GHOST RIDER VS. GALACTUS #1 – The Purpose of the Destroyer

Ghost Rider Vs. Galactus #1: The Thing has a hot date to catch but, not before he asks Johnny Blaze to what extent his powers work. This question launches us into outer space pitting two characters against one another with a side of existential crisis.

Creative Team:

J. Michael Straczynski (WRITER) Juan Ferreyra (ARTIST) Travis Lanham (LETTERS) Terry Dodson (COVER ART) Rachel Dodson (COVER COLORS)

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Story:

Matt: This issue has it all! Action, humor, vengeance, and a galactic lesson that will have you questioning your existence. The Thing being the reason Johnny even attempts to take on Galactus is somewhat humorous to me and yet makes perfect sense as they had been locked in battle for a while. Going from a flaming fury to reduced to essentially a scolded child makes this issue land in my opinion as it is not often we see Ghost Rider put in his place. Straczynski hits all of the right notes in this issue and leaves us with a satisfying ending!

Megan: The question that I never thought to ask that’s the theme of the story is whether or not Galactus can become victim to Ghost Rider’s penance stare. Well, it didn’t occur to Ghost Rider either as it was actually Ben Grimm’s idea. Grimm says that they’re fought Galactus so many times just for him to simply walk away at the end.

Galactus has been killing for centuries just to feed his hunger and it’s just not right. Ghost Rider is hesitant, of course, but ends up agreeing to take on the Devourer of Worlds himself. Ghost Rider hops a ride into space on a rocket, and makes his way to his future opponent. Once he gets there, it’s time to give Galactus the stare of a lifetime. But can it be that easy?

Straczynski created something that was a lot of fun that felt like straight out of the What If series. Seeing Ghost Rider grow to Galactus’ height to take on the Devourer of Worlds with his penance stare certainly wasn’t something I had in my bingo card, but I had a great time with it.

The Art and Letters:

Matt: Juan does a lot of visually stunning things in this one shot. The issue is set in the 70’s and he transports us back to comics of that time in the way he draws The Thing and then the various softer color elements he chooses. Transforming Johnny into this fiery being was perhaps my favorite in this issue as Juan still brings a softer tone but, ups the explosive and fiery elements of his art. When Ghost Rider first appeared I couldn’t help but stare in awe as he captured the reflection even in the puddle. This issue is very visually pleasing.

Megan: The artwork of Ghost Rider Vs. Galactus #1 is just as much fun as the storyline. Juan Ferreyra gives so much to the 70s era comic, and it shows with Ben and Johnny Blaze, AKA Ghost Rider. The quality of the artwork only increases as the comic goes on, which leads us to some panels and pages that were nothing short of gorgeous. With starting the comic with more warm tones, you can see the vibrancy double when Ghost Rider makes it to space. Once he finds his opponent in Galactus, you can see some stunning panels of the juxtaposition of the vibrant colors from the two powerhouses.

Overall Grade: 8.9/10

Matt: 9/10

For more from Matt check out http://linktr.ee/hopsgeeknews

Megan: 8.8/10