Cosmic Ghost Rider #3 is published by Marvel Comics, written by Stephanie Phillips, art by Guiu Vilanova, colors by Espen Grundetjern, and letters by Travis Lanham. The two Ghost Riders are in a battle at the same time, as Monark the Starstalker and Valkyrie both seek to kill them.
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The structure of the book is brilliant, split over different parts of the cosmos. The comic cuts between Frank Castle and the other Ghost Rider, both in hugely stressful situations. Phillips balances the similarities between the scenes and the individual moments well. One of the intruders is there to save lives, the other is to try and take one. Each fight is filled with energy and weight, a streak of nastiness continuing to appear on these pages. And whilst it is set in the far future, that physicality grounds the comic. Whilst the book bounces across the universe, the pacing is always consistent. The ending raises many more questions and is very surprising.
The characters are showing their power much more in Cosmic Ghost Rider #3. At the centre is Castle, who may be the weakest of the lot at present. His powers are faulty and he doesn’t really want to fight. He is so far removed from the Punisher at present, with much more of a heart. On his side of the cosmos is Axelle, the daughter of a man that died in the crossfire. She is burning rage and full of desire for vengeance, still struggling to process everything that is going on. But she is extremely feisty and does not back down from anyone. On the other side is the other Ghost Rider, one who still remains a deep mystery. His connection to Frank is evident but elevated by the finale of the issue. And Valkyrie is the most awesome character in the series so far. Fearless, powerful, and heroic, her battle with the other rider may be my favourite of the issue.
The art is exceptional, featuring some incredible examples of storytelling. Vilanova mirrors panels across the locations, mimicking the situations for both Ghost Riders. The attention to detail for these moments is immaculate, Even down to the placement of hands or motion lines. Early in the issue, the other Cosmic Ghost Rider loses his flames, and there is just the skull remaining. This makes him even more menacing and disturbing to look at. The fight scenes are flawless in their execution, scrappy and intense. Any criticisms about not being zany enough for a cosmic book are long gone. Blind priests, magic swords, and golden robot birds have made their way in and it’s added so much life and variety to the series.
The colors are stunning. Grundetjern’s shades can be vibrant, especially in regard to the Ghost Rider flames and the weapons that Valkyrie wields. These parts stand out superbly against some darker tones. The lettering is fine to read for the most part, although the orange text on a black background for the Ghost Rider’s dialogue may be difficult.
Cosmic Ghost Rider #3 has kicked into gear. Bringing in figures like Valkyrie has pumped energy into the comic, with some terrific battles unfolding in multiple locations at the same time. Some of the storytelling devices are fantastic and inventive, displaying some of the creativity I was longing for in the first issue. It is an extremely satisfying read that still doesn’t want to give up all of its secrets just yet.
Cosmic Ghost Rider #3 is available where comics are sold.
Cosmic Ghost Rider #3
TL;DR
Cosmic Ghost Rider #3 has kicked into gear. Bringing in figures like Valkyrie has pumped energy into the comic, with some terrific battles unfolding in multiple locations at the same time.
