It’s hell on wheels as the Spirit of Vengeance makes his roaring return! A mysterious object from space crash-lands in southern California, drawing some of the brightest minds in the Marvel Universe to Ghost Rider’s backyard – including Amadeus Cho, the Totally Awesome Hulk! What mayhem will be unleashed as the High-octane Hothead comes face-to-face with the Jade Genius? And with Robbie still possessed by the ghost of his evil uncle Eli…who’s really in the driver’s seat?
I read a little of the previous volume of Ghost Rider, but for the most part skipped the series. So, while somewhat familiar with the Robbie Reyes version of the character, the whole possessed by the ghost of his evil uncle was something I was up on. After reading this issue, I’m not sure I know anymore than I did before.
Written by Felipe Smith with art by Danillo Beyruth the main story is… interesting. While Ghost Rider’s name is splashed across that cover it feels like a lot of the issues is devoted to, Totally Awesme Hulk!? Yes, the Hulk is peppered throughout the issue as Reyes story is broken up by a build up featuring that character. The problem is, there’s not really any payoff with the Hulk in how Ghost Rider ties in, so the scenes feel like someone produced the comic wrong and mixed up the two series. It’s confusing and an odd choice that takes the focus away from a character who is garnering some interest with a high profile spotlight in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Then there’s a back-up story written by Smith with Tradd Moore on art. This addition is a bit more straight forward in the comic sense with Reyes having someone attempting to steal his car. It’s nothing earth shattering, but it’s entertaining and looks great.
Beyruth’s art is ok for the series and has a generic feal about it all. In fact the Hulk scenes felt like they could be found in that series, so things feel replaceable. Not necessarily a good thing but also not horrible. It evokes a little of Moore’s style that made the previous volume so cool to look at, though it doesn’t copy it.
Moore’s contribution on the other hand is as solid as solid can be as expected. I love Moore’s art and he always adds a kinetic energy that’s just fun to look at.
The choices for this issue are… interesting to say the least. With pages that feel like they’re from an issue of Totally Awesome Hulk and then another character showing up at the end, the issue feels like something you’d find many issues down when sales have dwindled and a crossover is needed to boost sales. I can’t see folks who came to this from the live action version would stick around after this issue. I’m seriously perplexed.
Story: Felipe Smith Art: Danillo Beyruth, Tradd Moore
Story: 4 Art: 6.7 Overall: 4 Recommendation: Pass
Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
