Ghost Rider, Vol. 2: Hearts of Darkness II

Ghost Rider (2019) (Collected Editions)

by Ed Brisson

Just when Dan Ketch thought he was out, he finds himself back in - and way over his head! Empowered by the Spirit of Corruption, what will his new status quo mean when he encounters Wolverine and the Punisher? Meanwhile, Johnny Blaze targets the man who had the power to free him from Hell but chose not to lift a finger. Ghost Rider is out for revenge on Doctor Strange! But the real grudge match begins when the Spirits of Vengeance and Corruption face off! Plus, since the dawn of man, they have cursed her name: Lilith! But when the netherworlds are united, they shall call her queen! And on the far-out streets of Transverse City, meet the Ghost Rider of 2099!

COLLECTING: Spirits of Ghost Rider: Mother of Demons #1, Ghost Rider (2019) 5-7, and Ghost Rider 2099 #1.

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Horror, Supernatural, Fantasy

136 pages, Paperback

First published September 9, 2020

About the author

Comic book writer.

Credits include: COMEBACK, SHELTERED, THE FIELD (Image Comics), SECRET AVENGERS (Marvel), ROBOCOP, SONS OF ANARCHY, HELLRAISER (BOOM!) and X-FILES/TMNT: CONSPIRACY (IDW). Plus, you know, a bunch of stuff I can’t talk about yet.

Reviews

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wolverine and the Punisher show up for no reason other than so Brisson can call this Hearts of Darkness II. They don't really do much (Although we do get a Cosmic Ghost Rider joke). Dr. Strange's appearance makes much more sense, since Strange sent Johnny Blaze to hell and then abandoned him there. I do think this book suffers a bit from too many plots going on at once.

I'm not really sure why Ghost Rider 2099 is included in this except as filler. That was a terrible book, and already included in the 2099 Companion compilation.

[Bill Riggs · Rating 2 out of 5]

This volume definitely took a turn downhill. The series started with some great storyline ideas and concepts but then the author just couldn’t follow through with a coherent narrative.

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good filler issue. I really like where the story is going I am just s bit disappointed that as soon as it was seemingly on track it finished.

Johnny Blaze, has been smacking down all the frontal challengers to his throne of hell. However Johnny has never been a big picture guy and a more subtle approach has skipped his notice. Meanwhile his brother Dan Ketch is once again a pawn in the bigger game.

I really like the artwork and story, but I would have liked a lot more action especially with guest stars like the Punisher and Wolverine. I really hope the series is allowed to carry on. This is probobly one of the better Ghost Rider plots in a long time. Now that all players are getting into place I hope there is a big finale.

This volume finishes with issue 1 of Ghost Rider 2099. An ok story a bit more ghost in the machine then Ghost Rider for my, but an ok story with very good artwork as well. There is a character sketch book and thumbnails gallery, and 2 full page varient covers at the end.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great volume of Ghost Rider by Ed Brisson and co. I’ve never been the world’s biggest Ghost Rider fan, to be honest, but this series is changing that rapidly. The artwork is awesome, the concept is great, the pacing is spot on, there’s action, there’re scares, there are some really nice character moments... Honestly, I’d be giving this 5 stars if this volume didn’t also include the recent Ghost Rider 2099 one-shot that felt tacked on as padding (plus, I’d already read it in the 2099 trade collection).

[Xavi (NarraTea) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need ANSWERS!! I guess I have to explore the Marvel hells now

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just when things were getting good the series was canceled. Probably due to covid in 2020. But watching Danny use his new powers, Johnny becoming whole again and even a backstiry to Lilith it was interesting. Just shame it felt rushed.

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danny Ketch finds himself surrounded by familiar faces, as he reunites with Wolverine and the Punisher in order to stop Johnny Blaze's reign of terror - which has its sights set on Doctor Strange, and Mephisto! And in the background, Lilith and Blackheart continue to plot, and that can't be good for anyone.

I really like where this story is going. Brisson is digging into the relationships that keep the Ghost Riders constantly coming back for more punishment, as well as previous continuity for the Riders as well as the Marvel Universe as a whole, so it fits in neatly after the Damnation event from a few years ago. There's definitely a sense that he's building something, from the Lilith one-shot to the cliffhanger ending with Blackheart.

Juan Frigeri's artwork continues to grow at leaps and bounds, while series artist (are you really the series artist if you've drawn less than half the issues?) Aaron Kuder comes back for the final issue of the main series. Jason Aaron Ghost Rider mainstay pencils the Lilith one-shot as well, so that's a nice return to form.

Of course, the book has now been cancelled at this point and we have no idea what happens next, if Brisson or anyone else will even bother finishing it off. Thanks, Marvel. I know COVID has screwed things up, but it's rare that they end series entirely up in the air like this. We can add Ghost Rider to the pile with Scream, I guess.

(Also included is the 2099 one-shot that I will freely admit I didn't bother reading, because it has no bearing on the main story and is only included here to fill out space).

4 stars for what could have been, but be prepared for a bitter taste in your mouth once you realise we're not getting any closure.

[Dubzor · Rating 2 out of 5]

While they FINALLY give us a reason as to why Johnny sending demons back to hell is a thing that needs to be stopped, it doesn't help make this series any better. The story slots along, wasting time with pointless back and forth until it just ends. Then you have a the edgelord 2099 issue which, while doing a great job of emulating 90's crap, doesn't do anything to transcend it. So in essence, it's no better than the garbage it is paying tribute to.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This run was amazing and that cliffhanger is insane.... The fact that this got cancelled makes me so sad

[Adam Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking at this Volume and the last one.... WHY WOULD MARVEL CANCEL THIS TITLE???
Now, I know I have an affinity for Ghost Rider that many do not, but this title is really good when you look at it. (Certainly much better than several other Marvel titles... but I'm not naming names) But... lets break down this Volume:
- The first issue deals with Lilith getting a new body, Johnny's long run in hell, working hard and getting to claim the title King of Hell, as well as Dan Ketch's first transformation as the Spirit of Corruption. (Good issue, but wish the art was a little better)
- Next we get into the reason this story is called "Hearts of Darkness II", as it features both Wolverine and Punisher, in reference to the first one way back in the early 90's. They (along with Dan Ketch) will be facing off against Johnny Blaze, who has taken Mephisto and is trying to use him to get back to hell.
- Doctor Strange (having invented the Hotel Inferno that kept Mephisto locked up) tries to interrupt and they battle. Johnny is filled with unnatural rage and the fight is very good.
- When Dan, Logan, and Frank arrive, the battle is ON!
- Via a stab from the Sword of Corruption AND a kind of exorcism from Strange, Johnny is purged of his rage and hatred, and he is trusted to take Mephisto with him back to hell.
- As Dan deals with his new role, he comes home to find out that Blackheart has taken his loved ones and needs Dan's support in the upcoming battle against Lilith.

AND THAT'S WHERE IT ENDS???? On coming war against Lilith? Say it aint so Marvel. Bring GR back!

Even if the comic can't continue immediately, please finish off the story!

I will always hold a special place for Ghost Rider. Strong recommend.

[Gohansquirtle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good follow-up to the last volume, love Aaron Kuder's art (though it shows up less than I wanted, but the other artists do solid jobs as well)... unfortunately, this series ends up canceled and the story does not continue. The story we do get here, while fun, seems both slightly rushed and gearing up for something big we never see. Wolverine and the Punisher show up for a bit because Ghost Rider killed a cop, but they seem kind of tacked on. Even with the one-shot at the top of the collection explaining Lilith's whole deal, each issue of this series is packed. It feels like Johnny gets released of his corruption too quickly and tidily in the story. I would have liked to see a little more drama from that, and more horned Ghost Rider. That guy looked cool. Wish we got to see what else Ed Brisson had planned for this series. Oh well. The 2099 one shot was fun, too.

[Jiro Dreams of Suchy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first arc is a build up to Lilith taking over the throne of the underworld and the effects of using the penance stare. Some cool stuff/ punisher and wolverine come in and help out. Not as cool as the first collection but I like this ghost rider- he is frightening!

I have yet to find a 2099 story that I enjoyed- so I basically skipped through the last little arc in this collection.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good series. Really enjoyed it. Ended prematurely. Would have liked to see what was nect. I think I had read a consequence of publishing comics during the pandemic. The 2099 book was...ok. wouldn't have read it if not part of this collection.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

And there is where I stop my ride with Ghost Rider...it just isn't doing anything for me and there is so much else to read.

[Lukas Holmes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bit of fun.

[Daniel Butcher · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a little short on consequences for me.

[Brandon Skanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was definitely impressed with this one.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars for the main story. The GR 2099 was not great.

[Keegan Schueler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid ending this king of hell storyline and I wish it was longer and had more to do but it was solid.