Warning: Contains SPOILERS forSpirits of Vengeance #6
It’s no secret that most comic characters never stay dead, but until now, thisGhost Ridercharacter had been the exception. Before Danny Ketch accepted the Spirit of Vengeance, there was another who was meant to become the Ghost Rider. However, after their tragic death in the 1990s, Danny Ketch’s greatest trauma returns, now linked to an otherworldly ancient power tied to the origins of the Ghost Rider.
To free his sister, Danny will have to kill her himself.
InSpirits of Vengeance #6 — by Sabir Pirzada, Paul Davidson, Sean Damien Hill, and José Luis Soares — Johnny Blaze, Danny Ketch, and Michael Malidino continue their investigation into the cataclysmic Spirit of Violence.The ancient entity has been sacrificially slaughtering those closest to the Ghost Riders.
However, the hellish heroes have had no clue about the Spirit of Violence’s host identity, leaving them consistently one step behind. But when Johnny Blaze is forced to witness his lost loveburn under the Penance Stare, he reveals that he has always known the Spirit’s host:The Spirit of Violence is Barbara Ketch.
Johnny Blaze Drops Bombshell: The Spirit of Violence Is Barbara Ketch
Spirits of Vengeance #6 -Written by Sabir Pizada; Art by Paul Davidson, Sean Damien Hill, & José Luis Soares; Inking by Jonas Trindade, Jay Leisten, Scott Hanna, & John Livesay; Color by Andrew Dalhouse & Matthew Milla; Lettering by VC’s Travis Lanham
Returning from the grave for the first time since 1990, Danny Ketch’s sister Barbara has returned as the host of the Spirit of Violence. While Johnny Blaze received his Spirit of Vengeance through a deal with the Devil, Danny and Barbara were spiritually tied to an ancientbloodline of Ghost Rider hosts. However, although Barbara was the oldest of the two and set to inherit the Spirit of Vengeance,she tragically died at the hands of a demonic Lilin.As a result, Danny Ketch was transformed into the Ghost Rider and vowed vengeance against Barbara’s killer.
Barbara’s death has always been a dark spot in Danny’s past, but it hasfueled his journey as the Ghost Rider from the start.There are very few Marvel characters who stay dead permanently, but these deaths are significant because they serve as constant motivation for the hero. Peter Parker couldn’t be Spider-Man if Uncle Ben were still alive. However, Barbara’s resurrection isn’t under favorable circumstances, and Danny still has vengeance to reap against the ancient threat that defiled her eternal rest.
Marvel Is Making Ghost Rider’s Lore Even Better In a Way I Never Saw Coming
Ghost Riders across the board are finally accepting their infernal other half, and they’re evolving because of it. Their potential has no limit.
Barbara Ketch’s Revival Won’t End Well For Anyone
Danny Ketch Will Have to Kill Barbara to Save Her
While it’s no secret that death is often temporary for most comic characters, a permanent death adds significant weight to a story.Barbara’s return is an especially unprecedented move in the Ghost Rider franchise.Johnny Blaze became the Ghost Rider as a result of his father’s death. Without that motivation, there would be nooriginal Ghost Rider. Similarly, Danny only embraced becoming the Ghost Rider to ensure no one else died to unchecked evil. That said, Barbara’s return is far from a cause for celebration.
Danny Ketch had long believed he had avenged Barbara’s death, but as the host of the Spirit of Violence, she is bound to damnation once again. However, Barbara won’t be able to stay for long if she’s separated from the Spirit of Violence.Similar to Wolverine’s son, the Hellverine, Barbara is a walking corpse, bound by the Spirit possessing her. To free his sister, Danny will have to kill her himself. With Barbara having returned as the first victim of the Spirit of Violence, Danny Ketch has every reason to unleash the full godly power of theGhost Rider.
Ghost Rider
TheGhost Riderfranchise revolves around the Marvel Comics character Ghost Rider, a supernatural anti-hero who gains the ability to transform into a flaming skeletal figure and ride a hellfire-fueled motorcycle. The most famous Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze, is a stunt motorcyclist who makes a deal with the demon Mephistopheles, transforming him into the Ghost Rider to battle evil spirits. The franchise includes two films starring Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze, exploring his fight against demonic forces and his internal struggle with the curse.
