Ghost Rider is often seen as being a lone rider as his motorcycle and burning chains are the only partners that he needs to get the job done. But with Marvel declaring 2022 as “The Year of Vengeance,” in honor of his upcoming 50th anniversary in August, here is a look back at the allies he has made throughout the years.
Whether it is Danny Ketch, Robbie Reyes, or Johnny Blaze’s version of the brimstone biker, these allies are picked based on the teamwork and support that they give Ghost Rider, in or out of battle.
Spider-Man
Spidey not approving of Ghost Rider’s methods hasn’t prevented the two from working together on multiple occasions. Their partnership went as far as to be members of the Fantastic Four together. The two work together in a good cop/bad cop routine – Spider-Man has a charming, persuasive method to get information from criminals while Ghost Rider has a cutthroat method when in action.
Everybody wants a Spider-Man team-up with any character within the Marvel Universe. What makes Spider-Man a good ally is that even when making jokes aimed towards Ghost Rider, he doesn’t let that distract from the mission. At times being the clear head of the two, he would prevent Ghost Rider from ever going too far. His neighborhood-friendly personality makes him a perfect ally as he would help prevent whoever hosts the spirit of vengeance from crossing the line.
Gabe Reyes
Gabe Reyes doesn’t have any special powers or fighting technics but makes up for it with his optimistic view on life. Gabe Reyes is Robbie Reyes’ younger brother and moral anchor. Robbie Reyes does everything he can to support his younger brother, even if it means getting into a street race and getting possessed by his serial killer uncle. Their parents’ tragic passing left Gabe as the only family he has left to hold onto.
Gabe is an ally whose importance is to remind Robbie who he is fighting for, while also reminding him to not let the spirit of vengeance take control. Every host of Ghost Rider faces the challenge of maintaining control of the demon. Gabe is a reminder to Robbie of his human side. This Ghost Rider’s burning passion is chained to his younger brothers as he is willing to go to hell and back for him.
Hellstrom
Johnny Blaze’s Ghost Rider’s closest ally, Daimon is the son of a demon created to serve the underworld. Much like Ghost Rider, he uses his powers to fight against evil. His shared similarities to Johnny Blaze make him a great ally as they fight against what they were designed to do. Their shared burdens are what cements their alliance for as long as they live.
Ghost Rider worked with Hellstrom on multiple occasions, but the most notable is when he freed him from his father Satin. Freeing the Hellstorm from his own hell is an ultimate sign of an ally. Not being able to escape his own hell, he at least helps earn someone else their freedom.
Doctor Strange
With Ghost Rider’s powers being given from the demon Mephisto, Dr. Strange knows all too well to not trust whoever makes a deal with Mephisto. Although this prevents him from trusting those in possession of Zarathos, he does see the use and value of power that the demon contains. Despite the lack of trust, Dr. Strange does see Ghost Rider’s powers as a gateway to hell. Often used to perform exorcisms to send demons back to hell.
Being the Sorcerer Supreme, there are plenty of spells he can use combining his magic with Ghost Rider’s hellfire. They are allies only in the most necessary of situations. The combination of the two creates powerful spells that Strange is not able to do on his own. This makes Dr. Strange the best ally to have when restoring the power of balance between good and evil.
Blade
A go-to ally, Blade’s sword goes well with Ghost Rider’s chains. What allows Blade to be on this list is not just his combat ability, but also his similarities with Ghost Rider. Being part vampire, Blade also contains darkness within him that he is used for good. Ghost Rider understands this as their idea of using their inner darkness for good in a war on the supernatural evil of the universe is what brings the two together.
Baby Thanos
The most adorable of Ghost Rider’s allies, baby Thanos was Cosmic Ghost Rider’s (Frank Castle’s) attempt at rehabilitating the mad titan before he grows up to kill everyone in the world. It is strange but entertaining to see as Cosmic Ghost Rider uses his chain as a leash or baby carrier while riding his bike. Cosmic Ghost Rider raises Thanos as his child to change the future full of mass death.
Like any great ally, baby Thanos makes a great drinking buddy and a great partner in a galactic bar fight. Baby Thanos’ sense of respect and loyalty to the former Frank Castle is what earns him a spot on this list. From childhood to adulthood, Thanos proves himself as a loyal ally as he fights with and protects his adoptive father. Like a true ally, he grows and takes the mantle of Frank Castle’s old persona and becomes The Punisher.
Knuckles O’Shaugnessy
Knuckles is one of the few, if not only, characters to get a sidecar attached to the hellfire bike. Having a sidecar on the Brimstones Biker’s motorcycle should be enough of a reason to earn a spot as a best ally. A forgotten sidekick to many, Knuckles wields a baseball bat with a spike in it and part of Ghost Rider’s powers. With a devil may care attitude, Knuckles loyalty is to all who held the mantle of Ghost Rider. This is proven in Ghost Rider: Heavens on Fire, as he fought alongside an army of every previous Ghost Rider.
The Circle of Four
These three can be counted together due to how dangerous a unit they were. Alejandra was in the position of Ghost Rider as she encountered Red Hulk, X-23, and Flash Thompson’s Venom. They have no affiliation with each other as this was a chance encounter for the four. Unfortunately, they didn’t stay a team as this was a one-off arc that saw the four fight their way out of Hell.
The standout of this comic is how they combine into one like a mech. Red Hulk combines with Venom and Ghost Rider’s spirit becoming a Red Hulk Venom Ghost Rider hybrid. Demons were afraid of them. It is a beautiful image and show of teamwork that is a shame that the group didn’t stay together long.
Wolverine
Hidden within their similar rough demeanors is an internal desire to help others. Comic fans already know Midnight Suns and Fantastic Four saw them together. It’s not just the fact that they have a history of fighting alongside one another that makes Logan the best ally to put on the list, but they share a passion for the same things.
As they are often judged for their outer appearance, powers, and not-so-friendly attitudes, they have a close connection that neither man would say out loud. These two connect over leather jackets and cigars on days they decide to have a motorcycle race with each other. What makes them good allies to each other is that they get to have a rare moment to just feel normal and not like a science experiment gone wrong or a sinner condemn to hell.
Caretaker
With a name like Caretaker, it would only make sense that he would be a good ally. The watchful eye of the spirit of vengeance, he watches over those that hold the spirit within them. Watching someone’s back even in death is the ultimate sign of ally. When Johnny Blaze became ruler of hell and started to lose his sanity, Caretaker went to Danny Ketch to help Johnny.
The devotion to taking care of Johnny and Danny is what gives them a spot on the list. Protecting their family adds to the length they are willing to go to be an ally. Even if it is for the protection of others, it is still nice to see them preventing those who hold the Ghost Rider from going insane.
