Customer Reviews

Essential Ghost Rider, Vol. 2 (Marvel Essentials) (v. 2)

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4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Essential Ghost Rider Vol. 2 is really only for those hard-core comic fans of a particular character who want every appearance, or those who want to collect every story from a particular era.
The 30 stories presented in this volume -- from about 1976 to 1980 or so -- aren't very memorable. For the most part, they show writers struggling very hard to develop a lasting theme for the Ghost Rider and his human half, Johnny Blaze. Many of the issues involve him wandering around, feeling sorry for himself, bumping into trouble then getting out of it and moving on without rhyme or reason. Minor characters are introduced as if they will become a continuing part of the series, such as Brahma Bill, Gina and Flagg Fargo, but they appear sporadically or drop out of sight for many issues at a time, making it hard to care.
About half the stories were written by Michael Fleisher, who did much better work with The Spectre and Jonah Hex. The main artist for most of the issues was Don Perlin, who has always done serviceable work but nothing to get excited about.
The highlight of the collection is a story called ''Death Race,'' which originally appeared in issue No. 35 of the comic. This was a fill-in issue by Jim Starlin, who wrote the story and did the art layout. For an expanded review, check out my Squidoo lens by searching goldenrulecomics on that site.

The boy does love his Ghost Rider. This was a welcome addition to his already impressive collecct of Ghost Rider material. He was a little miffed that he could not get some of the original comics but this was sufficient for his needs. He just wanted to add to his collection.

Close to 600 pages, this bulky volume chronicles 1976-1980 with Ghost Rider #21-#50.

This is an excellent supernatural series, as Johnny Blaze is haunted by the demon - Zarathos - and his nomadic existence (a modern, misunderstood cowboy in the west) leads him to those who prey on the innocent when the lights dim for the night.

There are guest stars like Professor X and Doctor Strange, but this is Ghost Rider's turf and it is the macabre that is his route planner.

In some respects, the stories are not terribly complex: Ghost Rider travels across the country, chases bad guys and punishes them. However, there is real drama between Johnny Blaze and the Ghost Rider, as the spirit's real personality starts to come to life, and takes a toll on Blaze's personal life.

Highly recommended.