Back in the day, Ghost Rider #34 was easily the most disturbing comic the youthful Keeper had ever read.
An effective rip-off homage of the old Twilight Zone episode, “It’s A Good Life,” the issue found Johnny Blaze up against an immortal - and quite vicious - mutant child who could alter reality.
(It’s a wonder Chris Claremont didn’t write this tale …)
Plot similarities aside, however, Roger McKenzie and (especially) Don Perlin filled the story with creepy moments that gave the story a chilling identity of its own.
A few examples …
At this point in Ghost Rider’s history, Johnny Blaze’s intellect and personality disappeared whenever the vengeance demon Zarathos manifested itself.
Given this Rider’s propensity for dealing violent justice, the story could only end one way …
This tale may seem tame to readers accustomed to the graphic violence of modern comics. As far as we’re concerned, however, Ghost Rider #34 will always give your humble host the willies.
Carnivorous tree people??? Brrrrrrr ….
