The current Ghost Rider, Robbie Reyes, once fought the devilish spirit associated with Christmas, Krampus, in a Marvel Unlimited holiday special.
Robbie Reyes’ and his brother Gabe’s Christmas spirit brightens an otherwise grim 2016 Ghost Rider comic book issue. The holiday special ties together an unlikely cast with Santa Claus inspiring Ghost Rider to destroy the devilish Krampus. In a surprising twist, Santa Claus gives Robbie a pep-talk that rallies him to incinerate Krampus. Reyes’ spirit of vengeance then blends with the generous spirit of Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. Ghost Rider brings a joyful ending by rescuing a kitten from an animal-abusing child in a twist showing that he’ll rescue a “naughty” kid but not let him continue with his bad behavior.
The power of the Christmas message to hold onto optimism, along with the magic of the Santa Claus myth makes this story truly joyful. No one else but the Spirit of Vengeance could fight a murderous Christmas demon. And Santa is perhaps the only capable figure to convince Ghost Rider to gently reprimand a sadistic adolescent. A Christmas-themed story involving the Ghost Rider is bound to involve somber subjects, but Robbie and Gabe’s enduring hope preserves its uplifting message.
Ghost Rider Showed His Sentimental Side in Marvel’s Holiday Special
Marvel Unlimited’s Ghost Rider X-Mas Special Infinite Comic #1 (by Method Man and Anthony Piper) has Robbie Reyes’ Spirit of Vengeance sense the evil presence of Krampus lurking in his neighborhood. While Krampus abducts young evildoers, Robbie reassures his doubtful little brother, Gabe, that Santa Claus is real. Robbie and Gabe’s brotherly love carries the story’s optimistic bent. Gabe is teased at school for still believing in Santa, but Robbie bolsters his faith. Robbie’s brother draws pictures and tapes them to the walls for Santa to see upon his Christmas Eve visit. Gabe’s excitement for holiday rituals amidst a world that seems devoid of Christmas spirit brightens this story.
The half-goat, half-demon Krampus is a grim Christmas mascot who abducts and kills children on the ‘naughty list’. When Robbie comes face-to-face with the terrifying Christmas demon he previously thought wasn’t real, he’s unable to channel the Spirit of Vengeance without inspiration. Ghost Rider is almost defeated by Krampus, but Santa Claus appears and rallies him, telling him ‘you of all people should know anything is possible as long as you have faith in it.’ Essentially, Santa must rouse Robbie’s Christmas spirit to manifest Ghost Rider who then destroys Krampus.
Santa Claus Helps Ghost Rider Take on Krampus
A more sinister part of the special has one child, Blake, preparing to torture a kitten he’s trapped inside a box. Method Man, however, employs some interesting plot points to make the story’s bleaker moments less jarring. After witnessing Blake’s childhood sadism, for instance, Krampus taking children to boil and eat is less appalling. He further balances his tale of Christmas vengeance by injecting a bit of Santa-inspired peaceful goodwill into the powerful and vengeful Ghost Rider. After defeating Krampus and returning Blake to safety, Ghost Rider rescues the kitten from the child’s grisly secret box. The only vengeance he exacts on Blake is a simple scolding, but also a warning: he might adopt Santa’s habit of making a ‘naughty or nice’ list.
Everyone is moved by the appearance of Santa Claus in the holiday special. Even Krampus is excited to see the jolly old elf. The Christmas spirit motivates everyone to be better and strive for compassion. In that regard, Robbie Reyes and Santa Claus join forces for the ultimate superhero, and holiday, team-up.
