Review: Revenge of the Cosmic Ghost Rider #4 (of 5)

With Revenge of the Cosmic Ghost Rider #4, Dennis Hopeless takes a surprising, enjoyable detour and reminds us just how great Avengers Arena and Avengers Undercover were. Here we follow one of the main protagonists of those series, Cammi as she navigates being thrown through a temporal hole by the Cosmic King.

Just as Cosmic Ghost Rider is being gifted a soul in the Cosmic King’s move for power over him, Cammi is cast back a year to the time just after Thanos was killed. Given what a great, street level character Cammi has become, it’s easy to forget that her roots were with Drax, the Guardians of the Galaxy and other cosmic characters facing the Annihilation Wave. She can take on cosmic powers and strange situations without missing a beat.

The issue begins with Cammi crashing through a time hole into the playroom of the children of the Cosmic King. The entire sequence is delightful, not only because of the references to E.T., but also because of the amazing art by Scott Hepburn and colorist Antonio Fabela. The playroom is filled with toys referencing Marvel villains and capped by a giant LEGO of EGO.

Cammi quickly discovers that she is in the home of the Cosmic King and works with the children to escape even while facing down an alien parasite. The parasite is another chance for Hepburn to show incredible work with readers not only seeing the parasite unleashed but also seeing the vast history of others it has bonded with. These scenes are a tour of Marvel’s cosmic characters and culminates with the revelation that the parasite seeks to merge with Cosmic Ghost Rider.

Cammi escapes through another wormhole but in spite of seven months lead-time still reaches Frank too late. But in typical Back to the Future style, her ‘Doc Brown’ Frank Castle has things well under control. But all of it may be for naught as the issue ends in spectacular style with Mephisto arriving demanding back a soul in exchange for the one Cosmic Ghost Rider has regained.

Dennis Hopeless and Scott Hepburn create an entertaining issue that deals with incredibly complex issues including time travel, contracts for souls, cosmic characters and parasitic monsters. Through strong writing, clear story-telling, dynamic art and strong character work they makes every moment interesting and vital to the larger story arc. The shocking ending is given even more emotional weight through our time spent with Cammi on her journey to return to Frank. All of this represents the great story-telling, history and depth that can only be found in comics.

Writing 4.7 of 5 stars
Artwork 4.3 of 5 stars
Colors 4.5 of 5 stars

Overall 4.5 of 5 stars

Writer: Dennis Hopeless
Artist: Scott Hepburn
Colors: Antonio Fabela
Covers: Scott Hepburn and Antonio Fabela
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.