BRONZE AGE MINUTE: Ghost Rider #20

Marvel; October 1976
Cover by Gil Kane and Klaus Janson

Title: “Two Against Death!”
Synopsis: Daredevil and Ghost Rider team to save Karen Page from Death’s Head/Death Stalker and his minion, the Smasher.

Writer: Marv Wolfman
Penciler: John Byrne
Inker: Don Perlin

Review: This concluding chapter to the Daredevil-Ghost Rider mini-crossover isn’t nearly as strong as the first half (see review of Daredevil #138). Part of that has to do with the story’s lack of quality villains; it’s never a good sign when the big bad (Death’s Head) is secretly an even lamer bad guy (Death Stalker). And it’s never really explained why Death Whatever was in disguise in the first place. John Byrne’s art also isn’t as strong, due to overpowering inks from Don Perlin. It’s not awful, but fellow journeyman Jim Mooney delivered a much nicer inking job on Daredevil #138.

Grade: B

Cool factor: A fun, two-part crossover.
Not-so-cool factor: This story would be stretched out to an event series, two one-shots and four crossover issues today.

Character quotable: “Leave me, mortal, or you shall learn how inhuman I can truly be.” – Ghost Rider (and that’s how he talks to his allies!)

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