Ghost Rider
Real Name: Roberto “Robbie” Reyes
Universe: Earth-616 (Main Marvel Universe)
First Appearance: All-New Ghost Rider #1 (May, 2014)
We previously discussed the all-new Ghost Rider, Robbie Reyes, when we interviewed the character’s creator, Felipe Smith. Reyes is a young Chicano car mechanic from Los Angeles, Calif., who was entrusted with caring for his mentally disabled younger brother, Gabe, after their parents died. Realizing that his earnings from his job at the shop wasn’t helping much, Reyes ventured into the street racing circle in order to acquire the funds he so desperately needed. His ride: a black 1969 Dodge Charger, which he borrowed from the shop. What Robbie didn’t know, though, was that a “spirit of vengeance” inhabited this slick ride. During his first race, just as Robbie started taking the lead, he realized someone—presumably the police—was chasing him, so he gave chase and ended up being cornered at a dead end. His pursuers ended up being local thugs who were after an unknown substance that was stashed inside the car. They ended up killing Robbie, taking the substance and burning the evidence, including Robbie’s body. Just then, the ghost inside the car awoke and possessed the racer, resulting in Robbie’s resurrection and bringing forth the all-new Ghost Rider.
