The 15 Best Ghost Rider Comic Book Stories

Summary

• “The Curse of Johnny Blaze” sets the gold standard for Ghost Rider origins, with an esoteric and compelling story that clarifies fundamental points.
• “Life’s Blood” introduces a new era in Rider continuity, creating a wholly original anti-hero with iconic elements like the Penance Stare and new antagonists.
• “Rise of the Midnight Sons” is a massive crossover event that brings together supernatural forces to stop the new antagonist Lilith, showcasing gritty noir storytelling.

In Marvel’s epic history, nothing can compare to the best Ghost Rider comics and stories, throwing its demonic, flaming, leather-wearing avengers into unholy adventures. But with multiple relaunches, several different versions of Ghost Rider, and multiple acclaimed creative teams, it’s hard to know which stories to read first.

Over almost 50 years of publication, the following Ghost Rider stories stand as foundational reads, containing elements critical to understanding the Rider mythos while showcasing the varying degrees of change that Ghost Rider and Marvel’s larger universe have undergone during the last half-century.

15 “The Curse of Jonathan Blaze!” (1982)

As far as the origins of Ghost Rider go, “The Curse of Johnny Blaze,” is the gold standard. This brilliant story sees Blaze giving his personal origin story through a confession to a priest. This story clarifies fundamental story points while giving readers an esoteric take on the origins of Blaze.

This macabre tale from Bronze Age mainstay Roger Stern (Dr. Strange) is an updated origin of Marvel Spotlight #5, most notable for retconning the main antagonist from the Devil to Riders’ most iconic villain, Mephisto. A rare darker, horror-driven style from Stern that contrasted his more colorful previous works, The Curse nonetheless showcased deft storytelling that any comic fan would be better for reading.

14 “Life’s Blood” (1990)

Nine years after the harrowing conclusion in Ghost Rider #81, Marvel would introduce its 2nd Ghost Rider. In this story, Daniel “Danny” Ketch and his sister, Barbara, accidentally cross a gang war in a Cemetery, resulting in Barbara being severely wounded. Fleeing to a junkyard, Danny is drawn to an illuminated motorcycle cap. But, as Danny touches it with the blood of his innocent sister, the Spirit of Vengeance seizes him. Later, as his sister lies in hospital comatose, Danny vows to protect the innocent as Ghost Rider.

Ushering in a new era in Rider continuity, writer Howard Mackie masterfully encapsulates everything vital to the Rider mythos crafting a wholly original anti-hero that shared very little with his predecessor. Notably introducing the Medallion of Power and iconic “Penance Stare,” as well as adding Ghost Rider antagonists like Blackout, Deathwatch, and Lilith, this story remains a must-read for any comic aficionado.

13 “Rise Of The Midnight Sons” (1992)

This massive crossover brought together supernatural forces to stop Rider’s new antagonist Lilith, the mother of Demons, from breaking free from her captivity, unleashing her reign of terror. Told over six issues, Rise of the Midnight Sons focuses on the varying individual motivations of Blade, Ghost Rider, and Morbius the Living Vampire, to name a few, as they begrudgingly join forces in opposition of Lilith and her Lilin.

This nostalgia-laced throwback serves as a refresher on the state of comics in the ’90s. Writer Howard Mackie, fresh in the throes of his Rider run, delivers the essence of what readers yearned for at the time: gritty stories, stylized noir art, and a no-nonsense feel. In addition to introducing the Midnight Sons, this arch would also lead Blaze to the revelation that Danny Ketch is his biological brother, representing an essential read on the Bearer of Brimstone.

12 Ghost Rider/Wolverine/Punisher: Hearts of Darkness (1991)

Howard Mackie’s run also brought audiences a trio between three of the most violent names in all of the Marvel Universe. Wolverine, Frank Castle, and Danny Ketch are unexpectedly joined together by an unlikely foe in the form of Blackheart, suggesting a parlay to destroy his father Mephisto.

When they decline the shady offer, it becomes a rescue mission when Blackheart kidnaps a child for collateral. This 1991 one-shot was popular enough to receive a 1994 sequel, sub-titled The Dark Design.

11 “Vicious Cycle” (2007)

Daniel Way is considered one of the best writers to ever pen for Ghost Rider. As easy as it would be to include The Ultimate Collection collected edition of Daniel Way’s run for this entry, there is no better way to get acclimated with Way’s run than with the first volume, “Vicious Cycle.”

Way’s time with the character starts with a bang when Johnny Blaze escapes Hell, only to learn he didn’t escape alone. Now, the Ghost Rider makes it his duty to bring Lucifer back to Hell where he belongs.

10 Ghost Rider: The Road To Damnation (2006)

Johnny Blaze has been riding in Hell for two years now, his soul reclaimed, perpetually torn asunder as he seeks to escape from the fiery depths. Finally, the angel Malachai, seeking supernatural aid, comes to Blaze with a proposal; stop the demon Kazaan and return him to Hell. In return, he will grant Blaze the escape for which he so desperately yearns. As the sultry Archangel Ruth and the ruthless demon Hoss join the hunt, all-out metal and mayhem ensue.

With a noticeable lull in Ghost Rider following the unceremonious death of Danny Ketch (GR #93), writer Garth Ennis (Preacher, Punisher) was brought in to breathe some fresh air into the property. Met with critical acclaim, the duo of Ennis/Crain presents a story as memorable as it is gritty, signaling a revitalization of the Rider of the 21st century and a must-read for comic fans worldwide.

9 Ghost Rider: Trail Of Tears (2006)

In this civil war era tale, Confederate lieutenant Travis Parham has lived war, expecting to meet his end gloriously in battle, but Vengeance has other plans. Plucked from death by a recently emancipated Caleb, Parham recovers and sets out West only to return two years later to find Caleb’s property unlawfully seized, he and his family slaughtered. Parham then seeks Vengeance for his friend, even if it damns his soul.

Again, striking gold in this follow-up to Road to Damnation, Ennis weaves a tragic tale full of visceral imagery and dark humor, showcasing a Rider from a different time. Crafting a story in which the main protagonist, Parham, must compete with the Spirit of Vengeance for revenge while simultaneously examining the correlation between social injustice and Vengeance shows Ennis’ breadth of understanding for the essence of the Rider, branding this story as mandatory.

8 “Hell-Bent And Heaven-Bound” (2008)

This epic sees Ghost Rider Johnny Blaze finally discover the source of all his pain and suffering in the form of the angel Zadkiel. But, as the flames from the conflict in heaven rage, Blaze must cross supernatural highways, battle machine-gun-toting nurses, man-eating ghosts, and Danny Ketch if he is to have Vengeance.

This story signals the much-anticipated debut of Jason Aaron on Ghost Rider, checking all the proverbial must-read boxes by combining expert storytelling with awe-inspiring artwork. Aaron’s intrinsic understanding of Rider and natural flair for creating compelling interactions mesh in an essential entry to the Rider mythos.

7 “Fear Itself” (20011)

Johnny Blaze has grown disenchanted as the Spirit of Vengeance. Finally, he is met by a stranger named Adam and offered a reprieve to the burden of being a Rider. Ignorant, Blaze takes Adam up on his offer and is freed from the Spirit, unknowingly setting off a cataclysmic series of events, which start with the newest Spirit, Alejandra Jones.

A certified Ghost Rider read, this story coronates Nicaraguan teen Alejandra Jones as Marvel’s 1st female Rider. Starkly more vengeful than Blaze, Alejandra seeks to forge her path while pursuing what it truly means to be Rider.

6 All-New Ghost Rider: Engines Of Vengeance (2014)

This fresh take on Ghost Rider introduces Robbie Reyes, a young Latino living in East Los Angeles with his younger brother Gabe. Robbie strives for a better life attending high school and working as a car mechanic. Unfortunately, this proves difficult for the morally upright Reyes, who lives in a neighborhood wracked by gang violence and drugs. After running afoul of the local criminal element, Robbie is murdered, only to be resurrected as All-New Ghost Rider.

This origin story for Robbie Reyes marks another stark character change from previous Rider iterations as writer Felipe Smiths’ creative vision of Rider offered a new take on Vengeance. Introducing Rider firsts, like Reyes’s use of a muscle car instead of a motorcycle and his being possessed by his deceased uncle Morrow, not the Spirit of Vengeance, “Engines” is a must-read on the newest Rider.

5 Ghost Racers (2015)

When readers bypass the violence, the brutality, the fire, and the flames that make up the average Ghost Rider story, they get something that is nothing but over-the-top fun. Few things are more fun than seeing the best Ghost Riders over the years competing in a race for a chance at freedom.

Felipe Smith’s miniseries delivers unlawful loads of ridiculous entertainment that can only be found in the confides of a Ghost Rider story. It may not be the most narratively compelling of these entries, but it ranks among the most fun.

4 Damnation: Johnny Blaze – Ghost Rider (2018)

Mephisto opened up Hotel Inferno, casting Johnny Blaze back into Hell and wresting the Spirit of Vengeance in the process. Blaze and the Spirit begin a diatribe about the nature both play in each other’s existence, ultimately realizing two is better than one. Seeing a unique opportunity with Mephisto gone, Blaze cuts a swath through the denizens of Hell towards the throne.

Damnation flawlessly exhibits Blaze’s depth of growth over his nigh 50-year existence. Scribe Christopher Sebela adroitly crafts an engaging narrative between Blaze and the Spirit, harkening back to the Spirits of Vengeance run, showcasing the various dynamics gleaned from their relationship. Sebela did his research, which shows in this sublime, thought-provoking read.

3 Ghost Rider: Vengeance Forever (2022)

In celebration for the 50th anniversary of the Ghost Rider character, Benjamin Percy and Juan Jose Ryp come together to solidify what makes Ghost Rider the deadliest hero in Marvel history. They do so by giving readers a closer look at Ghost Riders from across history in every time period, revealing just how brutal each version of the entity manages to inflict punishment on evil.

With themes soaked in blood that Ghost Rider has been known for, it’s a reminder and a love letter to fans of how the character and his stories continue to endure the test of time.

2 Cosmic Ghost Rider Destroys Marvel History (2019)

In this outrageous story, Cosmic Ghost Rider Frank Castle gets stuck in the past after trying to assassinate baby Thanos, failing miserably. However, Frank wants to feel that all his time traveling machinations had a purpose, prompting him to go through History like a bull in a china shop, shattering Marvel’s well-known history in the process.

Feeling like a Twilight Zone episode, co-writers Paul Scheer and Nick Giovannetti craft an entirely over-the-top Rider unlike any in Marvel. The sheer creativity in such an eccentric and delightful series stamps this story as an essential Rider story.

1 Cosmic Ghost Rider: Duel Identity (2023)

The most recent addition to the list centers around Stephanie Phillips’ 2023 Cosmic Ghost Rider run, which saw the return of the intergalactic Frank Castle, but times two. Under strange circumstances, Castle finds himself face-to-face with himself.

The Harley Quinn writer’s trademark wit is ever-present, making for a surprisingly cheeky take on the Ghost Rider mythos, but one whose cheekiness doesn’t get in the way of the gripping mystery at the heart of this story, nor Ghost Rider’s signature violent streak.