Abstract

• Ghost Rider is a novel antihero with a wealthy historical past and legacy that spans throughout a number of characters and storylines.
• There are 25 variations of Ghost Rider in Marvel Comics, together with mashup characters and people with related powers.
• Whereas some Ghost Riders are enjoyable and highly effective, the true legacy Ghost Riders have a deeper connection to the Spirit of Vengeance and exhibit immense energy.

Ghost Rider is an particularly distinctive antihero in Marvel Comics lore, not due to his immense energy or hyperlink to the supernatural, however due to the historical past and legacy that goes with the moniker. ‘Ghost Rider’ isn’t an individual and even simply merely a title, however an essence that passes by means of numerous individuals, granting them energy past their comprehension.

Total, there are 25 Ghost Riders in Marvel Comics. Some are characters who aren’t really Ghost Riders, however who’ve powers that significantly resemble the correct Spirit of Vengeance, both by means of one other demonic entity and even expertise. Some are ‘mashup’ characters scattered all through Marvel Comics, that are mainly ‘what if this hero/villain was a Ghost Rider?’. These characters are enjoyable, and a few are extraordinarily highly effective, however on precept, they don’t maintain a candle to the legacy Ghost Riders, those that have a deeper connection to the wider lore surrounding the Spirit of Vengeance whereas additionally exhibiting immense energy in their very own proper. With that established, listed below are all 25 variations of Ghost Rider, ranked.

25 Phantom Rider (AKA Carter Slade)

Carter Slade aka Phantom Rider (initially Ghost Rider) was technically the primary model of Ghost Rider to look in Marvel Comics who made his debut in 1966’s Ghost Rider #1 by Dick Ayers, Gary Friedrich, and Roy Thomas. Nonetheless, this model of the character isn’t something like the present Ghost Rider, which is why Marvel modified his identify to Phantom Rider, successfully stripping him of his ‘Ghost Rider’ title. This character doesn’t have a hyperlink to hellfire or another energy usually related to a Ghost Rider, however as an alternative is just dressed all in white, and fights nineteenth century crime with nothing greater than his spirit revolver. A legacy character, to make certain, however one who’s been left behind by the broader Ghost Rider canon, each when it comes to energy and relatability to the fashionable character.

24 Kowalski (AKA “Deputy Kowalski”)

Debuting in 2008’s Ghost Rider #21 by Jason Aaron and Roland Boschi, Deputy Kowalkski is a Ghost Rider villain who solely attained a fraction of the demonic antihero’s energy after he shot Ghost Rider with a mystical shotgun that was speculated to kill him. Whereas Kowalksi used this tiny fragment of Ghost Rider’s energy to turn into a significant thorn within the Spirit of Vengeance’s aspect, he merely doesn’t maintain up in opposition to the overwhelming majority of the opposite Ghost Riders on this record.

23 Michael Badilino (AKA “Vengeance”)

Additionally not technically a correct Ghost Rider, Vengeance aka Michael Badillino at the least made a reputation for himself as a villain-turned-antihero who went by means of the identical strategy of gaining demonic hell-powers because the traditional Ghost Rider. Debuting as Vengeance in Ghost Rider/Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance #9 by Howard Mackie and Adam Kubert, Michael misplaced his complete household after Ghost Rider (who was being managed by Mephisto) blasted Michael’s father with hellfire, inflicting the person to go insane and homicide his spouse and kids, leaving solely Michael alive. This drove Michael to hunt vengeance in opposition to Ghost Rider, sparking him to make a take care of Mephisto to turn into the demonic embodiment of Vengeance. Once more, not an precise Ghost Rider, however a really cool character who’s comparable in each energy and aesthetic.

22 Ghost Rider 2099 (AKA Kenshiro “Zero” Cochrane)

This reimagining/revamping of the Ghost Rider comedian guide title is likely one of the coolest in Marvel Comics historical past, making its debut in Ghost Rider 2099 #1 by Len Kaminski and Chris Bachalo. It’s simply that, Ghost Rider 2099 doesn’t have something to do with demons, hell, or the Spirit of Vengeance. Ghost Rider 2099 is extra akin to a T-X Terminator than a demonic antihero, as this model of the character is a super-advanced android with the downloaded consciousness of Zero Cochrane controlling it, and greater than seemingly wouldn’t stand an opportunity in opposition to nearly each different model of Ghost Rider that’s powered by mysticism and hellfire.

21 Shark Rider (AKA Atlantean Vengeance)

The primary correct Spirit of Vengeance on this record, Shark Rider is a model of Ghost Rider who first appeared merely in a imaginative and prescient in 2009’s Ghost Rider #31 by Jason Aaron, Tan Eng Huat, and Roland Boschi. This can be a Ghost Rider who rides a shark. That’s all. Cool visually, however readers know nothing about them aside from the truth that they’re a Spirit of Vengeance of the previous – not a ‘phantom rider’ or a cyborg – and so they could also be Atlantean, as a consequence of the truth that they’re using a shark. Although all the pieces they’ve ever performed, or any degree of energy they’ve ever exhibited, can solely be presumed.

20 Wileaydus Autolycus (AKA Alien Vengeance)

Guardians of the Galaxy #12 by Jim Valentino launched Whileaydus Autolycus aka Ghost Rider, an alien zealot whose individuals had been all however worn out by the Common Church of Fact. This brought on Autolycus to commit his life to exterminating this common cult from the cosmos, doing in order the Ghost Rider of the thirty first century. This Ghost Rider is a extremely cool addition to Marvel lore, however he’s simply an excessive amount of of a thriller to be thought of extra highly effective than different Ghost Riders on this record – together with and particularly the upcoming wave of ‘mashup Ghost Riders’.

19 Pace Demon (AKA Blaze Allen)

Pace Demon aka Blaze Allen is an Amalgam Universe character who first appeared in Pace Demon #1 by Howard Mackie, James Felder, and Salvador Larroca. Pace Demon rewrote Etrigan’s story to make him a Spirit of Vengeance who possessed the Flash, turning this amalgamated DC/Marvel character into the resident ‘Ghost Rider’ of the Amalgam Universe. A Enjoyable ‘mashup’ character, however total, Pace Demon is just the primary in a protracted line of comparable ‘mashups’ who actually don’t add something to the broader Ghost Rider mythos, making them arduous to guage in opposition to extra established Spirits of Vengeance (although extremely entertaining to examine nonetheless).

18 Iron Ghost (AKA The Black Legion’s Rider)

Showing in Uncanny X-Power #12 by Rick Remender and Mark Brooks, Iron Ghost was little greater than an aesthetically badass cameo who existed inside the Age of Apocalypse universe of Earth-295. Presumably having all the identical powers as a daily Ghost Rider with the additional benefit of hellfire-imbued Iron Man armor, Iron Ghost is seemingly a power to be reckoned with. However, like many others on this record, he’s simply too untested to be an actual contender.

17 Ghost Goblin (AKA Norman Osborn)

Ghost Goblin, alternatively, is an absolute terror who gave the Avengers a run for his or her cash in Avengers #52 by Jason Aaron and Juan Frigeri. This Ghost Rider was from a universe the place the Spirit of Vengeance latched itself onto the Inexperienced Goblin, and was really corrupted by the madness of the traditional Spider-Man villain. This allowed Inexperienced Goblin to make use of his hell-powers for evil on a multiversal scale, making Ghost Goblin one of many strongest Ghost Rider ‘mashups’ on this record (to not point out the one with in all probability the good Ghost Rider automobile).

16 Ghost Spider (AKA Peter Parker)

First showing as Ghost Spider in Unimaginable Hulk Annual #1 by John Layman and Al Barrionuevo, this can be a model of the Spirit of Vengeance from Earth-11638 that connected itself to Spider-Man, after Peter Parker died, went to hell, and was introduced again by means of the multiversal expertise developed by himself and his Uncle Ben. With the fusion of those energy units, Ghost Spider is sort of actually each unstoppable and untouchable, with the additional benefit of getting expertise at his disposal that grants him entry to the broader multiverse.

15 Pink Hulk-Venom-Ghost Rider (AKA ‘The Circle of 4’)

Originating as a staff known as the Circle of 4 that debuted in Venom #13 by Rick Remender and Tony Moore, this monstrous amalgamation of Pink Hulk, Venom, and Ghost Rider was created to tackle Blackheart and his legion of demons. This monstrous creature’s existence in Marvel lore was tragically short-lived, however when heroes who’re that robust all merge into one, their power-level actually goes with out saying, even when they haven’t been as examined as others. Extra of a deal with for followers than a longtime character, this ‘Ghost Rider’ was undoubtedly enjoyable to see in motion, and undeniably highly effective.

14 Ghost Hammer (AKA T’Challa)

One other amalgam-Ghost Rider much like the one from Circle of 4 – however arguably extra highly effective – is Ghost Hammer, who’s Thor, Black Panther, Iron Man, and Ghost Rider mixed. Debuting in Secret Warps: Arachknight Annual #1 by Al Ewing and Carlos Gómez, this Ghost Rider is a demon, a god, a tech genius, and a king all rolled into one. A product of Warp World, and created to be the last word cosmic warrior, Ghost Hammer is nearly incalculably highly effective. However, like a lot of the different ‘mashup’ Ghost Riders on this record, their existence feels low cost and unearned, which is why Ghost Hammer isn’t featured as prominently as different, extra established Ghost Riders on this record.

13 Cosmic Ghost Rider (AKA Frank Citadel)

The final of the ‘mashup Ghost Riders’, Frank Citadel aka Cosmic Ghost Rider (who first appeared in Thanos #13 by Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw) is rather more fleshed-out than the earlier ones, who felt extra like “What If?” gags than established characters. Cosmic Ghost Rider has a wealthy historical past in Marvel Comics lore, whose energy has been examined in opposition to the likes of Cable, Thanos, and even Galactus. This model of Frank Citadel is powered by the Spirit of Vengeance and the Energy Cosmic, although his madness is a significant draw back, and even the addition of the Energy Cosmic means little to a extra dedicated Ghost Rider (particularly those that are extra expert in magic).

12 Ghost Rider, One Milion BC (AKA The First Rider)

And now, it’s time to dig into the correct Ghost Riders of Marvel lore, starting actually with the primary ever Ghost Rider in Marvel Comics continuity (and in contrast to Carter Slade, this one really will get to maintain that title). Debuting in Jason Aaron’s Marvel Legacy #1, this Ghost Rider is revealed to be the primary human ever imbued with the facility of the Spirit of Vengeance within the 12 months 1,000,000 BC. Not solely did this Ghost Rider have a badass, primal look, however he additionally proved his mettle by killing the beforehand talked about Ghost Goblin alongside along with his multiversal partner-in-crime, Berserker Wolverine (which is only one of his many spectacular accomplishments).

11 Caleb (AKA The Grim Rider)

Caleb (of Ghost Rider: Path of Tears #1 by Garth Ennis and Clayton Crain) is a former slave who bought his and his spouse’s freedom earlier than the Civil Struggle. Tragically, he and his household had been murdered quickly after they made a life for themselves. Two years later, Caleb returned from the grave as Ghost Rider, in search of vengeance upon those that wronged him, in addition to those that commit atrocious acts of evil in every single place. Quiet, centered, and lethal, nothing flashy about this one, which is why he stands out as being such a fantastic Ghost Rider, one who arguably embodies the essence of the Spirit of Vengeance higher than anybody else on this record.

10 Naomi Kale (AKA Clara Blaze)

Debuting in Ghost Rider Vol. 2 #78 by J.M. DeMatteis and Bob Budiansky, Naomi Kale is the mom of Johnny Blaze and Danny Ketch who turned Ghost Rider for less than a short while to battle Mephisto earlier than being killed by the demon king. She was the descendant of Noble Kale and the keeper of the Medallion of Energy – which is the artifact that made Danny Ketch a Ghost Rider. Whereas not as cosmically highly effective as some, or as ridiculously robust because the earlier ‘mashup’ ones, Naomi’s significance in Ghost Rider lore trumps these shortcomings, and her heroic closing stand in opposition to Mephisto is completely legendary.

9 Hellhawk (AKA Chief Hellhawk)

Chief Hellhawk of the Lakota Tribe (who first appeared in Ghost Rider #33 by Jason Aaron and Tony Moore) is likely one of the earliest-known Ghost Riders. His life is broadly a thriller, with one of many few occasions he seems in Marvel Comics canon being the problem depicting his demise by the hand of the Spirit of Corruption. Nonetheless, the explanation he sits so prominently on this record is due to his canonical rivalry with one other, way more highly effective Ghost Rider: Noble Kale – elevating Chief Hellhawk’s standing by affiliation.

8 Noble Kale (AKA Angel of Demise)

There are few Ghost Riders who’re tied extra on to each the demonic essence of Zarathos and its affect on the mortals it possesses, and to the Ghost Rider legacy as followers understand it at the moment. Noble Kale (debuting in Ghost Rider Vol. 3 #1 by Howard Mackie and Javier Saltares) is the patriarch of virtually each trendy Ghost Rider, as he’s the ancestor of Naomi Kale, Johnny Blaze, and Danny Ketch, which explains all of them had been destined to turn into Ghost Riders to start with. Not solely that, however Noble was an extremely highly effective and extremely badass Ghost Rider in his personal proper. Noble killed witch hunters (in addition to some actual witches) throughout the seventeenth Century, and engaged in fierce battles with a rival Ghost Rider, Chief Hellhawk, and even Mephisto himself. Plus, he successfully attained immortality, as his soul wasn’t allowed to enter heaven or hell when he died, and as an alternative handed by means of the firstborn little one of each era of his household. Kale beat demise, spawned a household of Ghost Riders by means of his very essence, and proved his mettle throughout his personal time as Ghost Rider.

7 Alejandra Jones (AKA Guardian Fantasma)

Alejandra Jones is the non-public mentee of Johnny Blaze himself, and who solely turned a Ghost Rider within the first place after Blaze gave up the curse, leaving her to be chosen as the subsequent Ghost Rider. After Johnny reclaimed the Spirit of Vengeance, he then skilled this new Ghost Rider in how you can management this energy and use it for good, regardless of the overwhelming evil that now resides in her soul. Whereas she met her finish in Absolute Carnage: Symbiote of Vengeance #1 by Ed Brisson Juan Frigeri, Ghost Riders are likely to not keep useless for very lengthy, particularly ones who had been mentored by arguably essentially the most iconic Ghost Rider of all time.

6 Robbie Reyes (AKA The All-New Ghost Rider)

One other legacy Ghost Rider, Robbie Reyes redefined the character in additional methods than one. He not solely turned maybe the preferred Ghost Rider of all time, but additionally one of many strongest Avengers recruits in latest reminiscence. Whereas not technically a Spirit of Vengeance upon his debut in All-New Ghost Rider #1 by Felipe Smith and Tradd Moore (as he was possessed by the spirit of his satanic uncle), Johnny Blaze himself stated that Robbie was as a lot a Ghost Rider as he was, just for Robbie to later turn into one thing way more.