Ghost Rider (1973) # 64

“The Kiss of Doom!”

Cover Date: January 1982
On Sale Date: October 1981

Writer: Michael Fleisher
Artist: Jack Sparling
Inker: Tom Sutton
Colorist: George Roussos
Letterer: Joe Rosen
Editor: Tom DeFalco
Editor in Chief: Jim Shooter
Cover Artist: Brent Anderson

In Hell, the demon Azmodeus again plots to seize control of the Ghost Rider, this time planning to use another demon named Rzh’arr to ensnare Johnny Blaze. At the Quentin Carnival, Johnny’s stunt practice is watched by reporter Cynthia Randolph, who later rebukes his advances toward her. When she goes to her trailer she is overcome by strange fumes and passes out. After she wakes up, she notes that she’s late for her date with Johnny, who is surprised by her turn around. He takes her on a ride out into the desert where he defends her from a trio of bikers. While this is happening on Earth, Cynthia wakes up in Hell a prisoner of Azmodeus, who reveals that Rzh’arr has taken her place.

“Cynthia” kisses Johnny, stealing part of his power and making him feel weak. She creates an image of the Ghost Rider, forcing Johnny to trigger his transformation. When the two Ghost Riders collide into one another, the real demon is knocked unconscious. “Cynthia” takes him to Hell and reveals her true demonic form while Azmodeus gloats over the captive Ghost Rider. Strapping him to the ground, Azmodeus triggers a giant pendulum scythe, which as it descends will cut away Johnny’s soul. The Ghost Rider frees himself and reclaims his power from Rzh’arr before running down Azmodeus, frying the demon with hellfire. Azmodeus uses the last of his power to send Ghost Rider and Cynthia back to Earth, where she has no memory of what happened to her. Still, she is suspicious of Johnny, and while on the ride back to the carnival she vows to herself that she won’t rest until she knows his secret.

"How do I get myself into these situations?"

THE ROADMAP
Azmodeus used the witch Tabicantra to try and claim the Ghost Rider's power in Ghost Rider (1973) # 53. He will appear again in Ghost Rider (1973) # 76.

CHAIN REACTION

To read my review of Ghost Rider (1973) # 64 see my book Wheels On Fire: An Unofficial Guide to Marvel Comics' Ghost Rider: 1972-1983!

Wheels On Fire: An Unofficial Guide to Marvel Comics' Ghost Rider From 1972-1983: Munn, Chris, Ishizaki, James, DeMatteis, J.M.: 9798702991832: Amazon.com: Books

"No, Mr. Blaze, I expect you to DIE."