Web of Spider-Man (1985) # 95

"Spirits of Venom, Part 1: Storm Shadows"

Cover Date: December 1992; On Sale Date: October 1992

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Alex Saviuk; Inker: Joe Rubinstein; Letterer: Dave Sharpe; Colorist: Bob Sharen; Editor: Danny Fingeroth; Editor in Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Alex Saviuk

Spider-Man swings through a stormy Manhattan with the captured Hobgoblin in tow. They are unaware that they’re being hunted by the Demogoblin, and an alien Spider-Man clone called Doppelganger. When they confront Spider-Man, Demogoblin states that he comes from a race of demons dedicated to killing all other demonic creatures and wants to kill Hobgoblin for once sharing a body with him. Spider-Man escapes with Hobgoblin into the city, fleeing into a large church for sanctuary.

Meanwhile, Ghost Rider and John Blaze are in the sewer system beneath the city, hunting for the Deathspawn and the innocent homeless people they have captive. They’re approached by Venom, who is hunting the same villains, Hag and Troll, for their murder of a Guardsman. Hag and Troll arrive with the Deathspawn, and a large battle commences.

At the church, Father Martin hides Spider-Man in the church’s basement, but is captured by Demogoblin, who offers Spider-Man the priest’s life in exchange for Hobgoblin. The battle in the sewer rages on and Blaze blasts a hole through the roof of the tunnel with his shotgun. Venom takes advantage of the situation and swings up through the hole with Hag and Troll, leaving Blaze and Ghost Rider behind to fight the Deathspawn. At that moment, Blaze’s hellfire blast creates a hole in the basement of the church, allowing Venom to climb directly into Spider-Man’s fight with Demogoblin. 

Ghost Rider and Blaze follow, with most of the combatants being dragged back into the tunnels by the Deathspawn. Blaze jumps back into the tunnel willingly to rescue Ghost Rider, leaving Spider-Man to wonder if he should just go home to his wife. However, when the priest is dragged down by one of the Deathspawn, Spider-Man decides that he has to join the fight and jumps down into the tunnel.

Ghost Rider (1990) # 67

"Brood Feud II, Part One: A Gathering"

Cover Date: November 1995; Publication Date: September 1995

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

In New York City, a pair of police officers are attacked by alien Brood warriors, who quickly transform the officers into more Brood soldiers. The Brood have been tasked by their queen to find the two individuals responsible for destroying the hive in New Orleans, namely Gambit and Ghost Rider. Meanwhile, in Cypress Hills Cemetery, Dan Ketch transforms into Ghost Rider and meets with his new informant, the mysterious Deep Throat. Even though he refuses to divulge his true identity, Deep Throat offers to help Ghost Rider with information, specifically on the criminal enterprises of Anton Hellgate. 

Later, when Ghost Rider leaves the cemetery, he is unaware that he is being followed by the two Brood disguised as police. That evening, Dan is relaxing with his girlfriend Paula, when her stalker ex-boyfriend starts calling her phone again. Instead of talking about the situation with Dan, Paula ignores it and asks to go out on a walk.  On the street outside, the disguised Brood recognize Dan and plan to strike while he is defenseless. Meanwhile, on a road leading into the city, Gambit is attacked by more Brood, who wish to assimilate him into their ranks. 

While on their walk in the city, Dan and Paula coincidentally run into Stacy Dolan and her team leader Ski, who are out on a date. When they hear screams coming from a nearby alley, Stacy and Ski go to investigate and find themselves ambushed by the Brood.  Dan follows and transforms into Ghost Rider, who attacks the Brood.  At the same time, Gambit finishes his battle with the Brood and makes his way toward the city to find Ghost Rider. When Ghost Rider attempts to kill one of the Brood, he witnesses the alien revert back to his human host's form, and is unsure whether he should kill the alien if the host still survives after their transformation.  Another Brood in human form attempts to convince Ghost Rider to kill her comrade, but Ghost Rider refuses.  Stacy fires a bullet at one of the Brood and Ghost Rider pins the two aliens to a wall with his chain.  They explain that their queen will soon rule the city, but Gambit arrives and asks Ghost Rider if he's prepared to go hunting with him for the remaining Brood.

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.

Peter Parker: Spider-Man (1990) # 93

"Reborn Again"

Cover Date: July 1998; Publication Date: May 1998

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Javier Saltares; Inker: Scott Hanna; Letterer: Richard Starkings; Colorist: Gregory Wright; Editor: Ralph Macchio; Editor In Chief: Bob Harras; Cover Artist: John Romita Jr.

In Cypress Hills Cemetery, local firefighters attempt to douse a mysterious flame that has started - flames burning in the pattern of the Medallion of Power. From the flames emerges the Ghost Rider, who - before jumping on his motorcycle - simply says "It begins anew. I ride again...for vengeance!"

Elsewhere in the city, Spider-Man swings over the rooftops, jubilant that his recent troubles with the law are over. Spider-Man spends his evening stopping muggers and rescuing people from a burning building, but discovers that his reputation is still ruined due to Norman Osborn's allegations of the wall-crawler being a criminal. Spider-Man then visits Arthur Stacy, a friend, and finds that even he is having trouble trusting the hero. Outside the Stacy house, Mary Jane Watson-Parker talks to Jill Stacy before starting home. A few moments later, Mary Jane is startled by her husband, Peter Parker, jumping out of the trees. Peter scoops his wife up and swings them to a nearby rooftop. Peter tells her that things are finally starting to look up and asks "what could go wrong?". Just as Mary Jane says that she wishes he hadn't said that, Parker's spider-sense goes off, causing him to grab his wife and cover them with a web shield just in time to keep them from being burned by a flash of fire. The Ghost Rider rides past them on the street below, melting cars and street lamps as he passes. Parker changes back into Spider-Man and kisses Mary Jane before swinging off after the Rider.

A short time later, Spider-Man wonders what's causing Ghost Rider's flames to burn out of control. He stumbles across an abandoned building caught on fire by Ghost Rider's flames and sees a kid trapped on one of the floors. Spider-Man saves the boy just in time and returns him to his parents, winning back the trust of some of the public. Spider-Man picks the Ghost Rider's trail back up, following the trail of fire left by his motorcycle, and finds the Spirit of Vengeance in the middle of Times Square. Fallen on his knees, the Ghost Rider yells for everyone to stay away from him, that he's lost control of his hellfire. Ghost Rider is confused and disoriented by "so many truths and lies mixed together". "Noble Kale, the Lord of the Dark Realm, Mephisto, Blackheart", he says, "lies within lies within lies!" Spider-Man jumps down to the street, but is immediately attacked by Ghost Rider, who tells the hero to leave - that the lives of innocents are at stake and if he doesn't act soon the streets will run with blood. Spider-Man attempts to stop the Ghost Rider, but the demon smashes the ground beneath them, blowing a huge crater in the street. Severely weakened, Ghost Rider falls next to the hole - and when Spider-Man investigates, he finds a group of terrorists planting a bomb under the street. Spider-Man makes quick work of the terrorists, but sees that the bomb has just over five minutes before it detonates. Ghost Rider says he's too weak to help, but then out of the crowd steps Daniel Ketch, the Rider's descendant and former host. Dan asks the Rider - addressing him as Noble Kale - how he escaped Mephisto's realm and if he remembers him. Ghost Rider claims not to be this Noble Kale, and that Mephisto and Blackheart are the lords of the lie...the truth is not yet known. Spider-Man brings their attention back to the bomb, and Ghost Rider asks Dan to merge with him once again to make him stronger. Realizing that if he doesn't thousands of people will die, Dan agrees - and the two merge, restoring the Ghost Rider to his full strength. Whole once again, Ghost Rider takes the bomb and asks Spider-Man to contain him with as much webbing as he can generate. Within the giant dome of webbing, Ghost Rider stands with the bomb until it explodes, barely contained by Spider-Man's web. Immediately after the explosion, Ghost Rider rides out of the fire and out into the city. Spider-Man thinks to himself that this should finally prove to the city that he's a hero again...but the next day reads an editorial by J. Jonah Jameson that claims both Spider-Man and Ghost Rider to be part of the terrorist plot.

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) # 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) # 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/Blaze: Spirits of Vengeance (1992) # 23

"An Ending"

Cover Date: June 1994; Publication Date: April 1994

Writer: Howard Mackie; Artist: Henry Martinez; Inker: Bud LaRosa; Letterer: Bill Oakley; Colorist: John Kalisz; Editor: Bobbie Chase; Editor In Chief: Tom DeFalco; Cover Artist: Henry Martinez

In his trailer, a heavily drunk John Blaze hallucinates about the death of his wife, Roxanne, and the disappearance of his children, Emma and Craig. He blames the Ghost Rider for his family's tragic end, saying to a picture of the demon that he should've killed him when he had the chance...and he will, after he finds his kids. A few minutes later, John goes to Clara's trailer and tells her to try again to find his children psychically. She reluctantly agrees, but instead of locating the kids she picks up the location of Centurious, who was believed to be dead. John storms out of the trailer and comes across Quinn and Steel Wind. Blaze tells the woman to leave now that she's been fixed, and if she's still there when he gets back he'll kill her. Just before John rides off on his bike, he tells Steel Wind that Centurious is still alive.

 

Meanwhile, in the sewers beneath New York City, Centurious consumes the life of a derelict. His aide, Carver, asks him if he is well, but Centurious is still recovering his strength after his injuries at the hands of Lilith and her Lilin. He tells his last two Demons of Styge to go out and find him more humans that he can suck the life force from. Centurious' Witch Woman then tells her master that "he with the power of hellfire" is coming. Centurious nods and says that Blaze's arrive was to be expected.

 

John arrives at Wall Street and promptly blows a hole in the street with his shotgun, following Clara's psychic fix on Centurious. As he searches the sewers, he wishes that Clara's vision had been more precise, but that he'll kill Centurious even if he had to spend what's left of his life searching the tunnels. As he thinks back to how his fear of Centurious haunted him even after being freed from the Ghost Rider years ago, Blaze is ambushed by the Styge Demons, who only recognize him as a possible meal for their master. Unknown to them, Steel Wind is watching and waiting.

 

Blaze, minus his shotgun, is brought before Centurious. The villain tells him that he envies Blaze's loss of Roxanne - he in fact envies any heartfelt feelings, for after he gave his soul to Mephisto to save his beloved, Centurious can no longer feel anything. He tells Blaze that he will die with the love of his wife still in his heart, but even the envy he feels is hollow...for it is one of the many emotions a man without a soul cannot experience. Before he can kill John, Steel Wind explodes into the room on her massive motorcycle. Centurious offers her the killing blow against John, but instead turns and shoots her former master. Blaze retrieves his shotgun, and he and Steel Wind easily overcome and kill the two Styge Demons. Wind tells John that Centurious took away her humanity, turning her into a monster, and that she will have her pound of flesh from him. As she prepares to kill Centurious, Blaze stops her, saying that if she does this she'll be giving over her last shred of humanity to him. She has forgiveness inside her, Quinn saw it...and it would be worse to let Centurious live without his soul. Steel Wind acquiesces, saying that John's words have spared Centurious' life. She leaves the cavern, telling Blaze that she hopes he doesn't live to regret what he's done today. John then turns to the defeated Centurious and tells him that while Steel Wind found in it her heart to forgive the villain, he can't. He then shoots Centurious in the face with his shotgun, killing him.

 

The next day, John and his friends gather at Roxanne's grave. John tells his deceased wife that Centurious' death made him realize that it's time to start moving forward. They have decided to put the Quentin Carnival back together, as it's the only life they've known. John vows to find their children, then says goodbye to Roxanne Simpson before leaving the cemetery.

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.