For Newcomers to the Comic/Character: What to Read [Archive]

FlameHead

03-03-2005, 02:39 AM

Ann 2 is great, I agree. There are so many really.

If you're into Blade as well, I suggest checking out the Midnight Masacre crossover. It spanned the pages of Ghost Rider, Morbius, Nightstalkers, Spirits of Vengeance and Darkhold. It's one of the best stories involving GR... and he's the important one in saving the day.

I also really like the Spirits of Vengeance 23 issue run... especially issue 2 (or 3, I can't remember) which features the story of Skinner (one of Lilith's Lilin) who is an awesome character! Actually, most of the Lilith storyline is pretty darn good, IMO.

Fettstyl

03-04-2005, 08:21 AM

Thanks :up:, I'm interested in both incarnations, my knowledge of GR is very limited,I know only the basics.

Well, since your interested in both incarnations and have gotten suggestions for Vol.2 reading, I have some suggestions for Vol.1 reading.
-Issue #35 -Death Race- is a great classic story.
-Check out -The original Ghost Rider rides again-- it's a 7 issue mini series that reprints the last 14 issues of Vol.1 (2 issues of original per issue) They are the best stories of the series plus it includes the issue that tells the entire origin of Vol.1 plus that mini series is a lot cheaper than buying the original last 14 issues.

FlameHead

03-07-2005, 03:25 AM

Yeah, that's a great suggestion. Those issues are pretty darn good.

They also reprinted the first so many issues of the original Ghost Rider after that 7 issue reprint. It was simply called Original Ghost Rider. They'd be cheeper to buy as well... and maybe easier to find.

Lobo

03-16-2005, 01:40 PM

Thanks guys I'll be picking these up soon. When I'm done I'll let you all know what I thought and which version is my favorite :)

FlameHead

03-17-2005, 11:07 AM

I look forward to reading your thoughts!

Lichslayer

03-27-2005, 08:50 PM

-Issue #35 -Death Race- is a great classic story.

Interesting, that was the first ghost rider I had ever read.. my uncle gave me that one when I was a lil kid. =) I never forgot it and when I got a little older (actually, when I started having money of my own from lawn work, allowances.. crap like that) is when I feverishly worked towards getting every issue and crossover I could find.

I say get a lil piece of history and get some cheap copies of the first run. Great stuff =) milehighcomics.com has slashed their prices on lots of their issues lately, they would be who I would go through to grab some. I remember buying stuff from them through mail order when I was young.. probably got over half my VG+/NM copies through them.

BATMAN34

03-31-2005, 12:17 AM

The best GR issue ever by far is vol. 1 issue 35 the classic death race story! This is not only one of the best GR stories but it is one of the top 5 comics ever written. this was the first comic I ever read from cover to cover & I still own the same copy. This is also the comic that started my love for comics & now 27 years later (yes I'm an old 34) I have every GR ever made. This story ranks up there with Conan 92 "Thing In The Crypt" ( this story inspired the scene in the 1st Conan movie where Arnold finds the sword on the dead corpse) And Iron Man 150 when Iron Man & Doctor Doom :doom: go back to fight in mid evil times. I have read GR 35 to my 6 year old son at bedtime about 4 times now & he constantly asks me to read it so it is timeless. Pick a copy up on Ebay it's easy to find. http://www.superherohype.com/forums/images/smilies/punishr.gif

BIGGUN

03-31-2005, 01:44 AM

I have read GR 35 to my 6 year old son at bedtime about 4 times now & he constantly asks me to read it so it is timeless. Pick a copy up on Ebay it's easy to find.

you see..this is the kind of thing i want to hear. parents who grew w/ GR actually READING one of the classic 70s issues to thier child. that is cooler than cool :up:
and welcome to the Hype BATMAN34....always good to see another "old timer" here on the boards :p

FlameHead

04-09-2005, 02:38 AM

That IS awesome! Getting the youngin's into the best character ever created is such a good idea. I'm sure you'll son'll grow to appreciate the character now that you've introduced him to it as such a young age. That's so cool BATMAN34.

Like BG, I'd like to welcome to the hype my Ghost Rider friend. Visit often.

Fatkid8me

04-22-2005, 08:49 AM

What should I read if i havent read any of the Ghost Rider Comics ?

BIGGUN

04-22-2005, 09:38 AM

well the obvious place to start is your local comic shop or online store (like http://www.milehighcomics.com ) to get back issues.
some of the original 70s comics are starting to go up in value...maybe the 90s series too. BUT there was a reprint comic series in the 90s (to take advantage of the GR hype) that had alot of the most important issues from the 70s/Blaze series. those should still be fairly cheap to get.
titles are "The Original Ghost Rider Rides Again" and i think "The Original Ghost Rider"

Fatkid8me

04-22-2005, 09:52 AM

Thanks for the info , i was hoping for some sort of reprint ( so they wouldt be so expensive ) thanks.

FlameHead

04-23-2005, 12:07 PM

There's lots of reprints out there... including the two series that BB just mentioned.

A lot of the Marvel Comics Presents stories have been released as Graphic Novels or TPB's. Plus, the first few issues of GR2 has been re-released as GN, and a few arcs through the series like "Brood Trouble..." which features the X-men and GR together.

Check those out.

SolidRoar

12-24-2005, 05:36 PM

Hi, all. I was looking forward to the Ghost Rider movie, but now that it's delayed, I feel like getting to know the character while waiting for the movie's release. Any suggestions as to where to start?

PS: Bare in mind that I've never read any GR comic before, so make sure you suggest something that would get me really hooked! :p

theescapeclause

12-24-2005, 07:45 PM

The two best things to pick up if you've never read Ghost Rider would be The Essential Vol.1. It collects the first few years of the original Rider aka Johnny Blaze. The other would be Ghost Rider Resurected. It's the same type of collection, but for the 2nd/better Ghost Rider Dan Ketch. MSJ said the movie GR is a mix of the two riders, so check 'em both out. They shouldn't be more that $20-$25 each. Avoid The Hammer Lane like the plauge. Also, the new Ennis mini would give you a VERY brief idea of the origin.

Morgoth

12-31-2005, 09:32 PM

Today I bought the Marvel Milestone reprint of the Marvel Spotlight that had the first GR story. Pretty good. You might wanna' check it out. 4 bucks.

SolidRoar

01-02-2006, 02:02 AM

Thanks, guys - you are most appreciated. Is the first GR story included in the Essential vol. 1 as well?

Riding Ghost

01-02-2006, 10:03 AM

Is the first GR story included in the Essential vol. 1 as well?

Yes, and essentials is a good choice. Or I would also suggest The Original Ghost Rider Rides Again miniseries. Its a 7 issue reprinting of the last 14 issues of the original GR (2 issues per issue). Its IMO, the best stories of ALL and also includes a pretty good synopsis of GR's origin along with a few details that are not included with the Essentials since they weren't revealed until later on. And you can get those 7 issues dirt cheap :up:

SolidRoar

01-03-2006, 02:39 AM

Thanks, I'll start ordering those.

FlameHead

01-31-2006, 04:22 PM

All I gotta say is get a list of Ghost Rider comics, point your finger randomly at one issue and start there. All of em are great!

Of course, I'm quite biased in the matter.

MidnightSon

02-02-2006, 02:19 PM

If you like Blaze and Ketch then definiately pick up the Spirits Of Vengence Series. They might be in the essentials I'm not sure.

SolidRoar

02-21-2006, 10:45 AM

I was only able to find the Essential Vol.1 online, but I had to cancel the order at the last second. I wasn't aware that they're black & white reprints. Do you know where I can find colored collections?

FlameHead

02-21-2006, 01:20 PM

I'm not a fan of those Essentials because for one, it's a reprint. Mostly though, it's because they're black and white. Crappy.

What you're looking for is the "The Orignal Ghost Rider" and "The Original Ghost Rider Rides Again". The latter reprints the last 14 issues of the original GR, 2 per issue. OGR reprints the first ones. Why this did that, I don't know.

I guess the best place to look is online, mycomicshop.com. Just do a seach for Ghost Rider and you'll find em. Ebay has them as well.

SolidRoar

02-21-2006, 03:06 PM

Thanks, FlameHead. I hope I can find them.

FlameHead

02-28-2006, 12:13 PM

Good luck!

Wolvenom2099

03-08-2006, 12:41 PM

I loved the spirits of vengeance/venom comics & still do. I would recomend them to anyone.

Darkest Knight

01-03-2007, 01:54 PM

What Ghost Rider TPB should I start with? I am getting into the character of :ghost: and I need like some good graphic novels to get me started. Is there any Origin type books?

The68Pie

01-03-2007, 06:50 PM

Well if you want to read about the 70's Johnny Blaze's Rider then get Essential Ghost Rider vol. 1, but if you want to read the 90's Danny Ketch Ghost Rider pick up ghost rider Ressurection. And on next wednesday they are Releasing Mythos: Ghost Rider a painted comic of the origin of Johnny Blaze.

PenanceStare

01-05-2007, 12:17 AM

Yeah, I too just heard they released an Essential GR, I may have to get that, I also heard about the "Road To Damnation" book:

https://secure13.nexternal.com/dreamland/images/ghostRiderRoad.jpg

It looked kinda pricey with being a Hardcover and all, but they are releasing it in paperback I just read!

I def. going check out that mythos book.

Ixnay Unbound

01-05-2007, 01:31 AM

The regular trade paperback of "The Road to Damnation" actually just came out today, so happy hunting. There's also a second Essential Ghost Rider trade out this month, the first tpb of the new series (titled "Vicious Cycle"), and in February there's the Ghost Rider Team-Up tpb that collects a bunch of the 70's era guest-appearances (including an awesome issue of Avengers that's at the top of my GR recommended reading list).

PenanceStare

01-05-2007, 02:00 AM

Thanks for the heads up Ixnay, I'll have to check that out.

NDX

01-05-2007, 02:56 AM

The Essential Vol. 2 comes out the 31st. After reading the first one, and that is a mandatory read, I've anticipated the second Vol. since May. Definately worth the money they are.

I'm not going to suggest you picking up the Hammer Lane trade. I should, but I won't, being it really is, in the end, a horrible story.

jamesjuhn

02-10-2007, 03:32 AM

Not sure if this is the right board to post this,
but I'm quite new to Ghost Rider (except for the fact that I have seen the trailers, and is really excited about the movie as the rest of you guys, although I'm just starting to find out about the character).

Which comes to my question:

Are there any classic ghost rider comics which a lot ot fans recommend?

(e.g. for Batman, it would be Batman:Year One, Batman: the Long Halloween)

InVictus

02-10-2007, 04:27 AM

Uhmmm there was already a request like this one in the comics forum...
Found! This one! http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158179
maybe it should be made sticky there...

InVictus

02-10-2007, 04:42 AM

Arrrgh i keep forgetting which issue of Avengers was the one with GR kicking all them butts!

Vartha

02-10-2007, 07:28 AM

To add to those Trades listed, there's a book that came out last month called the Ghost Rider Visual Guide.
It has alittle info on ALL Ghost Riders even alittle bit on the Western Ghost Rider/ Phantom Rider.
There's history on Blaze, Ketch, Vengance, and 2099, it is a very interesting book. What they don't mention in the Book is Sam Elliot's character, Caretaker, compared to the one in the comic books is a combination of the Original western GR Carter Slade AND Caretaker.
As for full Storys I'd pick up Trades, the Visual Guide is just full of info for people just getting into the Character as well as those who've been around since the start with Spotlight 5.

FlameHead

02-10-2007, 08:06 AM

I'm sure you'll notice the merge...

InVictus

02-10-2007, 10:13 AM

Well let's hope jamesjuhn notices...maybe leaving his post closed with "moved" and linked here would be better... he didn't noticed this forum before... is there an email notice when someone moves edit your threads? If not so a pm could do..

Kevin D. Comicboy

02-12-2007, 07:15 AM

My uncle gave me "Ghost Rider: The Visual Guide" this weekend. Bloody awesome!

Mr.GhostRider

02-13-2007, 07:39 PM

I had to come here, a new guy asks what should he read and you tell him right away blah blah this if your interested in Dan Ketch? WTF? Lobo, don't listen to these *Edit* Pick up the NEW issues 1-7 and then your all caught up and know all you need to know, then you can enjoy the story from beginning. :whatever: :cmad: :csad: :yay:

Kevin D. Comicboy

02-13-2007, 07:47 PM

My uncle gave me "Ghost Rider: The Visual Guide" this weekend. Bloody awesome!
*ahem*

Phillies64

02-14-2007, 06:02 PM

I'm new to the hype boards, but I'm a long time GR fan. You can't go wrong with most of the choices here. I'm going to point out a few more.

Both volumes 1 and 2 ended on a really strong note. I highly suggest reading the last few arcs of each series. While you could argue that the books were in something of a slump, the last arcs of each volume really defined what GR was all about.

I'd suggest reading volume 1 #67-81.
I'd also suggest volume 2 #86-93 along with the recent Ghost Rider Finale. Also Ghost Rider voume 2 minus 1 was a great issue that fits with that arc.

I agree with everyone that GR volume 1#35 is one of the greatest issues of the characters history. It should be read.

I also feel that GR volume 2#7 was quite an achievement. It was my favorite issue of the 90s series. I think it's a must read.

I know I mentioned it in the earlier arc, but GR#86 is a great standalone issue. It shows GR from the eyes of others. Stories like this really make the character great.

Finally GR volume 1 #58 has one of the greatest covers ever. So I have to mention it.

As far as trades go, there aren't many that are easy to find when it comes to GR. I'd suggest The Essential Ghost Rider volumes 1 and 2 for some black and white goodness.
Ghost Rider Resurrected collects the first 7 issues of volume 2.
Ghost Rider Wolverine Punisher Hearts of Darkness is a fun trade that introduces GR to Blackheart.

Also, the Ghost Rider 2099 series was better than I thought it could be. The premise is completely different, but it's still a good read.

That's all I got for now. I suggest checking some of those out.

Ixnay Unbound

02-14-2007, 11:52 PM

Lestat80

02-19-2007, 02:08 PM

Hi Guys, I just saw the movie and I really loved it. I'm just wondering are the comics as intriguing as the movie? also have they done a re-imagination of the origin story, cause I wanna start reading the comics, but I don't like the dodgy 60s art. I would like to get into the origin story and from there start with the comics that come out monthly, so can someone recommend anything? grazie.

Midnyte_Sun

02-19-2007, 03:15 PM

You should definitely pick up:

Ghost Rider Mythos Volume 1

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/9771/grpaintedyn8.jpg

This is a brand new twist to the origins story and beautiful painted artwork to boot

---

After this, it wouldn't be a bad idea to pick up: Road to Damnation

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/3016/gennisgrle7.jpg

---
and after that: Vicious Cycle

http://ec2.images-amazon.com/images/P/0785122966.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

--

If you read them in that order it should cover the origins and also get you into the new GR comic series very easily!

Lestat80

02-19-2007, 03:21 PM

Cool thanks midnight, I take it those other two that you mentioned are temporary arcs. I want to get into the series as a whole, where does the art start looking good? is it in vol 2 or 3?

Mr Nick

02-19-2007, 03:24 PM

The current comic series is only up to issue 8 and there's always a handy one-page summary at the front to bring new readers up to speed. Don't be afraid to dive in!

Also, the Ghost Rider Visual Guide that's just been released contains tons of info on every incarnation of the character. It's a little confusing at times, but definitely worth a looksee.

:yay:

Lestat80

02-19-2007, 03:31 PM

Great, cheers Nick.

Midnyte_Sun

02-19-2007, 04:00 PM

Cool thanks midnight, I take it those other two that you mentioned are temporary arcs. I want to get into the series as a whole, where does the art start looking good? is it in vol 2 or 3?

No, not really actually! Road to damnation picks up where JB left off...somehow he died and he gets an offer from an arch angel to escape from Hell.

In Vicious Cycle, it picks off directly AFTER road to damnation, so its a great way to get into the series.

Mr.GhostRider

02-19-2007, 05:41 PM

Lestat 80,
The art was/is good in the current volume (#III) in numbers 1-5. You may think the art is lousy in #'s 6 and 7, if so, you should just pick up 1-5 and number 8 which just came out. I think you'd be able to find all these comics and then be right up to speed, I'm happy your're getting into Ghost Rider............the coolest superhero psycho path. I hope you enjoy it forever, just like me. Get on that sickle and let's ride. Peace

Lestat80

02-20-2007, 08:26 AM

You guys are awesome, thanks. It's nice to have joined up a message board where people are very helpful and friendly. I asked the same question on a chat room, and got called stupid and all other sorts of names because I didn't like the outdated art, go figure.

Mr Nick

02-20-2007, 09:12 AM

You'll find we're a decent bunch here. Although you might want to think twice before posting on the movie threads at the moment. There's a lot of angry visitors roaming around.

:woot:

Kevin D. Comicboy

02-20-2007, 09:21 AM

Of course, if you don't care/worry what people say about or to you, you'll be fine.

Nebins

02-20-2007, 12:18 PM

I just saw the movie and really enjoyed it and was thinking of picking up the comics. How accurate was the movie to the actual Ghost Rider comics?

Phillies64

02-20-2007, 12:37 PM

It's tough to say Nebins. The comic's continuity has been revised and changed quite a few times. I personally felt the movie failed to accurately portray the rider's origins though.

In the comics Johnny Blaze actually called upon the devil. So it was a more Faustian deal. It wasn't a paper cut trick like in the film.

Also Johnny Blaze was trying to help save Roxanne's father. In the comics Barton Blaze died when Johnny was young. Crash Simpson adopted Johnny and raised him as his own. It was Crash Simpson who was dying of cancer, not Barton Blaze.

Also Caretaker, Blackheart, and Wallow were much different characters in the comics. In fact, their roles were pretty much completelky changed.

Midnyte_Sun

02-20-2007, 08:28 PM

I just saw the movie and really enjoyed it and was thinking of picking up the comics. How accurate was the movie to the actual Ghost Rider comics?

MSJ did a good job in making sure to honor the backstory in one way or another.

The Ghost Rider in the film is a fusion of the different Ghost Rider's in the comics. Bounty hunter aspect was MSJ's own twist. The original Ghost Rider had a regular Harley, and Blaze had total control. The 2nd incarnation we find out that the Demon Zarathos is what Johnny has in him, and he fights for control with this demon, this is where the Flaming Bike is prevalent. The 3rd incarnation is the Spirit of Vengeance. He's got the flaming bike, the chains, the penance stare, the spiky leather look and was an element of good that refused to spill innocent blood.

The current comics gives Blaze complete control over Ghost Rider, and he seems to be merged with the Spirit of Vengeance. No word of Zarathos.