Ghost Rider #3 (of 6)

Writer - Garth Ennis
Artist - Clayton Crain
Letters - VCS Mike Sellers
Associate Editor - Warren Simons
Editor - Axel Alonso
Editor-in-Chief - Joe Quesada
Publisher - Dan Buckley

Plot:
Ghost Rider, via the help of the angel Malachi, is out of hell and making his way across the desert to take down the newly-embodied demon, Kazann.

On his way he encounters the demon Hoss and his new friend, Buttview. GR and Hoss engage in a fight along a stretch of road, but are soon interrupted by the archangel Ruth.

Meanwhile, Kazann and his human pawn, Gustav, prepare to overrun the Earth with demons.

Comments:
The absolute first thing I must comment on here is the art. There is a particular scene where a bus flips into the air that is absolutely beautiful and horrifying at the same time.

This is, without a doubt, some of the best art being produced in comic books today. I’ll never say anything along the lines of “we’re looking at the future of comic book art,” because I’m in love with purely hand-drawn comics and never want that to be replaced, but if things did end up going a different way some time in the future, this is how I’d like to see it done.

The art, of course, would be nothing without the direction of Ennis’ story, which is some pretty dark and violent stuff. This book skirts the line between Marvel Knights and MAX so closely that it’s honestly on both sides at the same time. Once you see where Hoss’ tentacle comes from, then you’ll surely agree.

A lot of people have been complaining about the lack of seeing Johnny Blaze. Right now, I see no reason as to why we should be seeing him. GR has a very limited amount of time to get what he needs done accomplished, so it’s not like Johnny has the time to be out jumping ramps for the ol’ stunt show. The guy’s in a race against two powerful creatures and if he wants to stay out of Hell, then he’s gotta beat ‘em both.

But hey, if that’s something that’s going to keep you from enjoying the story, then you should probably stay away from this. Or you could pick it up anyway so you’ll have something to bitch about on the internet message boards.

Overall, in my opinion the story continues to move along quite nicely and I honestly can’t wait to pick up the next book.

Recommended!

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