Ghost Rider (1990) # 66

"Darkness Falls"

Cover Date: October 1995; Publication Date: August 1995

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Kevin Tinsley; Editor: James Felder; Editor In Chief: Bobbie Chase; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

Danny Ketch has finally accepted his shared existence with the Ghost Rider and has located a need for him to transform.  The Ghost Rider stops a woman from being mugged and killed, giving the muggers his Penance Stare before riding away.  Later, he contemplates the temptation to keep control of their body, but ultimately decides to relinquish control back to Dan.  Meanwhile, a teenage girl attempts suicide by jumping off a bridge, but changes her mind at the last minute.  She's saved from falling by Blackout, who murders her.

Later, Danny is preparing to go visit his mother with his girlfriend Paula, who is picking up from her apartment.  Before they leave Paula has a phone call that angers her; she tells Dan that it's an ex-boyfriend of hers that follows her and won't leave her alone.  She snaps at Danny when he asks to help and tells him to go to his mother's on his own.  On the way he hears about a group of terrorists that have taken over a warehouse on the harbor and are threatening to detonate a bomb if the police don't stay away.  Ghost Rider takes out the terrorists, who he learns work for Anton Hellgate, one of his enemies.  When Ghost Rider returns to Cypress Hills Cemetery, he's approached by a man in the shadows who offers to act as his informant.  The man, who calls himself "Deep Throat", gives Ghost Rider information on Blackout and the young girl he killed.

At his penthouse apartment, Blackout is attacked by Ghost Rider.  Blackout mentions the arrangement they made during their last meeting, that if Ghost Rider leaves him alone he won't murder Danny's family.  Ghost Rider tells him that there are no more deals to be made, that every victim he kills makes the Rider as culpable for having not stopped him.  The battle between the two is brief, but the defeated Blackout still laughs in triumph; he knows Ghost Rider won't kill him and if he's taken to the police he'll be out in short time, after which he says he will kill Dan's mother.  Ghost Rider takes Blackout and chains him to the top of the World Trade Center antenna, where the dawn sunlight burns him alive.  Ghost Rider rides away, talking about his mission and how vengeance will no longer be denied.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 65

"Ghost Rider in Chains, Part 4: Crimes and Punishments”

Cover Date: September 1995; On Sale Date: July 1995

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: John Kalisz; Editor in Chief: Bobbie Chase; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

Inside the Black Hole containment facility, Ghost Rider defeats the Scarecrow and allows Nick Fury to have access to the base's nuclear core. Unable to stop the explosive countdown of the core, and with the Scarecrow taking the only escape pod, Ghost Rider tells Fury and the rest of the survivors to get on his motorcycle if they want to live. They barely escape the facility before it explodes, and Fury allows Ghost Rider to leave despite the Spook's protestations.

Several weeks later, Spook has learned Danny Ketch's identity after his time spent in the Black Hole and prepares a team to go kill him. Meanwhile, a crazed Punisher - who blames Nick Fury and SHIELD for the death of his family - raids a SHIELD base and finds information on the Spook's mission against Ghost Rider. The Spook and his men track Danny down, but the assassination is foiled by the Punisher, who is hoping for Ghost Rider to be his ally against Fury. Danny transforms into Ghost Rider, who recognizes that the Punisher has crossed lines he has never crossed before and says he will be coming after him once he has taken care of the Spook. Ghost Rider defeats the Spook's men and gives the Spook the Penance Stare, but the Punisher intervenes and kills the Spook before escaping, leaving a note that says Fury will be the next one to die.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 64

"Ghost Rider in Chains, Part 3: Countdown”

Cover Date: August 1995; On Sale Date: June 1995

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: John Kalisz; Editor in Chief: Bobbie Chase; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

At the Black Hole containment facility, Nick Fury leads a team of SHIELD agents and the Avengers into the prison to quell the ongoing riot of escaped prisoners. Inside the facility, the Spook attempts to bathe the section containing Ghost Rider and several innocent lab technicians with radiation, but Ghost Rider is able to damage the seals of the room enough to halt the procedure. Inside his office, the Spook is confronted by the Scarecrow but is unaffected by his fear-inducing pheromones. Elsewhere in the prison, the Avengers encounter and defeat Rak and Dread.

Ghost Rider rides through the facility until he comes across Dr. Keene, who is running for her life from Skinner. The Spook initiates a meltdown of the nuclear core powering the Black Hole and leaves the Scarecrow to guard the control room while he makes his escape. Ghost Rider battles Skinner and attempts to give him the Penance Stare, but it backfires and makes Ghost Rider feel all the pain of Skinner's victims as well.  Ghost Rider rides away with Dr. Keene and finds Fury and Black Widow attempting to get past the Scarecrow. Needing to get into the room to stop the explosive countdown, Ghost Rider agrees to help and leaps into battle against the Scarecrow.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 63

"Ghost Rider in Chains, Part 2: Inmates”

Cover Date: July 1995; On Sale Date: May 1995

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: John Kalisz; Editor in Chief: Bobbie Chase; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

In Cypress Hills, Stacy Dolan is confronted by Jack D’Auria about Dan’s whereabouts. At the Black Hole containment facility, Dan is subjected to multiple tests and examinations to determine his link with Ghost Rider. While Dr. Keene is hesitant, Spook is eager to begin Dan’s dissection. Dan passes out from the pain and joins Ghost Rider inside his subconscious, where the two have a discussion about control. Ghost Rider is adamant that he must have control of their body if they are to survive, which Dan is unwilling to do. Elsewhere in the facility, the Scarecrow and Skinner are subjected to experiments as well.

Back at Cypress Hills, Stacy is visited by Mrs. Ketch, who vows to find her son and says she never wants to see Stacy again. Stacy runs out into the night, weighed down by her own guilt, and is found by Ski, who has realized that she has a secret link to Ghost Rider. Dan wakes up and is subjected to more painful tests by the Spook, who tells Dan that dissection will begin in the morning. Dan again passes out and finds Ghost Rider in his subconscious, where they agree to merge with one another completely. Dan transforms into Ghost Rider and busts free of his containment, which also causes his disassembled motorcycle to reassemble and break through the walls of the facility, causing a power outage. While Ghost Rider fights his way through the guards, both Skinner and Scarecrow escape their cells, with Scarecrow having found his way to the Spook in his command room.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 62

"Ghost Rider In Chains, Part 1: The Black Hole"

Cover Date: June 1995; Publication Date: April 1995

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Kevin Somers; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

After his capture by SHIELD, Ghost Rider is taken to a facility called the Black Hole, which is run by the government agent known as Spook. Upon delivery to the Hole, the Rider attempts a brave attempt at escape. The attempt is short-lived, however, as the Spook's men quickly recapture him.  Meanwhile, Stacy Dolan gets into a bar fight that's broken up by her commander, Ski, who wants to help her with whatever has been bothering her since they captured the Ghost Rider

Back at the Black Hole, Spook confers with the Hole's two top scientists, Dr. Keene and the android Dr. Wright. During their conversation, it's revealed the the Black Hole also houses several of the Ghost Rider's enemies, including Skinner and the Scarecrow. Keene decides that the best way to examine the Rider is to suit up and take a look for herself.

In the void, the Rider and Dan have a conversation about how the two cannot continue to battle one another over their co-existence. Dan gives full control back over to the Rider in order to escape, resulting in GR taking Dr. Keene hostage. This escape attempt doesn't last long either, as the Rider is blasted continuously by the guards. Unable to keep hold in this world, GR unwilling triggers the transformation, leaving a defenseless Dan at the scientists' mercy.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 61

"Betrayals, Part 4: The Fall"

Cover Date: May 1995; On Sale Date: March 1995

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Kevin Somers; Editor in Chief: Bobbie Chase; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

Ghost Rider, wracked with remorse over the accidental death of police officer Sean Tully, is being hunted by the rest of the Team, including an enraged Stacy Dolan. Ghost Rider arrives at a church and transforms back into Dan, who is found by a priest who has a history with the Ketch family and recognizes Dan. Meanwhile, Hellgate sends his two aides, Dread and Rak, to apprehend the Ghost Rider. While Stacy blames herself for not leading the Team to Dan in the first place, Dan’s girlfriend Paula arrives at Mrs. Ketch’s house to spend time with her while they worry about Dan’s whereabouts. Others, such as Shriker, Caretaker, the Abomination, and Wolverine can only watch as the city is locked down by the manhunt. The Punisher and Daredevil both decide to find Ghost Rider, determined to either kill him or help him, respectively.

Rak and Dread track down Ghost Rider to the church and a fight breaks out, soon interrupted by the military who cordon off the area. Punisher and Daredevil arrive to help fight off Dread and Rak; Punisher offers to help Dan escape while Daredevil wants to take him into custody himself to keep the police from killing him. Dan turns them both down and goes outside, transforming back into Ghost Rider for his confrontation with the Team. The Team, including Stacy, all blast Ghost Rider with their weapons, causing him intense pain that he accepts as his penance for Tully’s death. The Team takes the disabled Ghost Rider into custody, but are intercepted by Nick Fury and SHIELD, who have their orders to take Ghost Rider with them. The Team are left feeling used while Stacy breaks down in remorse over what she’s done.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 60

"Betrayals, Part 3: Friends"

Cover Date: April 1995; On Sale Date: February 1995

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Kevin Somers; Editor in Chief: Bobbie Chase; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

Shriker returns to his apartment with the unconscious Dan Ketch. Dan wakes up and grabs a sword off the wall, trying to defend himself against the Shriker, who he sees as Ghost Rider’s ally, not his. Shriker disarms him and then unmasks himself as Jack D’Auria, Dan’s best friend and martial arts master. Meanwhile, at the Team’s headquarters, Stacy is offered a ride home by her teammate Sean Tully. Elsewhere, Nick Fury is given orders he doesn’t like by the Spook, who threatens to find someone else to carry them out if Fury refuses.

On the rooftop of his apartment building, Jack explains to Dan how he became the Shriker but is interrupted by the Caretaker, who is the one that led Jack on his mission to help Ghost Rider. Dan reacts angrily at the Caretaker and leaves, determined to turn himself in to Stacy as she’s the only police officer he trusts. He arrives at Stacy’s apartment while she and Tully are watching television together, and she leads him into the kitchen to talk. Dan loses control and transforms into Ghost Rider, their fight for dominance endangering them both as Tully fires his weapon at them. Ghost Rider attempts to destroy the weapon but the explosion accidently kills Tully. Stacy makes her way into the room through Ghost Rider’s barricade, finds the dying Tully, and swears that both Dan and Ghost Rider are going to pay for what they’ve done.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 59

"Betrayals, Part 2: There’s No Place Like Home."

Cover Date: March 1995; On Sale Date: January 1995

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Kevin Somers; Editor in Chief: Bobbie Chase; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

After losing the Ghost Rider in the New York sewers, the Team is told by the police commissioner that they will use the regular police department as their back-up whether they like it or not. Meanwhile, Dan Ketch is hiding out amongst the homeless population on a subway platform when he is accosted by a deranged man that claims everyone on the platform must pay him for the privilege. Dan transforms into Ghost Rider against his will and defeats the homeless attacker before going further into the subway tunnels. There he’s confronted by the Abomination, who thinks that Ghost Rider is the one terrorizing the people on the platform. A homeless boy named Max tells Abomination that Ghost Rider stopped the real perpetrator, and when he transforms back into a weakened Danny the Abomination decides to take him to his homeless community for help. Stacy, elsewhere, pays a visit to Dan’s mother.

Back in the sewer, Dan and Ghost Rider continue to fight for control, with Dan winning for the moment. The Abomination tells Dan to use his friends and family for help and to get out of his tunnels before something bad happens. The Team are alerted that the commissioner has sent the SWAT team into the sewers to hunt for Ghost Rider and scramble to head them off, including Stacy who gets a message to join them while she’s visiting Dan’s current girlfriend, Paula. The police enter the sewers and find both Dan and Abomination, their gunfire triggering Dan’s transformation into Ghost Rider as he runs into the tunnels carrying Max to safety. Ghost Rider returns Max to the Abomination and attempts to climb out of the tunnels but transforms into Dan just as the police arrive. They shoot him in the leg before he can escape, and when he makes it to the street, he’s approached by the mysterious Shriker, who says he’s there to help him. When Dan refuses his help, Shriker knocks him unconscious and carries him away. 

Ghost Rider (1990) # 58

"Betrayals, Part 1: Love and Betrayal"

Cover Date: February 1995; Publication Date: December 1994

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Kevin Somers; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor In Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

Stacy Dolan and the rest of "the Team" (formerly Michael Badilino's Ghost Rider Task Force) have been taken to a SHIELD facility by Nick Fury to begin their training necessary for apprehending the Ghost Rider. December in New York City sees a young woman named Paula Harris being mugged in an alley until she is saved by Dan Ketch, who scares off the mugger with a small flash of hellfire in his eyes.

Week 3 for the Team's training, and Stacy is focusing on Dan's connection to the Ghost Rider as a way to fight through her exhaustion. She notices a man arguing with Fury, an unknown government agent that she calls "the Spook". He has brought new weaponry for them to test, though Stacy feels that accepting the equipment is akin to making a deal with the devil. Back in New York, Dan and Paula have started dating, while his mother tells him that she has someone for him to meet as well.

Week 4 for the Team, and Stacy tests out the final model of their new weaponry. The successful operation of the weapon signals the end of their training, making them finally ready to locate and capture Ghost Rider. Daniel is visiting with his mother, having introduced her to Paula, and he notices that her drinking problem is progressing. The doorbell rings, and Mrs. Ketch introduces her son to Jason Blackman, who claims to have heard about Danny "for so long...so very long."

Week 5: the Team has returned to New York and set up shop in an abandoned warehouse with access to a heliport. Stacy and Sean Tully are ordered to get the base cleaned and operation, giving Tully a chance to flirt with her. Meanwhile, Danny is getting on a subway train on his way to see Paula, and he thinks to himself that his life is finally good now that he has the Ghost Rider under control. In the skies above the city, the Team are in their helicopter for a final test run before their search begins the next day. On the subway train, Dan sees a young woman being attacked by a group of thugs. Though he tries to fight the transformation, the lights go out in the subway car and Dan transforms into the Ghost Rider, who takes out the thugs despite his weakened condition - his time trapped in the void has drained his strength. The Team is alerted to the Ghost Rider's activity in the subway, causing them to scrap their test run and start their mission early. The Rider returns to the surface and Dan starts fighting him for control of their body, causing the transformation to flash back and forth between them. Ghost Rider is able to wrest control from Dan just as the Team gets him in the sights of their copter. Ghost Rider is shocked to see Stacy on board.

Elsewhere, the Spook is informed of the Team's contact with Ghost Rider. He tells his secretary to inform Nick Fury that the next phase of their operation is ready to begin. Also, the Shriker arrives at an apartment and is ordered by a man in the shadows to find the Ghost Rider now. The Rider is on the run from the Team, who is firing at him from their helicopter. Ghost Rider pauses to rescue a homeless woman on the street, but as a result he is shot in the back by the helicopter. He escapes into the sewers before the Team can deploy, forcing them to go down after him.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 57

"Where to Life?"

Cover Date: January 1995; On Sale Date: November 1994

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Digital Chameleon; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor in Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

Ghost Rider, badly injured by an explosion caused by the Next Wave, drags himself out of the river. All that remains of his motorcycle is the medallion gascap, the rest of the bike laying at the bottom of the river. Suddenly, Dan begins fighting for control and manages to force the transformation back into his own body, the transformation cycle now out of control. A few miles down the river, while Ski and Stacy are searching the water they are approached by Nick Fury, who offers to give their team SHIELD training when they’re done with their current mission. Under the destroyed pier, Dan Ketch is saved from police search lights by Wolverine, who was on his way through New York. Meanwhile, the Next Wave are again attacked by the Posse, who they learn via phone call have been hired by their former employer Penner. 

At a run-down bar, Dan and Wolverine compare notes about what’s happening with the Ghost Rider, and Dan again loses control and momentarily transforms. While the police are called to the scene and taken out by Wolverine, Ski’s Team are sent after the Next Wave. Dan again transforms into Ghost Rider, who tells Wolverine to take him back to the river to recover his motorcycle. Wolverine and Ghost Rider take out the Posse and the Next Wave, giving all three members of the Next Wave the Penance Stare. When Wolverine and Ghost Rider make their escape on their motorcycles, Stacy pulls her gun and fires on them. Ghost Rider transforms into Dan again and Wolverine tells him that eventually his demon will find a way to get out. Ski and Stacy, meanwhile, take Fury up on his offer of training.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 56

"The Next Step"

Cover Date: December 1994; On Sale Date: October 1994

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Kevin Somers; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor in Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

The Next Wave (Turk, Snare, and Agent X) are pursued through Chinatown by the Posse, a group of assassins that have been chasing them down for the last month. After a pitched battle in the streets, the Posse have seemingly disappeared, leaving the Next Wave perplexed as to what to do until the next attack. Meanwhile, Danny Ketch and Stacy Dolan share a passionate kiss, after which Stacy tells Dan that she’s been invited to join the Police Special Task Force, the Team, as a career opportunity. Dan becomes angry, pointing out that the Task Force was formed to take down Ghost Rider. The two argue and Dan transforms into Ghost Rider, who asks Stacy to not come after him. He leaves Stacy, who is determined that neither of them will tell her what to do. Ghost Rider is located by the mysterious Shriker, who tells him about the trouble in Chinatown. 

At the police plaza, Stacy meets with Lt. Sokolowski, also called “Ski”, about joining the team. He invites her to ride along with them to the Chinatown mission and tells her he needs her answer tonight. In Chinatown, the Next Wave are still battling the Posse, but to the police it looks like the Next Wave are merely executing innocent people in the crossfire. Ghost Rider arrives and tries to convince Stacy to leave, but she refuses. Ghost Rider and Shriker attack the Posse on the nearby rooftops and drive them away, while the Next Wave releases a bomb to cover their own escape. Ghost Rider grabs the bomb and rides toward the river, but it explodes before he can dispose of it, seemingly destroying him. Knowing Ghost Rider will return, Stacy tells Ski that she wants to join the Task Force to help bring Ghost Rider down.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 55

"Skin Games"

Cover Date: November 1994; Publication Date: September 1994

Writer: Warren Ellis; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Kevin Somers; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor In Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

Ghost Rider chases a "torso killer" into an alley and gives him the penance stare.  The next morning, Dan Ketch goes to the bar where he's been working and talks with the owner, who tells him about a gig bartending at an exclusive event in Alphabet City.  That night, Dan arrives at the "Skin and Bones", where he is accosted by a large bouncer before identifying himself as the fill-in bartender.  He's told to go to the upstairs bar to work and that he's not allowed to speak with any of the patrons.  Not long after, another man attempts to get into bar, and identifies himself as Calvin Zabo, a founding member of the club.  As Zabo goes upstairs to the private club, Jack Russell - the Werewolf by Night - is drinking in the bar on the first floor.  He notices the sound proofing on the ceiling and goes upstairs to see what's going on. 

The patrons of the club are addressed by their host, Morphine, who founded the Skin and Bones with Zabo years earlier when he became bored with assassination.  He brings out a captive vagrant and Zabo explains how he will torture him on stage by exposing a length of bone and carving his name.  Jack transforms into the Werewolf and goes on stage to save the homeless man, but Zabo transforms as well into Mr. Hyde and attacks.  Dan transforms into Ghost Rider and rescues Russell from the room of killers, but Hyde smashes through the floor and sends everyone crashing into the first floor bar.  Ghost Rider releases his chain links, which strike down all of the assassins before they can grab hostages.  Morphine is left for the Werewolf to take care of while Ghost Rider chases Hyde into an alley and gives him the Penance Stare.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 54

"A Thirst for Celebrity"

Cover Date: October 1994; On Sale Date: August 1994

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Kevin Somers; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor in Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

Reporter Linda Wei is in her apartment sharing a drink with a friend when the lights unexpectedly go out. Blackout appears and murders the executive while declaring his love for the terrified Linda. Meanwhile, the Caretaker talks with both Ghost Rider and Dan Ketch about the importance of not fighting one another for control, then leaves Dan with the cryptic statement that he’s seen bad things happen to Ghost Riders before, which stuns Danny. Back at Linda’s apartment, Blackout forces himself on Linda and kisses her, then promises to return after he’s killed a local district attorney.

When Dan returns to his apartment he receives a phone call from Linda Wei, who tells him she knows all about his secret life as Ghost Rider and that she needs his help. He arrives at her apartment where she tells him about working for Deathwatch and Blackout’s obsessive love for her. She asks Dan to kill Blackout but he refuses, however when she points out the bloodstain on the rug Dan transforms into Ghost Rider.

At the Federal Building in Manhattan, Blackout attacks Randall Blair and his family but is interrupted from killing them by Ghost Rider’s arrival. Blackout takes Blair’s young child hostage and attempts to escape, wounding Ghost Rider in the process by stabbing him through the abdomen with a large pipe. Blackout escapes but the child is saved, returned to his parents by Ghost Rider. The next evening, Linda Wei uses her news broadcast to expose her crimes on live television and prepares to kill herself with a gun. She is stopped by Blackout, who rips out her throat while Danny watches and helplessly transforms into Ghost Rider.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 53

"Reunions"

Cover Date: September 1994; On Sale Date: July 1994

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Kevin Somers; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor in Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

The vampire Blackout, living on the street after the defeat of Lilith, murders a street gang and realizes that he needs to reclaim his life. He returns to his high-rise apartment, rejoices in his healed face, and decides to get back to his job as an assassin. Meanwhile, Dan Ketch is preparing to throw a party in his apartment for his friends, including Stacy Dolan, who he speaks to on the phone prior to the party. He notices two rival street gangs, the Stones and the Marks, having a gunfight in the street below his apartment. He fights the transformation into Ghost Rider, even when the Caretaker appears to remind him of his duties as the Spirit of Vengeance. Blackout speaks on the phone with Dan’s mother and gets his address, pondering on what to do about Ghost Rider now that he is ready to move on with his life.

Dan loses the fight over the transformation and Ghost Rider emerges, questioning Caretaker on what has happened. Ghost Rider crashes down to the street below and interrupts the gang war, but when the lights go out around them and a car explodes nearby, Ghost Rider realizes that Blackout has arrived. Holding a police officer hostage, Blackout lays out his deal to Ghost Rider, that if he leaves Blackout alone then the killer will not threaten Dan’s family. Ghost Rider refuses the deal, but Blackout leaves anyway, telling him to think about his answer. After Blackout’s escape, Caretaker reappears and tells Ghost Rider it’s time for the two of them to have a talk.

Ghost Rider (1990) Annual # 2

"Wish For Pain"

Cover Date: 1994; On Sale Date: August 1994

Writer: Warren Ellis; Artist: Javier Saltares; Inker: Mike Witherby; Letterer: Lorina Mapa; Colorist: Kevin Somers; Editor: Chris Cooper; Group Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor in Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Javier Saltares

High atop a building, the Scarecrow and his flock of crows watch his next potential victim on the street below. Scarecrow jumps down and knocks the innocent man unconscious but is interrupted by the police as he's dragging him away. The two officers attempt to arrest the villain, but the Scarecrow's fear-inducing power causes them to hesitate in fright - resulting in the male officer's death and the female officer's abduction. He takes his two victims back to his home, an abandoned reservoir beneath a toxic waste dump that would kill a normal man simply by breathing the air. The Scarecrow, however, has been changed by doctors, who gave him both the gift of fear and the ability to heal in the presence of fear - fear makes him immortal, he cannot die. In his new home, the Scarecrow thinks back to his hatred of the Ghost Rider and his childhood as the victim of his abusive mother. 

Four nights later, the Scarecrow watches the Ghost Rider from the window of an abandoned building, in which he holds several more kidnapped people. At the door to the building, the Scarecrow throws his pitchfork across the street - with the intestines of a victim attached, knocking the Ghost Rider off his bike as he drives by. The Rider releases his chain and strikes the Scarecrow in the heart, a blow that would've killed a normal man. Ghost Rider follows the villain into the building, where he's attacked by a healed Scarecrow and knocked through the window.

Scarecrow returns to the reservoir and dumps off his newest batch of living victims, beginning his long night of unloading and building. He thinks back again, this time to when the doctors were operating on him. One of the doctors had severed his vocal cords, making him unable to scream...trapping his fear, something that he swears won't happen again. Later, Scarecrow listens through the window of the 15th Police Precinct as Captain Dolan and his men discuss the rash of kidnappings. Back in the reservoir, Scarecrow attempts to sleep, but instead has a nightmare of the Ghost Rider. 

Later, in Brooklyn, Captain Dolan rides with two uniformed officers as they patrol the streets. Scarecrow lands atop their car, pulling the driver out of the car as his next captive. The second officer is stabbed by the pitchfork, forcing Dolan to reach onto the car's floorboard and press the gas pedal. The car crashes into a light post, and after he pulls himself from the wreck Dolan is approached by the Ghost Rider, who tells him that the Scarecrow is his. Back at the reservoir, the Scarecrow has completed his work - he has built a house where he cannot die or even be made to suffer. He stands triumphant outside, confident that this time he'll finally get to win.

Scarecrow tracks Ghost Rider down and sets a trap, causing the Rider to collide with the hanging bodies of unconscious innocents in a blind alley. Ghost Rider takes chase after the killer, the Scarecrow merrily keeping a few steps ahead...until they finally reach the reservoir. The Rider falls into the dark pit, landing in ankle deep water that's mixed with blood. He looks around and sees walls built into a maze, with live victims tied to them - a house of fear that the Scarecrow has sealed himself into with the Ghost Rider. Ghost Rider moves through the large room and is attacked by the Scarecrow in a series of hit-and-run strikes, while the Rider's attempts at retaliation result in the innocent victims strapped to the walls being hurt. Ghost Rider follows Scarecrow into another room and the door slams shut behind him, trapping him with the Scarecrow. The villain tells him that he will let him kill him - if the Rider refuses, Scarecrow will stab into the walls of the room, killing innocent people, and any attempt to stop him may result in some fatal accidents. Ghost Rider answers this by asking when all the innocents have been killed, what will then prevent him from exacting vengeance a thousand times heavier? Scarecrow hesitates, taken back by the Rider's grim statement, and is caught off guard by a strike of the demon's chain. Ghost Rider grabs Scarecrow and tells him that while he will not take his life, he can ensure that he never wriggles out of anyone's grasp ever again. 

Later, after the Ghost Rider has left, the police arrive and start the rescue of the dozens of innocent people in the reservoir. Captain Dolan enters and, instead of fearing the Scarecrow, now pities him. The police stand over the broken and disfigured Scarecrow...the Ghost Rider broke every bone in his body and held them so that they healed crooked. He will never walk again, and his fear is once again trapped inside him.

"Raising Cain"

Writer: Ian Edginton; Artist: Reggie Jones; Letterer: Lorina Mapa; Colorist: Tom Zuiko

Vengeance is fighting a monster made out of garbage, which was created via magic by an old woman named Ruby Avedon. She summoned the "Gris-Gris Man" to take revenge on the young punks who had been threatening the elderly people in her building, but the thirst for vengeance corrupted her. She killed several of her neighbors, and when policeman Michael Badilino came to check on them, she tried to kill him as well. Badilino transformed into Vengeance and fought the garbage creature, which is connected to Ruby's own life-force - so when Vengeance destroys the creature, Ruby dies as well

"Truck Stop"

Writer: Frank Lovece; Artist: Kevin Kobasic; Inker: Phillip Moy; Letterer: Steve Dutro; Colorist: Joe Andrea

John Blaze is riding ahead of his carnival on an interstate highway, and when he stops at a diner, he's nearly run over by a truck driver with a little boy in his cab. Blaze enters the diner and finds a woman crying...and to his surprise, the woman is Linda Littletrees, the Witch Woman! She and Blaze sit down to talk, and she tells him that the trucker was her husband Sam who has become crazy and violent. When Linda comes on to John, he excuses himself and goes outside. The truck then crashes through the diner, destroying it and injuring Linda. John jumps on his bike and rides after the truck, disabling it with his hellfire shotgun. When Blaze is threatened by the crashing truck, Linda wakes up and uses her satanic power to rescue him. John saves Sam from the wreck and he tells her that Linda is again worshiping Satan and threatened to kill him if he didn't stay away from their son. Realizing his mistake, Blaze confronts Linda, who becomes enraged that he's rejecting her. John blasts her with hellfire, which knocks her unconscious. Later, the Caretaker arrives to take her away, promising to help Linda as much as possible.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 52

“A Trail of Flames”

Cover Date: August 1994; On Sale Date: June 1994

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Ron Garney; Inker: Klaus Janson & Al Williamson; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Glynis Oliver; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor in Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Ron Garney

Michael Badilino is tortured by Hellgate and is trapped halfway through his transformation into Vengeance. Dan Ketch wakes up in his mother’s house with Badilino and Hellgate on his mind, then finds his mother burning breakfast due to her early morning drinking. That evening, Dan attempts to dump his motorcycle in the river, but finds himself unable to stop obsessing over Hellgate. He reads through Badilino’s journal, transforms into Ghost Rider, and spends the evening disrupting Hellgate’s criminal activities outlined in the journal. Meanwhile, at his Westchester home, Hellgate tells Badilino that he has him scheduled for dissection. 

Ghost Rider arrives in Westchester just as Hellgate is departing via helicopter and realizes that the villain has lured him into a trap. Ghost Rider is joined by a mysterious ninja named Shriker, who helps him fight off Hellgate’s men. Shriker departs and Ghost Rider rescues Badilino, who tells Ghost Rider that he’s leaving New York immediately. The next day, Dan says goodbye to his mother and leaves to resume his life in the city.

“Taking it to the Road”

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inker: Sergio Melia; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Kevin Somers; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor in Chief: Tom DeFalco

Weeks later, one of Hellgate’s safehouses is raided by government soldiers, with Vengeance having beaten them there to interrogate one of Hellgate’s men. Vengeance escapes conflict with the soldiers and their commander, a woman named Agent Uno. Later, Uno confronts Badilino, who has been given control over the Hellgate case. He tells Uno to clean up and take the credit for the safehouse while he heads to the West Coast to dig up more information on Hellgate.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 51

"The Spirit is Willing..."

Cover Date: July 1994; Publication Date: May 1994

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Salvador Larroca; Inkers: Sellers, Sanders, & McCarthy; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: John Kalisz; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor In Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Salvador Larroca

In Cypress Hills Cemetery, the newly resurrected Ghost Rider thinks back to his first rebirth, contemplating all that has happened to him and Dan in the short time they have been bound together. He thinks back to Barbara, Dan's sister, and her innocent blood that called him into being. On the spot where her blood was spilled, he thinks that no amount of vengeance nor hellfire can burn away the burden of her death on his hands. Meanwhile, in Manhattan, two foreign tourists wander into an alley, where they come across a large, superhumanly strong man named Slaughter Boy, who attacks and kills them.

Back in the cemetery, the Ghost Rider reminisces over his origin and the evil he's encountered since returning to life. He was victorious against them all, but he realizes that to Dan the triumphs were hallow compared to the loss of his sister. The Rider realizes that though the supernatural had distracted him from his mission, it would do so no longer. He has been reborn twice now, and he will not look for the supernatural to combat evil as there is too much of it lurking in humanity itself. He will no longer wait until someone is hurt or dead to react, promising Barbara that it will never happen again. He then transforms back into Dan.

Dan arrives at his mother's house, but finds a surprise visitor when he enters. His best friend, Jack D'Auria, tells him that he's been out of town for a while and had just stopped by to see how he and his mother were doing. Jack then leaves, while Dan enters the kitchen to check on his mother, who is thinking about her lost daughter. Dan tells her that, adopted or not, she'll always be his mother. Back in Manhattan, Slaughter Boy has engaged the police and is causing chaos in the streets.

A few blocks away, Dan pulls up to the local police precinct to pick up Stacy Dolan, who is happy that she and Dan have time to get reacquainted now that she knows about his involvement with the Ghost Rider. "Ski" Sokowalski then yells for her, telling her that Slaughter Boy is on a rampage and half the precinct is trying to bring him in. Stacy agrees to go with Ski, but before she leaves she asks Dan not to get involved. Dan apologizes, and after she's gone he transforms into the Ghost Rider.

The Ghost Rider then arrives at the scene, and engages Slaughter Boy despite Stacy's plea that he stay out of the situation. Despite saving Ski's life, the Rider is still met with fear and distrust by the policeman, who attempts to shoot him. Slaughter Boy comes back and attacks the Ghost Rider, yelling that all he wants is a good fight after being kicked out of the Unlimited Class Wrestling Federation. During the battle, Ghost Rider asks why his enemy killed so many innocent people if all he desired was a fight. Slaughter Boy tells him that he killed the tourists because foreign investors where responsible for getting him thrown out of pro wrestling. Angered by the villain's attempt to rationalize his actions, the Ghost Rider gives Slaughter Boy his penance stare, leaving him defeated on the ground. Before the Rider leaves, he stops to tell Stacy that what was done this night was done by him, not Daniel. But after the Rider leaves, Stacy wonders if Dan knows that himself.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 50

"Reborn Again"

Cover Date: June 1994; Publication Date: April 1994

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Ron Garney; Inker: Al Williamson; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: John Kalisz; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor In Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Ron Garney

In and around Cypress Hills Cemetery, strange lightning has been seen in the skies over the past three nights. In a news broadcast, reporter Linda Wei says that vigilante activity has once again risen in the area, and that criminals are being found brutally beaten and in a state of terror. Elsewhere in Brooklyn, two men attempt to rob and rape a young woman. From behind them a chain rattles, followed by a bright glow of flame. Moments later, the woman is left standing in fear as the two men lay on the ground, incapacitated. Not long after, policemen Michael Badilino and John "Ski" Sokolowski examine the two men, who are still in the alleyway. Despite what Badilino knows to be true, he has no choice but to accept Ski's theory...that the Ghost Rider is back.

Later, in Cypress Hills Cemetery, Badilino arrives and encounters John Blaze, who has also heard of the rumors surround the Ghost Rider's return. Blaze kicks open the door to the mausoleum that housed the Ghost Rider's remains, and the two men are shocked to find the Rider himself standing in the darkened crypt. Responding to Blaze's questions about Zarathos, the Rider replies only that if he has returned then he must assume that Zarathos has as well. Blaze asks the demon about letting Dan return to life as well, which the Rider would rather not do. Finally, after some hostile threats from both Blaze and Badilino, the demon triggers the transformation, and a bearded and naked Dan Ketch stands among them. Blaze and Dan get ready to go home to see the kid's mom, and Badilino asks John to give a notepad to Stacy Dolan, since he has other things to take care of at the moment. Blaze and Dan ride off, leaving Michael alone in the cemetery...alone, that is, until a limo pulls up. Hellgate steps out and quickly disarms Badilino with a blast of energy, energy which has been designed to disrupt Michael's ability to transform into Vengeance. Hellgate allows Badilino to escape, to run, hoping that he'll lead him to the Ghost Rider.

At the Ketch house, Blaze (along with his wife, Roxanne, and two children, Emma and Craig) watch as Dan and his mother reunite. John then answers the door, showing a bewildered Stacy Dolan. Upon seeing him, she runs forward and the two share a passionate kiss and embrace. A few minutes later, Badilino comes crashing through the front door, trying to warn them about Hellgate. Everyone in the house run outside in an attempt to get away, but Hellgate is awaiting them on the roof. With another blast of energy, he strikes Badilino and teleports him away. Blaze tells Roxanne to get the kids away while Dan transforms into the Ghost Rider. Hellgate attacks from behind, and says that despite his appearance, he is not the demon that the Rider believes him to be. he claims to be a man of science, and as he blasts the Ghost Rider to the ground, he reveals that he is responsible from bringing the demon back to life by bathing the cemetery with every spectrum of energy known to man. While Hellgate savagely beats the Ghost Rider, Blaze reluctantly realizes that he has to help, leaving his family in hiding. Realizing that the two Spirits of Vengeance make a formidable team, Hellgate fires another blast of energy that hits the car behind which Roxanne and the children were hiding, causing it to explode. Blaze collapses in denial, but the Ghost Rider uses the opportunity to take the offensive against their enemy. With Hellgate in his grasp, the Rider gives him the penance stare, causing the villain to feel more pain than he has ever before experienced. Despite the pain, Hellgate musters his strength and flies away.

Later, Blaze tells Dan that he identified Roxanne's dead body, but that there are no traces of his children anywhere. Devastated by his loss, John tells Dan to stay away from him, and that if he ever sees him or the thing inside him again, he'll kill them both. Dan takes a walk through the cemetery and comes across the shattered statue of Zarathos. After briefly looking at the broken stone, he returns to his thoughts, vowing vengeance for Roxanne and Blaze.

"A Lover's Eyes"

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Roger Cruz; Inkers: Hubbs, Pepoy, & DeCarlo; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: John Kalisz

Dan Ketch and Stacy Dolan walk down a street in their neighborhood, trying to figure out how to move their relationship forward now that Stacy knows about Dan and Ghost Rider. Stacy is hurt that Dan didn't trust her with the truth, and Dan apologizes to her for all the secrets.

Their kiss is interrupted by screams for help from the top floor of a nearby building. An explosion rocks the building, prompting Stacy to pull out her gun and investigate. She tells Dan to call for more police and to keep Ghost Rider out of the way. Dan sees the medallion on his bike glowing, and he decides to transform despite Stacy's wishes. Ghost Rider rides into the building and finds Stacy injured. She tells the Rider that six heavily armed men are taking a man and his wife to the roof. Stacy follows Ghost Rider to the roof and watches as he takes out the armored troops, who are actually working for Flag-Smasher and are attempting to kidnap a man who works for the electric company. After Ghost Rider defeats the men and takes out their helicopter, Stacy congratulates Dan for saving the day. Ghost Rider pushes her away and tells her that he is not Dan before riding away.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 49

"Darkness Within"

Cover Date: May 1994; Publication Date: March 1994

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Ron Garney; Inkers: Tom Palmer & Al Williamson; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: Gregory Wright; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor In Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Ron Garney

At a deli in Manhattan, two men who attempted a robbery are now involved in a police hostage situation. After a two-hour stand-off, Vengeance walks through the police barricade and enters the deli. He makes short work of the two criminals, but doesn't fail to notice the fear in the eyes of the police as he leaves. A short while later, a mysterious jet flies over New York, the occupant on his way to Cypress Hills Cemetery. Meanwhile, at the Cemetery, the Ghost Rider's skull begins to faintly glow.

In the 75th police precinct, Michael Badilino is cleaning out his locker, despite the protests of his partner, John "Ski" Sokolowski. Michael tells Ski that he's taking time off and the strike team is now his to run. As Badilino leaves the precinct, he's stopped by Stacy Dolan, who confronts him about the possibility of Vengeance getting out of control. Badilino blows her warnings off and leaves. Elsewhere, on a luxury boat off the coast of Hong Kong, Hellgate receives reports that his men are investigating all aspects of the Ghost Rider and Vengeance.

Badilino arrives at Cypress Hills Cemetery, making his way to the mausoleum that houses the Ghost Rider's remains. As he takes a moment to collect his thoughts, he becomes aware that he's being watched from individuals in the shadows. He pulls his gun and turns around, only to find himself face to face with the Hulk, who has come to Cypress Hills for the Pantheon to investigate the anomalous energy readings that are emanating from the cemetery. Badilino runs into the mausoleum and transforms into the Vengeance, believing that the Hulk is working for Hellgate. Vengeance steps out of the crypt and blasts the Hulk with hellfire. The Hulk, who doesn't want to be late nor bruised for the bachelor party he's attending later, decides to take Vengeance out quickly. As the two heroes fight across the cemetery, two of Hellgate's minions - the armored duo Cerber and Erus - come out of the shadows and following them, their mission: to capture Vengeance for Hellgate.

Vengeance and the Hulk continue their battle until Cerber and Erus attack them, prompting the two heroes to realize that they've had a misunderstanding. Cerber and Erus come close to capturing Vengeance, but the Hulk swats them both away with a light post he's ripped from the ground. The two villains return quickly, but are easily defeated by Vengeance and the Hulk. After the battle ends, Vengeance tells the Hulk about what happened to the Ghost Rider, and Banner tries to give Badilino advice on what to do to keep from losing control. Hulk invites Vengeance to the bachelor party, but Michael declines. Meanwhile, the Ghost Rider's skull - still on display in the mausoleum, bursts into flame.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 48

"Under Fire, Part 2"

Cover Date: April 1994; Publication Date: February 1994

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Ron Garney; Inker: Chris Ivy; Letterer: Janice Chiang; Colorist: John Kalisz; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor In Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Ron Garney

In a special holding cell at the police station house, Michael Badilino is interrogating the injured Dread, who had been responsible for murdering members of Badilino's old team.  Badilino wants Dread to give up information on his employer, Hellgate, but has to be restrained from beating on the villain by his fellow cops.  Badilino is ordered by Captain Dolan to go outside and talk to reporters, who have labeled him a "hero" for bringing in the cop-killer, and he reluctantly does so.  In the crowd of reporters is Peter Parker, Spider-Man, taking pictures for the Daily Bugle.

Inside the station, Dread's injuries heal rapidly.  Outside, another of Hellgate's minions, a monster named Rak that Vengeance fought not long ago, jumps from a nearby building and makes his way to the station to rescue Dread.  While Parker runs off to change into his costume, Badilino attempts to stop Rak with bullets, which only results in the monster swatting him aside as he enters the building.  Badilino transforms into Vengeance, and the frightened crowd is calmed by the entrance of Spider-Man, who assumes that Vengeance is a good guy due to his resemblance to Ghost Rider.  They enter the station house and find Rak and Dread killing more cops before they turn their attention toward the heroes.  The villains manage to escape, but Spider-Man is able to track them via a spider-tracer to an abandoned warehouse.  Vengeance and Spider-Man find the two villains hooked up to machines, which Vengeance destroys.  After a brief fight, Spider-Man stops Vengeance from killing Dread, saying that they have to be better than the villains they fight.  They're interrupted by Hellgate, appearing as a hologram, who says that he has become interested in Ghost Rider and now that attention turns to Vengeance.  He uses his power to punish Rak and Dread, killing them for their failure, before he disappears.  Vengeance explains to Spider-Man that Rak and Dread weren't actually alive, Hellgate reanimates the dead to do his bidding.  Vengeance thanks Spider-Man for his help, then tells him to stay out of his way.