Marvel's Kushala has a tragic origin story. An Apache woman from the mid-1800s, Kushala was possessed by a Spirit of Vengeance when her tribe was gunned down by the U.S. Army. In her journey to cure her affliction, she became the Sorcerer Supreme. In the latest run of Ghost Rider, Doctor Strange tried to exorcise the wrath that emerged in Johnny Blaze when he became the King of Hell. Written by Taboo and Benjamin Earl and drawn by Paul Davidson, Spirits of Vengeance: Spirit Rider #1 is a beautiful one-shot issue that shows Doctor Strange wanting to help Johnny Blaze, but needing Kushala's powers and knowledge to do so.
Spirits of Vengeance: Spirit Rider #1 starts with an out-of-control Ghost Rider burning down New York City in his rage. The story then cuts to Kushala hanging out with her new friends in a burger joint. Their fun is cut short when Doctor Strange teleports in with Johnny Blaze in tow, seeking Kushala's help to dispel the corruption within Blaze. Strange reveals that the demon is somehow connected to Kushala and she is the key to Johnny's salvation.
Spirits of Vengeance: Spirit Rider marks Taboo and Earl's second venture with Marvel. Previously, the pair worked on a 4-issue retelling of Werewolf by Night. The issue relies heavily on narrative boxes and conversations to convey information. However, its exposition tends to weigh heavily and can be a cumbersome reading experience. Despite that, the writing team does an impressive job by weaving an intense tale of mysticism and intrigue that keeps its suspense till the end. Additionally, the issue effectively spotlights Kushala amongst the chaos. Taboo and Earl use an earlier premise from a discontinued work and utilize it to supplement the history of fiery characters like a phoenix rising from its ashes.
Davidson's art is expansive and elaborate, transitioning from calm introspection to a blazing, violent fervor at a moment's notice. In Spirits of Vengeance: Spirit Rider #1, Davidson's artwork makes its mark with clean linework and expressive countenance. Colorist Dan Brown's use of bright and vibrant gradients kindles the fire in the art as the Demon Rider and the Ghost Rider fight together to purge evil. The brilliantly detailed and colorful splash pages, lined with intricately patterned designs, create an everlasting effect on readers.
Spirits of Vengeance: Spirit Rider #1 is at its heart a beautiful tale of letting go of the shadow of anger and facing one's own demons. Throughout the issue, Blaze and Kushala try to understand their past discover the true source of power within them. The one-shot has an intriguing beginning, a thrilling middle, and a positive ending that will be a delight for readers. Kushala is the heart and soul of the book. As the story ends, a new beginning is on the horizon, not only for her but also for Johnny who gets one more chance at redemption.
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