King in Black: Ghost Rider Throws Johnny Blaze Into the Fire
- WRITER
- Ed Brisson
- Artist
- Juan Frigeri
- Letterer
- Joe Caramagna
- Cover Artist
- Will Sliney, Chris Sotomayor
- Publisher
- Marvel Comics
- Price
- 4.99
- Release Date
- 2021-03-31
- Colorist
- Jason Keith
Johnny Blaze faces a monumental decision, reunites with some old friends (and enemies) and battles an army of demon symbiotes to save New York in King in Black: Ghost Rider #1. But within this action-packed issue, writer Ed Brisson and artist Juan Frigeri find plenty of room for some welcome drama and charm that give the larger-than-life battle sequences space to breathe. The result is a compelling Ghost Rider story that earns its high-octane action by delivering on its relatively quieter moments.
King in Black: Ghost Rider #1 brings together Johnny Blaze's demonic misadventures with the massive King in Black event currently sweeping the Marvel Universe. Having claimed the throne of hell and captured its previous ruler Mephisto, Ghost Rider's rule is threatened by a demonic rebellion. A situation made twice as dire when an army of monstrous alien symbiotes attack New York City and Ghost Rider is forced into making a difficult, and consequential, choice.
Crossover events can pose many unique challenges to character storylines. Suddenly introducing a threat or story arc from another title and weaving it into a single issue can sometimes feel clunky or out of place. Ed Brisson's script in this issue solidly overcomes these challenges and deftly uses the King in Black crossover event to force Ghost Rider into a climactic battle that feels organic and significant, not only to the Marvel Universe, but to Johnny Blaze as well. While the dialogue can at times become somewhat crowded, Brisson provides some seriously entertaining snark that keeps the 30-page script from ever growing stale. Mephisto is a particular highlight here, and his taunts and constant nagging echo shades of the MCU's Loki.
Juan Frigeri's artwork in the issue displays some seriously impressive artistic gymnastics. From terrifying alien invaders and demons to an annoyed Mephisto being comically dragged behind a flaming bike, Frigeri gives every panel the precise tone that each moment needs. The layouts for action sequences are larger-than-life, making the numerous battles exceptionally fun to read. Frigeri's heroes look mysterious, powerful and intimidating, and his villains even more so. Jason Keith's impressive coloring on this book finds a dark, dusty balance between a western movie sunset and a big city action film that manages to deliver on both, adding even more character to Frigeri's bold designs.
Frigeri's art and Brisson's script work in concert to portray Blaze with the fiery temper and compelling heroic spirit that keep the character interesting and exciting. While the opening may drag slightly, overall the issue hits its stride quickly and keeps a good pace as it moves through a number of twists and turns. Aliens and demons converging on the streets of New York might not be the funniest set-up, but the book wisely makes sure not to take itself too seriously and provides plenty of quick-witted moments that keep the issue from becoming too solemn. For such a turbulent issue, it may be surprising that the action subsides around halfway through. The climax of the book involves a choice rather than a battle, and King in Black: Ghost Rider #1 is all the better for it. Having delivered on the action by this point, the issue takes its time to give the narrative climax the consideration and weight it deserves.
King in Black: Ghost Rider #1 is a thoughtfully written crossover issue that offers impressive, blockbuster action and stars a spirited cast of characters battling against ever-rising stakes. Brisson and Frigeri's King in Black Ghost Rider crossover issue is highly recommended for longtime fans of the flaming skull-head and features a number of great moments for the character. And while newer fans may find themselves a bit starved for context, King in Black: Ghost Rider #1 is a largely self-contained story that'll give fans both old and new something to get excited about.