Ghost Rider (2019) Issue 1

 

Cover

-Colourist: Dean White

-Penciler: Aaron Kuder

Interior

-Colorist: Jason Keith

-Editor: Christopher Robinson

-Inker: Juan Frigeri

-Writer: Ed Brisson

I don’t know if any of you folks know this about me, but I love Ghost Rider. I’ve known about the character for ages and always enjoyed the aesthetic, but it was reading the Robbie Reyes stories (more on those later) that had me hooked on everything with a flaming skull.

This series starts off with one Hell of an intro (yes that is a pun) as we’re thrust into a story that has Johnny Blaze on the throne of Hell, doing everything in his power to keep control over those demons who find they’re unhappy with his managerial style.

A portal is opened to the mortal world with demons spilling out, seeking freedom. Johnny goes after them, walking the Earth for the first time in a while.

Johnny asks his half brother, Danny Ketch (also a Ghost Rider), for assistance, but he refuses. Danny’s a wreck. Drunk more often than not, he resents his role as a Ghost Rider. He has some second thoughts though, when while visiting his mother’s grave, he sees her spirit warn him that Johnny has been corrupted by Hell and something needs to be done about it.

As far as I’m concerned, this is a strong start to the series. I’m enjoying this Ghost Rider vs Ghost Rider set up, and I’m deeply curious about how everything’s going to go down. Johnny Blaze might be the current King of Hell, but the demons haven’t forgotten their loyalty to Mephisto. On top of that, Lilith has her own eyes on the title. Lots of strings tangled up here and I’m very excited to see where they all lead.

The art in this book is fantastic. There’s a brilliant sense of movement and speed present in the line work, and the style choices are delightful. The demons are visceral, monstrous, with rich and varied designs, armed with cruel blades or machine guns, and some even ride around Hell on mopeds. It’s awesome, very expressive, and indicative of the imagination behind the pencils and pens.

I’m really looking forward to reading what’s coming next!