REVIEW: Ghost Rider #3

“I’m not interested in your groveling.” – Johnny Blaze (as Ghost Rider)

Synopsis:

Both Ghost Riders are flying high in this issue as Danny Ketch is reluctant to take on his former role despite a Johnny Blaze that’s completely out of control and not responsible for his actions. Mephisto had been jailed in Las Vagas while Blaze held his mantle in Hell. While serving in hell his power increased and he was unfamiliar with the new power he wielded. Danny Ketch, however, was trying to leave all of his supernatural shenanigans behind so he opened a bar called the fadeaway. Blaze came back to earth a demented creature that wound up throwing Ketch in the river.

The Creative Team:

Ed Brisson does a great job of showing the contrast between the two demon-possessed heroes as Johnny slips into madness, unable to control the power that consumes him and Danny’s urge to leave his familiar spirit personality behind. I enjoy watching what these two are going through. No doubt Danny’s influence on wanting a normal life comes from watching what’s happened to Blaze. Emma rescues Danny from a watery grave and business continues as usual…for now! Great stuff includes watching Danny’s anger well up at the suggestion that he do anything to help Johnny Blaze. Also, the demons gathering and promising to stop the Ghost Rider.

Juan Frigeri captures the essence of both Ghost Riders in an entertaining way. His panels move the story along in an even pace. His images of hell are especially compelling. Fans of Aaron Kuder should appreciate Frigeri’s work as the two have similar, yet unique styles. Kuder is supposed to return with issue 4. Highlights include the opening splash of the North American great plains circa 1654 C.E. and the splash of Johnny Blaze riding into action.

In Conclusion:

The saga of the two Ghost Riders is a spellbinding tale of two diametrically opposed wills. The pacing is good for this type of tale, it’s not moving to fast and we can see the frustrations of both personalities as they try to deal with their individual possessions. Ketch and Blaze have different goals and this issue shows their frustrations with trying to live those lives and achieve these goals with the supernatural interfering. Johnny catches up to two demons from hell who are causing problems on earth, he chastises them as they are on the way to…be continued. ***1/2 (8.8 rating)

SCORE: 3.5/5

Writer – Ed Brisson
Art – Juan Frigeri
Colors – Jason Keith
Letter’s VC’s Joe Caramagna
Publisher – Marvel

Author Profile

Kevin Given

Kevin Given has studied with “ Longridge Writers Group ” and “ Writer’s Boot Camp ” a speech/communications major from the University of Maine Presque-Isle/Orono sites. He has created the “ Karl Vincent Vampire Hunter ” franchise which includes novels and comic books. They can be found on amazon, Indyplanet and Kindle. For a limited time you can get digital copies of “ Karl Vincent: Vampire hunter ” # 1 and “ Files of Karl Vincent ” # 1 for free on Indyplanet. Kevin is producing the third novel in the series “ Dracula Rising ” (working title) and developing “ Foul Blood ” into comic book form. Don't forget to check out the YouTube show " Comics: Let's Talk " hosted by Kevin Given

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