Ghost Rider #1 – Review

by Rob Williams (writer), Matthew Clark (pencils), Sean Parsons (inks), Robert Schwagner (colors), and Clayton Cowles (letters)

The Story: A new Ghost Rider rides into Dayton, Ohio to confront Sin.

What’s Good:  There are definitely some good ideas, here.   While I’m sure Blaze and Ketch enthusiasts won’t be wild about it, I love the fact that Williams and Marvel and trying to do something completely different in giving us a female Ghost Rider.  It’s a dramatic move and, honestly, who doesn’t love kick-ass female characters?  More than that, though, is the fact that from the little we know of her, this character, “Alejandra,” seems to be a kind of warrior, trained by some underground cult/sect.  It’s a total 180 from the rock star or country badass type we’ve gotten before, and there’s an unexpected proficiency and confidence on Alejandra’s part.  Frankly, this sudden shift is enough to get me to want to check out the next issue.  There’s tons of potential and I’d really like to get to know Alejandra.

Then there’s the cliffhanger, which is a really, really great one and a fantastic development.  Suffice it to say, depowered or not, Blaze will have a big part in this comic and the character who shows up on the final page is one that always brings the fun to any comic, particularly one like this.

Weekly Comic Book Review’s Top Picks

Alex’s Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: Superboy #9 – I haven’t always been high on this series, but over the last couple of months, Jeff Lemire’s Superboy has really hit its stride.  Lemire has found his voice or superhero comics and, more importantly, the unique take he brings to the medium.  The weird sci-fi/horror that Lemire does so well is on display here and while he’ll be leaving the book come September, it bodes well for his upcoming Animal Man and Frankenstein books.  This also happens to be Pier Gallo’s strongest showing on the series, who apparently does weird sci-fi/horror better than anything else as well.

Most Anticipated: Captain America #1 – It’s been a while since it was so easy to pick a “most anticipated,” and it’s actually a pretty big week, featuring several personal favourites (Journey into Mystery, Detective Comics).   However, a pairing of Brubaker and McNiven on Cap?  And the return of Steve Rogers to the shield?  Oh, hell yes.  I cannot wait to get my hands on this.

Other Picks: X-Men: Schism #1, Journey into Mystery #625, Detective Comics #879, American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest #2, FF #6, PunisherMAX #15, Flashpoint: Frankenstein & the Creatures of the Unknown #2, Wolverine #12, New Avengers #14, Green Lantern #67, Amazing Spider-Man #665

DS’ Top Picks

Best From The Past Week: X-Men #14 handily took this week’s crown with some great reveals, quick action and not a small bit of unfolding mysteries. Art chores were awesomely done and if you have a hankering for seeing what the X-Men were like in the old days, then this is your book.

Most Anticipated: X-Men Schism #1. Although I’m a tiny bit worried by Marvel’s “a full roster of comics’ top artists” (whatever happened to the days of just one artist?), schism looks cool enough to check out and the events in X-Men #12-#14 are making this event look big.

Other Picks: Ghost Rider #1, Defenders: From the Marvel Vault #1, Uncanny X-Force #11