Connect with us
Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates
Marvel Comics

Comic Books

‘Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates’ is a violent, emotional rollercoaster

A gloriously deranged and delightfully devastating assemblage of cosmic comics.

This may be the easiest review I have ever written, because in many ways the Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates trade paperback is a near-perfect collection of comics, highlighting the delightful ridiculousness of its main character while grounding itself in heartbreaking emotional arcs and gorgeously unparalleled art from Geoff Shaw and others. Since the debut of the Cosmic Ghost Rider – a cosmically attuned and superpowered version of Earth-616’s antihero Punisher, or Frank Castle – in 2018’s Thanos #13, the ridiculously violent and hilarious cosmic being has become a fan favorite, inspiring four solo titles from writers Donny Cates, Dennis Hallum, Nick Giovannetti and Paul Scheer, and an ongoing one from writer Stephanie Phillips and artist Juann Cabal.

The Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates trade paperback is an impressive collection of stunning storytelling that is in many ways also a story about the terrible Mad Titan, with the Cosmic Ghost Rider quickly overshadowing Thanos as the character with more emotional complexity and development. The assemblage collects Thanos (2016) #13-18, Cosmic Ghost Rider (2018) #1-5, Guardians of the Galaxy (2019) #1-6, and Thanos Annual (2018)as well as materials from Thanos Legacy, Revenge of the Cosmic Ghost Rider #1, and Wolverine: Black, White, & Blood #3. The only major complaint that I have about this gorgeous and ridiculous collection is that it doesn’t include all of Revenge of the Cosmic Ghost Rider, and while this series is written by Dennis Hallum and not Donny Cates, it should still have been included in full in my opinion.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!
Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates

Marvel Comics

One of the highlights of the entire trade paperback is, of course, the original Cosmic Ghost Rider solo title, which features Frank Castle being brought back to life by Odin in Valhalla – after his death in the Thanos solo – after which he attempts to murder, and then raise, a baby Thanos. The relationship between baby Thanos and Castle is oddly adorable, tinged with the underlying heartbreak and emotional resonance that always simmers under the surface of Punisher stories. The absolute mayhem caused by Frank and baby Thanos is a joy to watch, and Geoff Shaw’s art for baby Thanos is at times both downright terrifying, and frighteningly cute.

Another major highlight of the Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates trade paperback is the inclusion of the 2018 Thanos Annual, an absolutely wild collection of short Thanos-focused stories, featuring a wide variety of beloved writers and artists like Kieron Gillen, Ryan North, Al Ewing, Heather Breckel, Will Robson, and Flaviano. In particular, the short story “What To Get From The Man Who Takes Everything” from writer Christopher Hastings and artist Flaviano is a disturbingly hilarious story detailing just how cruel and despicable the Mad Titan is, and the lengths he will go through to destroy one simple, mortal man’s life.

Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates

Marvel Comics

It is hard to overstate just how popular Cosmic Ghost Rider became after his 2018 introduction, although one apt comparison may be to the beloved hero Miles Morales. Just like Miles, introduced in the Ultimate Universe in 2011 and brought to the Earth-616 universe in the conclusion of 2015s Secret Wars because of his popularity, Cosmic Ghost Rider’s popularity was so strong that Marvel and Donny Cates devised a way to transport the antihero through time and space, bringing the shattered Frank Castle from the universe of “Thanos Wins” to the prime Marvel universe of Earth-616. Unlike Miles though, the Cosmic Ghost Rider perfectly understands and remembers where he has come from, which is part of why he is so set on destroying Thanos and stopping the Mad Titan from becoming the all-powerful master he served millennia in the future in an alternate reality.

The Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates trade paperback perfectly establishes Castle’s deranged history as first the Punisher, and then a Ghost Rider, followed by gaining the Power Cosmic and becoming perhaps the most powerful Herald of Galactus in any universe, before finally bowing to Thanos and becoming his right hand man. The story is tragic, brutal, and filled with manic mayhem, as the troubled antihero quickly shifts between true heroism and unrepentant vileness, making the character one of Marvel’s most unique, complex, and undoubtedly unstable.

Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates

Marvel Comics

The inclusion of Castle’s part in the resurrection of Thanos in Guardians of the Galaxy, his run-in with his Earth-616 counterpart in Revenge of the Cosmic Ghost Rider #1, and his heart-to-heart with Logan in Wolverine: Black, White & Blood #3 all help to build a more complete and devastating picture of the fascinating character… although, again, it would have been an even more iconic collection if only the entirety of Revenge of the Cosmic Ghost Rider had been included, which would better prepare readers for Stephanie Williams’ ongoing Cosmic Ghost Rider series.

Heartbreaking and complex storytelling by the acclaimed writer Donny Cates and gorgeously violent art by the impressive Geoff Shaw make this collection of Cosmic Ghost Rider’s greatest hits one of the most enjoyable Marvel trade paperbacks in ages. A gloriously deranged and delightfully devastating assemblage of cosmic comics, the Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates trade paperback is an ideal addition to any Marvel fans collection, one that can be reread over and over again, remaining just as enjoyable as the first run through.

Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates
‘Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates’ is a violent, emotional rollercoaster
Cosmic Ghost Rider by Donny Cates
Cosmic Ghost Rider's first full trade paperback collection is a one-of-a-kind gem, collecting acclaimed writer Donny Cates various stories involving this alternate universe Frank Castle, detailing the complex man's journey as a heroic savior, a violent Ghost Rider, an unparalleled Herald of Galactus, and a beat down used servant to the terrible Thanos, told through stunning art by Geoff Shaw, Brian Level, and Chris Bachalo.
Reader Rating0 Votes
0
The order of the various titles weaves a beautiful story of Castle's past, present, and future
This collection highlights some of the Mad Titan Thanos' best stories of the past five years
Geoff Shaw's incredible art, as well as art and coloring from other industry talents, is downright gorgeous
Including all of 'Revenge of the Cosmic Ghost Rider' would have perfected this collection (even if its not by Cates)
A hardcover option would have been nice
9
Great
Buy Now

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup