“Ghost Rider: Hell on Wheels” was first published in 2022 (same year X & Pearl came out) as part of Marvel’s lineup “Marvel Epic Collection” reprinting classic issues in one book. I got good news. In alternate version of The Punisher/Frank Castle is confirmed as a playable character in an upcoming video game, “Marvel Cosmic Invasion.” This time he takes over Johnny Blaze’s role as Ghost Rider. By the way, I’m reviewing Horror stuff during Halloween Month. Watch and review Horror movies throughout October. Ghost Rider’s kinda belongs in the Horror route. Thought about doing different not related to film.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Hot & Cold Elements
Hot: Gary Friedrich, Dennis O’Neal, Jenny Blake Isabella & Marv Wolfman co-wrote various issues.
Jim Mooney, Gil Kane & Joe Sinnott’s artwork is top notch.
Action Sequences pack a fiery blast on motorcycle and on foot.
Chase Scenes display Ghost Rider’s driving skills and experience as a stuntman.
Random Thoughts
- Although I read X-Men, Wolverine & Deadpool comics as a kid, I never read a single Ghost Rider comic growing up. My first exposure to the character, was the video game, “Marvel Ultimate Alliance.” Johnny appeared as a playable character. I give credit where credit is due.
- Every time I read Ghost Rider’s dialogue, I hear Nicolas Cage in my head. As of 2025, he’s the only actor to portray him in film. Maybe someday Austin Butler can play him in the MCU.
Unlike Nicolas Cage’s portrayal, Johnny Blaze isn’t an oddball who eats jellybeans in a glass martini, watching kung-fu monkeys and listening to The Carpenters. He’s a tragic hero forced to become Ghost Rider at night after he sold his soul to Satan (later retconned as Mephisto) in exchange to spare his father figure, Crash Simpson who was dying from cancer. One fateful day, Crash dies while preforming a stunt. What did you expect? A Hollywood happy ending? Never trust The Devil.
Johnny’s chemistry with Crash’s daughter, Roxanne serves as the main highlight. She plays a crucial role in Johnny’s origin story. Mark Steven Johnson didn’t do his homework. He made a big boo boo.
Main storyline involves Johnny’s early days as Ghost Rider battling The Devil and his pawns. He’s also struggling to maintain a double life as a superhero and stuntman. His relationship with Roxanne makes it difficult for him.
Hell on Wheels contains a grand total of 20 issues. More bang for your buck.
- Marvel Spotlight #5-12
- Ghost Rider’s series #1-11
- Marvel Team-Up #15
Tip: Read Marvel Spotlight issues #5-11 first Reading Ghost Rider’s series from the start will make you feel lost. For the chronological route. After Ghost Rider’s second issue read Marvel Spotlight’s twelfth issue. Then, continue Ghost Rider’s third issue. You’ll thank me later.
Pacing for each issue wasn’t fast like Ultimate Marvel short storylines like Ultimate Fantastic Four. 20 issues are enough to cover a whole lotta material.
Hulk appears in issues #10-11. (solo series) He and Johnny duke it out.
Ghost Rider & Spider-Man band together in Marvel Team-Up issue #15.
Cold: A Deus Ex Machina in issue #9 felt anticlimactic.
The Final Verdict: A-
Ghost Rider: Hell On Wheels is gateway for newcomers who are interested in getting to Johnny Blaze. If you’re a Marvel Epic Collection consumer, it’s definitely a must-buy. If you’re pinching pennies, subscribe to Marvel Unlimited. Don’t forget to read the storyline in chronological order. Otherwise, you’ll feel lost and confused.
I hope Ghost Rider deserves better treatment in the MCU. The closeting thing is Johnny’s successor, Robbie Reyes in “Agents of SHIELD.” Again, I think Austin Butler should play Johnny Blaze. He looks the part. Only time will tell if somebody will get on the motorcycle.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 