10 Best Versions Of Ghost Rider in Marvel Comics

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Marvel’s Ghost Rider is making a comeback with the new ‘Spirit of Violence’ comic series. Like many team-up stories, this one brings together multiple Ghost Riders to fight a powerful, evil force – the Spirit of Violence itself. While Johnny Blaze was the first Ghost Rider most fans met, the comics reveal that many individuals have held the role of the Spirit of Vengeance throughout the years. The character has always been closely linked to Hell, and the demon Mephisto has consistently played a role in the Ghost Rider’s story.

Whether it’s Johnny Blaze, his relatives, or the legendary heroes of the past, here’s a guide to the most memorable Ghost Riders in Marvel Comics history.

10) Phantom Rider

Carter Slade is the original Ghost Rider, known as Phantom Rider, though others held the title before him under different names. He’s quite different in how he looks and what he can do compared to later Ghost Riders. Carter was nearly killed – shot multiple times by people disguised as Native Americans who were trying to create trouble in the West. He was rescued by a Native American tribe, and their medicine man, Flaming Star, believed Carter was a prophesied hero.

Carter unexpectedly recovered and was healed, then Flamingh Star equipped him with a white suit and a white horse called Banshee, transforming him into the original Ghost Rider. Unlike later Ghost Riders, he couldn’t use Hellfire or any similar powers, relying solely on his Spirit Gun. He first appeared in Ghost Rider #1 (1966), but was soon renamed Phantom Rider to avoid confusion with future characters using the Ghost Rider name.

9) Caleb

Around the time of the American Civil War, Caleb earned his and his wife’s freedom from slavery. Tragically, they were soon murdered by a group of men led by George Reagan. Two years later, Caleb returned as the Spirit of Vengeance, determined to avenge their deaths. This story was featured in the 2007 comic Ghost Rider: Trail of Tears. Caleb possesses the typical abilities of a Ghost Rider, along with the power to possess others and travel between dimensions. Ultimately, both Caleb and his friend Travis were condemned to the demonic realm as a consequence of their relentless pursuit of revenge.

8) Barbara Ketch

Barbara Ketch is Danny Ketch’s sister and first appeared in 1990 in Ghost Rider Vol. 3 #1. She was tragically killed during an attack by Deathwatch and his ninjas at a graveyard, and later died in the hospital from injuries sustained during the attack. Her death deeply affected Danny and motivated his fight against evil. That’s why it was so surprising when she reappeared in the Spirit of Violence series, now as the main character with a sinister goal: to feed on the pain of other Ghost Riders.

7) Noble Kale

Noble Kale is a powerful, immortal figure known as the Angel of Death, first appearing in Ghost Rider (1990) #1. He’s the original Ghost Rider in Marvel Comics, and the ancestor of characters like Neomi Kale, Johnny Blaze, and Danny Ketch. He’s responsible for their fate, destined to become Ghost Riders themselves. In the 17th century, Noble Kale was a formidable force, killing both witch hunters and actual witches, and even battling Mephisto. Because he can’t enter Heaven or Hell, he continues his existence by being reborn through the firstborn child of each generation of his family.

6) Hellverine

Hellverine is a recent addition to Marvel’s Ghost Rider family. He’s actually Daken, Wolverine’s son, who was resurrected from Hell as a Spirit of Vengeance. The idea originated with Bagra-Ghul, a demon that previously possessed Wolverine, and Marvel revisited it by bringing Daken back to life after Sabretooth killed him. Bagra-Ghul resurrected Daken with the intention of turning him against Wolverine. The story blends elements of ‘Hellraiser’ and ‘Ghost Rider,’ portraying Daken’s punishment of sinners as a dark and artistic endeavor. He possesses standard Ghost Rider abilities, alongside his signature flaming claws—a nod to his Wolverine heritage.

5) Cosmic Ghost Rider

Cosmic Ghost Rider first appeared in Thanos #13 in 2016. He’s essentially Frank Castle—the Punisher—with the powers of Ghost Rider and the incredible Power Cosmic, making him exceptionally dangerous. What began as a potential alternate-universe story has become a significant part of the Marvel Universe, with Cosmic Ghost Rider battling characters like Cable, Thanos, and even Galactus. Recently, in the Imperial series, Maximus brought him in, and he quickly demonstrated his devastating power by killing Gamora and Darkhawk.

4) Alejandra Jones

I first encountered Alejandra Jones when she showed up in Ghost Rider back in 2011. She started as Johnny Blaze’s trainee, and things got crazy when he passed the Ghost Rider curse onto her! She didn’t want it at first, but she became the new Spirit of Vengeance. Luckily, when Johnny got the power back, he actually taught her how to control it and use it for good, which was awesome. It was a real shame when she died during Absolute Carnage. Honestly, she was such a cool and powerful Ghost Rider, Marvel really needs to bring her back for another series. She deserves it!

3) Danny Ketch

As a big Ghost Rider fan, I always found the story of Danny Ketch fascinating. He was Johnny Blaze’s previously unknown brother, and he took on the Ghost Rider mantle himself back in the 90s. He first showed up in Ghost Rider #1 in 1990, and he was haunted by the memories of his sister. Interestingly, when most people picture the classic leather-clad Ghost Rider, it’s actually Danny’s look they’re thinking of – Johnny’s costume was more geared towards his stunt riding days. Over the years in the comics, Danny and Johnny have teamed up and clashed, but they’re forever linked as Ghost Riders in the Marvel Universe.

2) Robbie Reyes

Robbie Reyes is currently one of the most well-known Ghost Riders in Marvel Comics. Unlike previous versions of the character, he isn’t powered by a Spirit of Vengeance. He gained his abilities after being killed and resurrected, but instead of a demonic pact with Mephisto, he was possessed by a malevolent force linked to his uncle. Even with this different origin, Robbie wields powerful Hellfire and other Ghost Rider tools. Johnny Blaze, a former Ghost Rider himself, acknowledged Robbie as a true successor, and Robbie quickly surpassed expectations, becoming something even greater.

1) Johnny Blaze

Johnny Blaze originally became the Ghost Rider in Marvel Comics, and remains the most iconic version of the character. He made a deal with the devil, Mephisto, to save his mentor, but tragically, his mentor still died. While Johnny channeled his rage to try and break the deal, he was ultimately bound to the Ghost Rider persona forever. He’s set the standard for all Ghost Riders since, whether as a vengeful antihero, a ruler of Hell, or a spirit of vengeance returning to Earth to punish the wicked. For many fans, Johnny Blaze is the definitive Ghost Rider.

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2025-11-23 02:14