Summary
- Talia Warroad forms a bond with Ghost Rider, despite his usual aversion to other heroes, making her a perfect match for Johnny Blaze.
- Ghost Rider's outsider status and preference for working alone makes his newfound respect for Talia all the more significant.
- Talia's ability to summon Ghost Rider without Johnny's consent demonstrates a level of respect from the supernatural hero and complicates her relationship with Blaze.
Warning: contains spoilers for Ghost Rider #19!
At long last, Ghost Rider has found one Marvel hero that he actually respects, and he used to hate them. Since his first appearance over 50 years ago, Ghost Rider by and large works alone, and does not get along with the rest of Earth’s heroic community. Recently, Ghost Rider met a woman named Talia Warroad, a psychic law enforcement agent, and surprisingly in Ghost Rider #19 she has formed a bond with him.
Ghost Rider #19 is written by Benjamin Percy and drawn by Cory Smith and Brent Peeples. Talia and Johnny Blaze are searching for the Cult of Mephisto, who Talia belonged to as a young woman. She takes Johnny to a crossroads, drawing glyphs on the pavement. Johnny steps into the circle, and Talia induces a transformation into Ghost Rider. She asks him to track the Cult of Mephisto, placing her hands on his flaming head. Ghost Rider locates the Cult, burning a map on Talia’s hands. He turns back into Johnny, who is shocked at the bond Talia now shares with Ghost Rider.
Talia Warroad Is Perfect for the Ghost Rider
The preview ends with a flashback to Talia’s childhood and an encounter with Doctor Strange, but it becomes apparent she shares a connection with Ghost Rider. Talia possesses psychic powers, and is a former agent of SHIELD. Ghost Rider was being blamed erroneously for a series of murders and Warroad was dispatched to bring him in. However, she learned he was under the influence of another entity, and after he purged it from himself, they began a romantic relationship. On the surface, Talia seems like the best thing to ever happen to Johnny Blaze, but there is now seemingly a connection to Ghost Rider as well.
Ghost Rider is an Outsider
That Talia would form a bond with Johnny Blaze is nothing out of the ordinary, as he has had romantic relationships before, but her newfound bond with Ghost Rider is something new. Ghost Rider is seen as something of an outlaw in the Marvel Universe, working outside the system and using lethal force. This does not endear him to other heroes, and the feeling is mutual. Ghost Rider has teamed up with others on many occasions, but he prefers working alone. Ghost Rider fights some of the most heinous threats in the Marvel Universe, both natural and supernatural. It is a solitary crusade, but now he has someone he respects.
Talia was able to do something extraordinary: she was able to convince the Ghost Rider to emerge without Johnny’s consent. Normally, it takes a vile act to trigger the transformation, but Talia managed to draw him out. This is a huge sign of respect on Ghost Rider’s part. It also complicates Talia’s relationship with Johnny Blaze, now that she has inroads with Ghost Rider. Blaze and the Rider exist in a sort of love-hate affair, but Talia could end up being what balances the two. Ghost Rider has finally found a hero he respects, one that could make him even better.
Ghost Rider #19 is on sale October 18 from Marvel Comics!