Review: ALL-NEW GHOST RIDER #1
Writer: Felipe Smith
Artist: Tradd Moore
Colorist: Nelson Daniel & Val Staples
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Production: Manny Mederos
Publisher: Marvel Comics
With Marvel launching their second new initiative with All-New Marvel NOW!, various solo heroes are getting the chance to star in their own books again. Marvel is taking this opportunity to re-introduce their audience to Ghost Rider. However, this isn’t the same Ghost Rider that previous readers will be familiar with. Taking a page out of the Nova playbook, we have a teenager named Robbie Reyes taking up the mantle of the Spirit of Vengeance.
What I Liked
The creative team of Felipe Smith and Tradd Moore are newcomers to the Marvel universe. I’m glad newer talent are getting a chance to shine at the Big Two. Marvel especially seems to be broadening their reach and thinking outside the box, not only with the books they are launching, but the creative talent behind them.
Smith portrays Reyes as a street kid from East Los Angeles who has a love for fast cars and his brother Gabe. The environment Smith crafts reminds me of the Los Angeles I’ve seen in various movies and TV shows. Crime around every corner, and family having to watch each other’s back. Reyes is a kid I want to pull for, even if his judgement can be questioned.
Moore’s artwork is very fluid and has a cartoonish flare to it. The little touches, like a bruise or black eye, were consistent and appreciated. The various facial expressions and postures were animated, which felt needed on a book featuring a kid. The racing scenes felt like they were plucked from a movie. The colors by Nelson Daniel & Val Staples deserve an applause. They got to play with day and night settings, casting shadows, and of course fire.
What I Didn’t Like
I can see some people calling this an excuse to cash-in on the Fast & Furious franchise. Switching Ghost Rider from a motorcycle to a racing car doesn’t help matters. As a fan of the Fast & Furious, I have no problem with this. Also, according to the box office numbers, movie-goers don’t have a problem with them either. So if this can attract new readers to All-New Ghost Rider, then so be it. The more the merrier I say.
One other thing I’ll mention is that besides wanting to pull for Robbie, we don’t get the chance to learn much about his personality, besides guardian/protector of Gabe, mechanic and street racer. He was a man of few words in this issue. I’m sure Smith will flesh his character out as the series progresses.
Summary
I was very pleased with All-New Ghost Rider #1. The mystery surrounding the circumstances of Robbie Reyes becoming the next Spirit of Vengeance and the creative team of Felipe Smith and Tradd Moore all combine to make this new addition to the All-New Marvel NOW! a comic to watch out for.
Rating: 3 out of 5
This review is written in partnership with Pop Culture Network. They can be found at their website http://www.popculturenetwork.com/
Timdogg
#ComicBookChronicles @CBChron founder. Editor-in-Chief of @thekliqnation. Comic book reviewer, podcaster #RABBLERABBLE
