“Challenge of the Ghost Riders” begins in The Avengers #22 which shifts the focus on Robbie Reyes. In Avengers #16 we saw current Ghost Rider Robbie Reye stuck in traffic in the depths of hell. A mysterious character was talking to him and teasing the difficulty he’d be facing. The last page of the issue featured Blaze sitting on his bike and leaving Reyes with a warning their story would intertwine once more.

You’ll be back. And the King of Hell will be here waiting. And next time I see you, Ghost Rider, you and me… we’re gonna do a bit more than just talk. We’re gonna have us a little ride.

– Johnny Blaze aka Ghost Rider – Avengers #16

Avengers #22 kicks things off with Robbie’s car making threats to his brother and leaving him in a tough spot. Reyes wants the Ghost Rider gone and the car out of his life. In steps the Avengers who attempt to figure out how to help him. In come the help of Blade and a special guest and the combo adds in some humor to a horror focused comic.

Writer Jason Aaron does a fantastic job of keeping the issue light mixing what should be a straight-up horror comic with some humorous moments. There’s a transition of action, to a bit of seriousness, and then there’s the humor. It flows nicely and keeps things entertaining without getting too heavy.

The art by Stefano Caselli helps with that. With color by Jason Keith and lettering by Cory Petit, the art again is able to balance the various tones of the comic. The art of Avengers #22 moves between the various worlds of the characters and aspects of the comic and with each the art style nails it.

Avengers #22 kicks off a new story arc and it’s a solid point to hop on to the series. The story seems like it’ll reveal more about the history of Ghost Rider and bring back some classic characters too. It’s a solid mix of new and old moving things ahead in a flaming car.

Story: Jason Aaron Art: Stefano Caselli
Color: Jason Keith Letterer: Cory Petit
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review