DEATH RALLY!
New alliances and old betrayals come into play when a mysterious invitation goes out, drawing Johnny Blaze to the world's largest motorcycle rally, featuring a race Johnny might not want to win...but can't lose. Featuring guest stars from across the Marvel Universe!
RATED T+
While that tone still remains, Ghost Rider is finding its footing as a series, making it into a formidable run from the House of Ideas. Read Full Review
This book is simple, well focused and compelling in unexpected ways. It has familiar conflicts of rage and battling inner darkness, but uses the tropes of Ghost Rider in completely new ways. Most importantly Percy and Smith have crafted a fun, crazy adventure that stays entertaining even while delving into Johnny Blaze's soul. Adding just the right mix of Spawn and Mad Max to make for a race worth entering. Read Full Review
Ghost Rider continues to be a series where you put it down and whisper to yourself, "What else could I ask for?" It features a Johnny Blaze wrestling with inner demons, awesome superhero moments, and plenty of violent horror delights. Read Full Review
Ghost Rider #5 goes out of its way to be as random as possible with a road rally race that comes out of nowhere, populated by a lineup of Marvel characters that come out of nowhere, culminating in a conclusion that goes nowhere. Read Full Review
A fun read overall here. The concept of the race and the amount of well-known participants involved are certainly interesting. Smith put out some really nice art again, as well, and I continue to enjoy how well he fits with this run. Hopefully he doesn't leave anytime soon.
I often talk about comics being either "fun stupid" or "insultingly stupid." This issue reminds me that that distinction is subjective. I'd contend that the race is objectively stupid. But while I don't find it all that fun, I bet a lot of readers do, and that's valid.
The storytelling is pretty solid. Johnny's narration is florid, but not excessively so. The art's really impressive; a perfect mix of subtle creepy and over-the-top creepy.
Bring this comic to me in a bar and I'd happily spend my whole 3rd beer arguing about which character is the most absurd race participant.
It's another pretty good issue. I liked it but, I'll be honest when Doom, Rhino, Elektra, Moon Knight and Wolverine showed up for this race, it took me out of it a little. It was ridiculous.