Issue(s): Ghost Rider #43
Cover Date: Nov 93
Title: "Inner truths"
Credits:
Howard Mackie - Writer
Ron Garney - Penciler
Christopher Ivy - Inker
Bobbie Chase - Editor

Review/plot:
Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze, Seer, and Blaze's carnival crew head to the Cypress Hill Cemetary, where Centurius is holding Ghost Rider's mom. They're met by Caretaker and Vengeance. Vengeance and Ghost Rider start to fight, but Caretaker breaks it up. He leads Ghost Rider, Blaze, and Vengeance away, directing Seer to take the rest of the cast to the Night Club. Caretaker leads the Ghost Riders (so to speak) into a tomb and continues the story that Seer started to tell Ghost Rider last issue.

We got a pretty specific origin for Zarathos back in the original Ghost Rider #77 and it was also pretty clear that Johnny Blaze was bound with Zarathos by Mephisto, which is what made him Ghost Rider. This is stepping on all of that with a quick handwave saying that Mephisto is a known liar and opportunist. We're also still getting the information in Howard Mackie's signature style of dribs and drabs. When Danny Ketch starts asking Caretaker follow-up questions, Caretaker cuts him off.

So Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze, and Vengeance each have a piece of the "Medallion of Power" in them. And the medallion is never to be reunited.

Before we learn any more, Doris Ketch, who has escaped Centurious, runs into the room. She's followed by Centurious, Lilith, and the Lilin. Centurious has Ghost Rider's chain, and is apparently able to use it to control the Ghost Riders' motorcycles.

Doris gets zapped, taking a hit meant for Danny. Danny transforms into Ghost Rider and tries to use his penance stare on Centurious, but one thing that is still true is that Centurious gave up his soul to Mephisto, so the stare doesn't work. Centurious reaches for Ghost Rider's bike medallion, but Blaze shoots the bike and Vengeance (i think)( catches the medallion. Then Ghost Rider knocks down Centurious, who suddenly starts to bubble, and Zarathos comes out of him.

Quality Rating: D

Historical Significance Rating: 2 - partial origin for Danny Ketch and revision to Zarathos & Johnny Blaze's origin

Chronological Placement Considerations: This is part five of Road to Vengeance. Part six is in Spirits of Vengeance #16.

References: N/A

Crossover: Road to Vengeance: The Missing Link

Continuity Insert? N

My Reprint: N/A