Summary
The “Spirits of Vengeance” are coming back to Marvel Comics, asGhost Riderblazes a new road in a series coming this fall. Judging by the solicitations, it’s not just the classic Ghost Rider Johnny Blaze appearing, but also Danny Ketch, andevery character who has gone by that name– including one who may turn out to be the most devastating enemy any of them have ever faced.
Spirits of Vengeance#1 is scheduled for release this September, presumably picking upwhereGhost Rider: Final Vengeancewill leave offwhen it releases its final issue in August. Considering that series concernsthe Hood being possessed and becoming the new Ghost Rider, a lot must change in the last two issues ofFinal Vengeance.
Spirits of Vengeance #1 (2024)
Variant Covers:
Declan Shalvey
JOHNNY BLAZE! DANNY KETCH! ROBBIE REYES! THE HOOD! KUSHALA! Many have borne the title Spirit of Vengeance and, as its most recent claimant has embarked on its final ride to explosive results, others still stir in the darker corners of the Marvel Universe! And one, in particular, has a stronger connection to two Ghost Riders than the rest, and after years, it’s ready to show its fangs again at last…
The advanced solicitation forSpirits of Vengeancesuggests that the story will call back to classicGhost Riderlore, to present the fiery Marvel heroes with their greatest test yet.
Ghost Rider’s Most Infamous Host Wants to Kill the Spirit of Vengeance Once and For All
Johnny Blaze has been separated from the Ghost Rider, and instead of trying to win it back, he proposes a drastic solution: kill it once and for all.
Marvel’s Upcoming “Spirits of Vengeance” Puts Every Former Ghost Rider In Mortal Peril
Spirits Of Vengeance#1 Will Redefine A Classic Character
[Writer Sabir] Pirzada explained: “The bloody new era for the Spirits of Vengeance starts here–with a shocking ending you won’t see coming."
Marvel’s press release for the upcomingSpirits of Vengeanceseries teases a potential team-up of Ghost Rider hosts, in order to fight an old enemy. According to the publisher:
From Johnny Blaze to Danny Ketch to Robbie Reyes, the Spirit of Vengeance burns through the souls of many characters in the Marvel Universe. This September, everyone who dares to call themselves Ghost Rider will be targeted by a reawakened enemy in SPIRITS OF VENGEANCE!
Written by Sabir Pirzada (Cult of Carnage: Misery) and drawn by an all-star lineup of artists starting with Sean Damien Hill (Moon Knight: City of the Dead), SPIRITS OF VENGEANCE promises to be a major turning point for the Ghost Rider mythos.
The series is set to featurethe return of Vengeance, the demonic presence who operates through ex-NYPD officer Michael Badalino. While Vengeance was an ally for Danny Ketch and Johnny Blaze in the 1990s, it sounds like things might be different in the newSpirits of Vengeanceseries:
“The ongoing series kicks off when Vengeance, one of the most notorious entities in the Marvel Universe, returns and embarks on a vicious hunt to take down fellow spirits. As he grows more powerful with each slay, the Ghost Riders you know will journey to unexpected places to seek new power…”
For fansfamiliar with ‘90sGhost Riderstories, this return sets the stage for an intense new chapter in the character’s lore.
Writer Sabir Pirzada highlights the use of Badilino’s character – last seen in 2021’sGhost Rider Return of Vengeance#1 – in a dynamic, and dangerous, new context. “It’s finally time for Michael Badilino to make his long-awaited return as Vengeance, aided by the likes of Johnny Blaze, Danny Ketch, and more,” Pirzada explained. “The bloody new era for the Spirits of Vengeance starts here–with a shocking ending you won’t see coming.” It seems Vengeance will be the Big Bad here, turning on his former allies and setting the stage for a dramatic battle.
In addition to the return of the character Vengeance, the cohort of Marvel heroes collectively known as the Spirits of Vengeance will seemingly come together in the book of the same name – at least those who survive their enemy’s crusade.
Vengeance Is Hunting Ghost Riders In Fiery New Series
A Gamechanging Storyline
Marvel characters such as Venomand Wolverine have played host to the Spirit of Vengeanceat various points in its history, meaning they could appear in the upcoming series as targets of Michael Badalino.
In addition to the return of the character Vengeance, the cohort of Marvel heroes collectively known as the Spirits of Vengeance will seemingly come together in the book of the same name – at least those who survive their enemy’s crusade – as Johnny Blaze, Danny Ketch, and more fight for survival in the gritty new series. If all the previous Riders are being hunted down one-by-one,Spirits of Vengeancecould very well be the ultimate Ghost Rider storytelling event,one that fans of the character without a doubt will not want to miss.
Spirits of Vengeance#1will be available August 11, 2025 from Marvel Comics.
