Soss' 4-3-14 Pull-List Review

Ghost Rider #1
 

Much like the All-New Now! Ms. Marvel, Ghost Rider #1 is a relaunch of a new character with a familiar moniker. We follow the story of Robbie Reyes as he makes his turn from lowly mechanic in the dangerous streets of East Los Angeles to the newest spirit of vengeance. 

Like Ms. Marvel, the House of Ideas took this opportunity to diversify it's roster of previously establish characters. Diversity in comics is a hot button issue right now and in my point of view is handled poorly more often than not. It was refreshing to see someone actually get it right this time.  In the aforementioned Ms. Marvel, G. Willow Wilson hammers you with the fact that Kamala Khan is Muslim-American. Everything about that story screams "Look how diverse we are! Did you see, did you see? We made Ms. Marvel brown!" Felipe Smith and Tradd Moore are thankfully better storytellers than this. Robbie Reyes is Hispanic but it's not all he is or the focus of this tale. The reader picks up on it because of the world he inhabits. The people, places and circumstances of his situation in this world flesh out who and what he is. Since Smith doesn't waste time on race he is able to create a likable character that the reader is quickly attached to. 

Tradd Moore was an inspired hire for this book. His over-exaggerated style is the perfect balance between traditional comic art and the indie flavor that Marvel has been going for with these relaunches. While I'm not crazy about the new Ghost Rider design everything else in this book is excellent.

I can say with no hesitation that I like Robbie Reyes better then Johnny Blaze or Danny Ketch after just one issue. Those of you who are looking for a new and fun take on an old classic should pick this book up today. -Soss

Panel of the Week: This is how it's done, Nick Cage.