Comic Review: Ghost Rider (2019-) #2

Ghost Rider (2019-) #2

Marvel Comics

Writer: Ed Brisson

Artists: Aaron Kuder, Craig Yeung, John Lucas, & Luciano Vecchio

Marvel Comics’ latest volume of Ghost Rider continues its hot streak with a heavily action-focused second issue. Ghost Rider #2 picks up almost immediately where the last issue left off, with the two classic Riders Johnny Blaze (recently crowned King of Hell) and Danny Ketch taking center stage once again. Their opposing objectives form the center of the conflict that headlines this issue and makes for a fast-paced and entertaining read.

In terms of the overarching plot, there isn’t too much advancement in this issue. At its start, Johnny is involved in much of the same work as he was in issue 1, hunting escaped demons in his new capacity as the ruler of Hell. The issue does build on the narrative thread introduced in the last issue, in which Danny receives a warning apparently from his mother’s ghost about Johnny’s new hunger for power. Danny’s arc and character take precedence over Johnny’s; the issue ends with Danny at his lowest point and fans of the character will likely want to stick around to see how he pulls himself back up. While the main plot advances a bit slowly, the action is well-paced and the issue never feels like it lingers too long on any given scene.

The issue’s side characters are probably its weakest element, or more accurately its least developed. The previous issue focused primarily on establishing the new status quo for Johnny and Danny; other less important characters like the escaped residents of Hell are essentially throwaways to demonstrate Johnny’s power and/or to provide an additional motive for Danny to confront Johnny. On the other hand, because the two Riders are given so much screen time, it’s much easier for readers to be invested in them. This issue continues to widen the ideological gap established in issue 1 between Johnny and Danny, with Johnny using his powers to rule Hell with an iron fist and Danny attempting to escape his life as a Rider. These are compelling directions and motivations for both characters and the issue does a good job of keeping those directions consistent.

Aaron Kuder and the rest of the art team do solid work here, producing detailed characters and easy-to-follow action enhanced with some moments of mild gore and body horror –not quite Joe Bennett level but still gruesome. The issue’s colors impress as well, especially given the limited color palette in the Rider-centric scenes, with multiple large panels and even full pages utilizing almost exclusively shades of bright yellow, red, and orange in contrast with the Riders’ black suits and motorcycles. Furthermore, while I’m not a huge fan of the new skintight suit design for Johnny, the suit resembles a skinless body with exposed muscle while Johnny’s flaming skull now has a crown of horns; both of these design changes look great thanks to Kuder’s linework and are a good way to keep Johnny and Danny visually distinct. This issue is worth picking up for the art alone.

Overall, Ghost Rider #2 delivers fast-paced action-focused almost entirely on the two classic Ghost Riders. Aaron Kuder, Craig Yeung, John Lucas, and Luciano Vecchio deliver great artwork while Ed Brisson moves the protagonists in interesting directions. The supporting characters, unfortunately, don’t impress yet but Johnny’s demon hunting and the Blaze/Ketch battle definitely compensate.

Click For More Comic Book Reviews