With the return of Ghost Rider in the 1990’s, we saw a very different character that was somewhat similar to the other two popular anti-heroes of the era: Wolverine and the Punisher. What made these characters so different was their absolute propensity for violence. This was a stark departure from the more “sensible” actions of Marvel’s traditional heroes.

While Ghost Rider didn’t kill, he did brutalize those that crossed his path. He also had a tendency to drive them insane with his “penance stare” which he saved for special occasions. In a way, it should come as no surprise that a character such as Ghost Rider would become popular in the 1990’s. This was an era where rebellion was being celebrated in music and pop culture. Such rebellion made its way to the comics world so it is no surprise anti-heroes were becoming popular. Comic storylines were gradually becoming more mature and complex and Ghost Rider fit into this scene.

Plus, Ghost Rider had a creepy coolness to him that was missing in the 1970’s. One of the big mistakes with the character was keeping the awful Evel Knievel suit throughout his run. The think looked dopey in 1977. By 1983, it looked thoroughly idiotic. (Sure, they tweaked it a little bit but it still had 70’s retread written all over it) When the character returned in the 1990’s, he was made to look seriously tough and mean. (Well, he did have a heart of gold to the degree that hellspawn demons of vengeance can have) This added significantly to his appeal as the classic heroes had a tendency to look old and tired in comparison. If nothing else, titles such as Ghost Rider would have a major impact on the eventual maturing of many of the traditional hero books.

But what is it about tough, anarchist characters that make them so appealing?

TO BE CONTINUED…..