Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Felipe Smith
Artist: Tradd Moore, Val Staples
Released: 25th June, 2014

Amidst all of the re-boots, re-jigs and re-workings going on in the comic industry right now, Ghost Rider might well have been at the top of the list of ‘desperately needs a new direction’. After his relatively weak cinematic outings – which even Nic Cage with insane turned up to 11 couldn’t save – this year, and the ‘All New Marvel NOW!’ thing was a sweet an opportunity as Marvel were going to get to give the Spirit of Vengeance a kick up the keister.

And quite the kick it is too – mostly down to Moore’s genuinely terrific art. For the first two issues, I wasn’t necessarily sold on his rubber-boned, hyper-proportioned character design, but after issues three and now four, I’m in pretty close to 100%, thanks to some awesome action work. He’s also clearly got a wry sense of humour about him – there are moments of genuinely funny slapstick that somehow still manage to mesh beautifully with the overall sober tone of the book. Val Staples earns a special mention for his gloriously vibrant colour-work, accentuating the sheer energy of Moore’s pencils magnificently.

The fundamental sof the origin story that Smith is creating perhaps isn’t the most original, but honestly, there’s slim pickings on the original origins front these days unless you’re willing to sound a little silly, and as established, whilst not adverse to some wry, dark humour, the tone here has a very serious look on its face. Conventional, then – but it’s the added flavour that gives it its merit: our new hero Robbie Reyes hails from west coast USA, and Smith’s ear for authentic Los Angeles hood-speak is curiously evocative of David Ayer’s cinematic canon, in the best way possible. He also deftly handles the matter of Robbie’s disabled brother, and despite his penchant for the flashy, Moore too somehow manages to accentuate the sensitivity in this department.

In terms of story, this issue does a great job of surging it forward, and Smith’s clearly a fan of having his heroes work for their victory, so expect to see the new Rider get flung about a bit, then a final intake of breath before what promises to be a climax of mildly apocalyptic proportions.

A great reboot that gives fresh life to the Ghost Rider, with ‘it’ll grow on you if you let it’ art, and terrifically authentic writing, I can’t wait to see how this origin arc pans out, as well as where they’re headed after. If you’ve not picked up the first few issues, get right on that! Let’s ride!

Rating: 4/5.

The writer of this piece was: Ross Sweeney
Ross tweets from @Rostopher24