety.

Is this cool? Or is this dumb? My gut reactions is that this concept is incredibly stupid.

The B and C plots intersect in this issue, Talia summoning Zebadiah and learning that the Council of Night Magicians is working to restore the balance of Light and Shadow in the world. He reveals to Talia that they're on the same side and that she's targeting the wrong people. It's here where Talia's FBI partner reveals himself to be a demon in disguise. This is an intriguing development with potential for the future. Also revealed at the end of the issue is the mastermind behind the demon infestation across America: Blackheart, the son of Mephisto. Blackheart's reveal here is pretty epic to see. His appearance goes a long way to repairing some of the lost goodwill of us longtime readers from issue four.

Issue six reveals a traitor within the Council of Night Magicians, the leader of the council being in league with the demons. Zeb and Talia join forces and escape. Meanwhile, Wolverine takes Johnny to a bar where he performs impromptu surgery, removing the invading demon inside Johnny like cutting out a tumor, thus fully freeing Ghost Rider. This itself continues the nonsense from the previous issue in that exorcising a demon is not a spiritual act but rather can be done by Wolverine of all people. But then, this book's approach to demonic possession was never made clear, vaguely defined at best. 

Issue seven begins by introducing a new villain named Exhaust: the demon that Wolverine pulled out of Ghost Rider crawls inside the body of the bartender and transforms into a monstrous amalgamation of exhaust pipes, motorcycle engine parts, human flesh, and bone. Not going to lie, Exhaust's character design looks badass and feels like something that would have come out of Howard Mackie's seminal Ghost Rider run (Volume Three). He's a welcomed addition, at least visually, to Ghost Rider's rogues gallery and maybe the best designed new character in the entire volume.


 Talia and Johnny finally meet in this issue in a rather unsavory way. Talia possesses a waitress at a diner, slips Johnny a roofie, and then handcuffs him to a bed before using magic to spiritually and mentally rape him (her physical assault of him comes later). While she mystically violates him without consent, we get a cool recap of events, cool because of Cory Smith's incredible artwork in four back to back full page spreads. In this recap it not only covers the events of Volume Ten so far (a little redundant), but we also are treated to an amazing full page spread of Ghost Rider sitting on the throne of Hell (referencing events from Volume Nine) and then a full page spread of Blackheart seated atop a mound of skulls (in what I feel is one of the best images of the character ever rendered). Talia probes deeper and uncovers how Johnny was deceived by Blackheart, how Ghost Rider was sealed away, and how Johnny came to be trapped in that hell disguised as paradise in issue one.

I have to give due recognition to writer Ben Percy and editor Darren Shan here for this great piece of  continuity and plot. When this volume began we readers were given the impression that the book was either ignoring the messy events of Volume Nine or disregarding that story entirely. Rather, this issue acts as a stealth follow-up to Volume Nine, revealing that Blackheart (who pretended to ally himself with Ghost Rider in Volume Nine) enacted a revenge plot against Ghost Rider for taking the throne of Hell. And these first two arcs of Volume Ten are the fallout of Blackheart's plan. This was nicely crafted and executed, including one nightmarish sequence of Blackheart's arm reaching out from beneath a bed and dragging Johnny, screaming in terror, into the darkness. This was mostly executed nicely and wonderfully rendered, so, a big bravo to the creative team!

Johnny wakes, still handcuffed to the bed, and he and Talia finally talk. She explains what she's learned from scouring his mind (something for which she does not apologize for) and the two finally join forces. Pivoting back to the Hell's Backbone Rally and the race (which the story seemed to have forgotten until now), showing those who finished (conveniently none of the recognizable characters who participated are present) gathering around Blackheart, including Exhaust whom Blackheart describes as Ghost Rider's shadow. The prince of Hell reveals his ultimate plan: If he can't be king of Hell then he'll spread never-ending darkness across America turning it into his own hellish kingdom.


Issue seven is a huge comic in terms of story development, as evident by the long analysis here. Issue eight begins with Johnny and Talia studying their "evidence web" pinned to the wall, trying to figure out what their next move will be. Johnny figures out Blackheart's pattern with all signs pointing to Chicago as the next town to be attacked by demons. We briefly shift scenes to the Council of Night Magicians, seeing the aftermath of Zeb's battle with the treacherous leader, Alabaster, Zeb being the victor. We return to Johnny and Talia being attacked on the road by zombie animals, all created by Exhaust. Flash over to Zeb and the remains of the council, they discover that Alabaster had been in league with Blackheart all along. Meanwhile Johnny and Talia arrive in Chicago where Talia uses her magic to force Johnny to change into Ghost Rider.

Issue nine begins with Ghost Rider and Talia making a deal. They continue through Chicago, find a desecrated church filled with corpses, and head down a subway tunnel finding it filled with human sacrifices and demons. Ghost Rider starts up a fiery chainsaw and starts mowing through the demons while Talia is attacked in the shadows by Exhaust. Meanwhile Zeb and the remaining members of the Council of Night Magicians track down Blackheart. Leading into issue ten, the penultimate issue of this story, the issue begins with Ghost Rider continuing fighting the demons. Meanwhile Blackheart lays out his plan to Zeb and the council, detailing how his demons have infiltrated the government, church, business, industry, and virtually all essential areas of society. Zeb and the council attack Blackheart from all sides only to be defeated by the son of the devil.

Back in the Chicago subway system, Ghost Rider finishes off the demons and then battles Exhaust and a possessed Talia Warroad. Seeing Talia "corrupted," Johnny realizes he's come to care for her dearly. He begs Ghost Rider to withdraw and let Johnny himself deal with Talia and Exhaust. Ghost Rider refuses, but Johnny exerts full control and forces the transformation back. Once human again, Johnny utters an impassioned plea to Talia's heart, which enables her to overcome her possession. Together Johnny and Talia defeat Exhaust and whisk away back to Utah and to Hell's Backbone to confront Blackheart. 

Ghost Rider's bad dad joke and one-hit kill on Blackheart... 'sigh'

Ghost Rider and Blackheart finally come face to face in the climactic showdown. Blackheart hurls one bolt of blue energy which is effortlessly caught and crushed by Ghost Rider. After uttering maybe some of the worst lines of dialog the character has ever said, Ghost Rider calls down a mountain-sized column of fire out of the overhead storm clouds upon Blackheart's head and the son of the devil is no more. Zeb, Talia, and Johnny watch Blackheart burn, declaring they're going to continue their battle against the "shadows" of this country. What follows is five pages of resolution: Talia resigns from the FBI, joins Johnny for a cute little scene before they set off towards one of the remaining towns infested with demons: Savannah, Georgia. We're then introduced to a new character named Dr. Diyu working in a secret government lab performing bloody autopsies on demons, her next test subject being: DANNY KETCH.

Really? After all of that, the big finale is one puny fireball from Blackheart and then Ghost Rider takes him out in one shot? This is an ability neither previously alluded to nor something he should be capable of. This book has done many things well, but issue ten, aside from gorgeous artwork, is a big disappointment, especially considering its the culmination of the plot that began with issue one. The issue is poorly structured, spending too much time on the subway battle with the demons and the confrontation with Exhaust. The author practically uses the book as a platform for his political beliefs, the veil between allegory and political rhetoric growing thin with both Blackheart's dialog and the narration. There's laughable dialog from Ghost Rider and an unearned relationship development between Talia and Johnny. 

And by the end of it no space is allotted for the final boss fight against Blackheart save for two pages. Even the fight between Blackheart and the Council of Night Magicians lasts a mere two pages, most of it occurring off panel. The battle with Exhaust barely happens either, Ghost Rider nary getting a hit in before it shifts focus to Talia for five pages. If this had been extended into two issues, crafting epic confrontations with Exhaust and an even greater battle with Blackheart, it could've felt more satisfying. As is, this issue ends on a lackluster note, saved only by Cory Smith's artwork. Johnny and Blackheart have never really had a climactic battle, Blackheart having primarily fought against Danny Ketch and briefly against Alejandra Jones. What could've been Johnny Blaze's own epic battle with Blackheart feels barely thought out and lazily crafted. 


HIGHLIGHTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS

Concerning only these first ten issues and the story presented in them, Ghost Rider Volume Ten finishes its first year fairly positively. Cory Smith's artwork is the MVP of this volume, shining as perhaps the best artist to take on the character in the last 15 years or more. Smith's dark, gritty, detailed, and realistic style works so very well with Ghost Rider, the tone, and subject matter. Cory Smith is a perfect fit.

The character designs are mostly on point, with a few designs not quite hitting for me. The design for Ghost Rider himself looks fairly good, but goes a little over the top in areas. Specifically, he's a little too bulky, not in a muscle-bound way, but a puffy way. His Frankenstein boots, spikey knee pads and elbow pads, and the thick spikes on his shoulders all go a bit too far for my tastes, Ghost Rider looking like a band member of KISS or GWAR (both of these bands are awesome, but this isn't how Ghost Rider should look). Cory Smith's artwork and talent are not the problem, it's that the design needs to be reined in a bit. Also, Ghost Rider's motorcycle design is a little weak too and more reminiscent of Danny's bike, not Johnny's bike.

Talia Warroad's design looks like every goth cliché rolled into one. It goes to far over the top, again in need of reining in. All of the elements present add up to just too much. Scaled back, the design could work better, but the character's personality isn't helping the design any either. Conversely, Blackheart is absolutely perfect, yet nothing was changed from his classic design, proving that you don't necessarily need to change any of the characters' designs, only requiring a great artist to bring out the best in the designs. The new character Exhaust's design is nigh perfect too, not a single complaint from me here. The demons and monsters in general all look really good in these first ten issues.

As for the story and plot execution, I felt it hit more than it missed. Without going over it again, the first four issues flow pretty nicely together, starting fresh, opting for a seemingly blank slate at the beginning, taking the story back to the basics. Points awarded to the writer and editor for referencing Roxanne, Craig, Emma, and Crash Simpson, but then points are docked later in issue four for not acknowledging Johnny's past with the Quentin Carnival. Issue five is the low point of these ten issues, feeling tonally jarring and out of place with the relative seriousness of the series. But the reveal of Blackheart at the end of issue five was a big positive, points awarded again.


Issue seven is perhaps the standout issue here, connecting with the previous volume, providing context for the first issue, and laying out Blackheart's plan. Also, the introduction of Exhaust pushed the issue further into something truly epic. The next three issues don't quite reach the same heights, but neither do they fall flat on their faces. Issue ten, the climax, left a lot to be desired and is runner up for the low point of the series thus far. It was an oversized issue, but still needed more space to properly deliver on all of the elements therein. What really hurts this issue is the "blink and you'll miss it" end boss fight between Ghost Rider and Blackheart. Truly disappointing, borderline insulting as far as climaxes go.

All in all, there's a lot to like here, but also much to improve upon. For the art, a little less with the character designs. For the story, a little better pacing and structure and a little more depth to the story in regards to Johnny's character. Other than that, so far it's an improvement over the last several volumes, better than Volume Nine, both Robbie Reyes' volumes, and Alejandra Jones' volume. But still not quite up to the level of volumes two, three, or six.

Sorry for rambling on so long. Needed to make sure we presented all of the evidence and gave this book a fair assessment. The second part will finish this volume. 

Will this reach legendary heights, becoming the next great volume of Ghost Rider?

Be sure to check PART TWO coming soon!

And for more Ghost Rider centric posts, check out these links below!





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