Ghost Rider
Tony Isabella

14 stories in GHOST RIDER 6-20 (1974-1976).

Writers: Gary Friedrich, Tony Isabella (12), Bill Mantlo, Jim Shooter, Marv Wolfman.
Pencillers: Jim Mooney (4), Sal Buscema, Frank Robbins (4), George Tuska (3), Bob Brown, John Byrne.
Inkers: Sal Trapani, Jack Abel, John Tartaglione, George Roussos, Frank Giacoia, Mike Esposito, Vince Colletta, Don Heck, Don Perlin.
Editors: Roy Thomas, Len Wein, Marv Wolfman.

• Zodiac II - GF/TI/JM - 3/10
  
• And Lose His Own Soul! - TI/JM - 6/10
  
• Satan Himself! - TI/JM - 3/10
  
• The Hell-Bound Hero! - TI/JM - 3/10
  
• The Desolation Run! - TI/SB - 3/10
  
• Phantom of the Killer Skies - TI/FR - 7/10
  
• You’ve Got a Second Chance, Johnny Blaze! - TI/GT - 7/10
  
• A Specter Stalks the Soundstage! - TI/GT - 6/10
  
• Vengeance on the Venture Freeway! - TI/BB - 8/10
  
• Blood in the Waters - BM/GT - 5/10
  
• Prelude to a Private Armageddon! - TI/FR - 7/10
  
• The Salvation Run! - TI/FR - 5/10
  
• Resurrection - TI/JS/FR - 7/10
  
• Two Against Death! - MW/JB - 5/10

Average: 5.4/10

Zodiac II
Another turkey.
It also seems to introduce a major change of direction in the series. But, sadly, not a change of quality.
Eventually the series gets good. I know that because I originally started reading from somewhere in the 30s. But I never realised how dreadful the early issues actually were.
3/10

And Lose His Own Soul!
While still flawed, this is a fun read and easily the best issue in this dismal period in the character’s life. Great twist ending.
I wasn’t taken with Stuntmaster’s appearance, but - to be honest - the rest of the issue was okay.
6/10

Satan Himself!
This issue finds GR up against Satan.
But, as with all their skirmishes thus far in the series, it’s all a bit vague about what’s going on. Roxanne somehow protects Johnny, and Johnny can somehow use his power against Satan.
Why any of this is so, is anybody’s guess, and the series seems kinda directionless, really.
3/10

The Hell-Bound Hero!
Typically weak.
First half (all action) is not bad, but second half relies on ‘a Christ figure’ to save GR’s ass!!?? That is just bizarre.
In other news, Ghost Rider appears to have his powers downgraded (?), as a consequence of being 'freed’ from Satan’s influence. Whatever that means.
Also: Roxanne is written out of the series (I think). No great loss. Her stupidity in this issue alone beggars belief.
3/10

The Desolation Run!
Another weak issue.
All these early stories lack any sort of direction/status quo. And they tend to lack common sense, too.
This one is a tiny bit better because the Hulk is in it. But the set-up and the characters are lame and uninvolving.
3/10

Phantom of the Killer Skies
The first issue that ISN’T nonsensical crap. It’s pretty loopy, yes, but… it’s a pretty enjoyable story. Wow.
It still doesn’t feel like the Ghost Rider issues I read back in the ‘80s (the ones from #35 up) but it’s a decent story that doesn’t rely on Johnny Blaze’s angst - or his nonsensical feud with Satan - to drive the story.
Phantom Eagle is a pretty quirky guest star for this title. And it works.
7/10

You’ve Got a Second Chance, Johnny Blaze!
Enjoyable tale, which brings Karen Page to the series and ushers in some much needed changes in the status quo.
Bit by bit the series (as I knew it in the 80s) is taking shape.
And getting better with each change.
7/10

A Specter Stalks the Soundstage!
Plenty of action and a story that, while basic, is way better than most of the twenty issues that opened the series.
6/10

Vengeance on the Venture Freeway!
Strong continuity with The Champions #2, lots of humour and plenty of action.
This is one of the few times (so far) that it works in the title’s favour that Johnny/GR is on a motorcycle.
8/10

Blood in the Waters
Dolphins.
Wow, this is a really odd choice for a story in GR. What was Bill Mantlo thinking?
Johnny’s contribution is kinda generic, too. So it could have a story about any hero, really. Any hero… and friendly dolphins!
5/10

Prelude to a Private Armageddon!
Son of Satan.
Satisfying and enjoyable team-up.
Story moves fast, holds the interest.
7/10

The Salvation Run!
Son of Satan.
Basic idea that outstays it’s welcome.
It’s a novel way to (unnecessarily) recap GR’s adventures to date, I suppose. But who exactly wants that?
5/10

Resurrection
Son of Satan.
A chunk of this is the series trying to pin down/define it’s own vague status quo.
Nothing gets any clearer, but the action stuff is very enjoyable.
7/10

Two Against Death!
Daredevil.
A so-so adventure with lots of inane dialogue.
5/10

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Black Widow - Friedrich/Thomas/Colan/Heck (70-1) 4.3/10
Captain Marvel - Thomas/Colan (67-8) 5.5/10 -
Deathlok - Moench/Mantlo/Buckler (74-6) 8.8/10
Ghost Rider - Friedrich (72-3) 2.6/10 - Isabella (74-6) 5.4/10 - Shooter/Heck (77) 6.7/10 - McKenzie/Perlin (78) 8.9/10 -
Living Mummy - Isabella/Mayerik (73-5) 7.6/10
Luke Cage - Goodwin/Englehart/Tuska/Graham (72-3) 7.1/10 -
Tales of the Zombie - Gerber/Marcos (73-4) 6.5/10