Warning: spoilers ahead for Avengers Forever #3!
Robbie Reyes, the Ghost Rider just beat down a Venom symbiote in a way that fans would have never imagined. In Avengers Forever #3, Robbie Reyes, who recently ascended to the role of the multiversal All-Rider, confronts a Venom/Red Skull mashup, utilizing his powers to defeat him in a way that has to be seen to be believed. The issue is on sale now in print and digital.
Robbie Reyes is unique among the Ghost Riders. Whereas his predecessors Johnny Blaze and Danny Ketch rode motorcycles, Robbie rides a flaming muscle car. Robbie is also a member of the Avengers, joining up at the onset of Jason Aaron’s run on the title. Initially struggling to find his place among Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, Ghost Rider has since distinguished himself. Recently, a new incarnation of the Masters of Evil, comprised of some of the worst villains from across Marvel’s multiverse, attacked Earth-616. Among these villains was a terrifying Red Skull/Venom mashup named the Black Skull, who abducted Ghost Rider and tortured him. During his captivity, the Ghost Rider learned he was the All-Rider, a special type of Ghost Rider who can drive any vehicle—an ability he puts to spectacular use in Avengers Forever #3. The issue is written by Jason Aaron, illustrated by Aaron Kuder, inked by Cam Smith and Scott Hanna, colored by Gur-eFx and lettered by Cory Petit.
The Black Skull is continuing to torture Ghost Rider, hoping to break his spirit. Just as the Skull is about to inflict even more horrendous suffering, the Tony Stark of Earth-818 arrives, knocking the Skull for a loop and giving Ghost Rider time to recharge. Now free and angered beyond belief, Ghost Rider unleashes his attack. The Black Skull believes his symbiote is a weapon, but Ghost Rider corrects him, telling him it is actually a vehicle—meaning Ghost Rider can drive it. He throws his chains at the Skull, ripping the symbiote off. Ghost Rider then repurposes the symbiote into a flaming muscle car, which he uses to escape.
Over the course of Ghost Rider’s 50 years, creators have expanded the mythology in new and exciting ways; readers have learned that there have been Ghost Riders all through history, stretching back to the prehistoric era. The recent revelation that Robbie Reyes is the All-Rider is the next step in the character’s development and fans get a taste of what this power will look like in Avengers Forever #3. Ghost Rider tears the symbiote away from the Black Skull, turning it into a car he can drive; no other Ghost Rider has shown this ability. Now, the question is what other applications of this power are there? Could Robbie take and supercharge any vehicle in the Marvel Universe? Imagine Ghost Rider atop one of the Fantastic Four’s Fantasti-cars, or riding on a Skrull warship, all changed into vessels of hellfire and vengeance
The Black Skull thought that his Venom symbiote would make him unstoppable, but he never considered the vast scope and power of Ghost Rider, leading to his defeat in the most unreal way possible.