Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Hellverina #1
Marvel's newest Ghost Rider, Hellverine is officially on the road and dishing out its version of lethal revenge. Bonded to the demon Bagra-ghul, Akihiro became a vessel for Mephisto's dark whims, leaving behind a trail of unimaginable atrocities. Nicknamed “punitive artist,”This is a Ghost Rider unlike any other. Unfortunately for Wolverine's son, both Mephisto and Bagra-ghul have even darker plans ahead.
Hellverina #1 – written by Benjamin Percy, with art by Raffaele Ienco – begins Akihiro's journey as the Hellverine. After rejecting Project Hellfire and his father's support, he sets out to fight his demons alone.
As with all Ghost Riders, the demon instinctively guides Akihiro toward evil. As they approach, Akihiro loses control and the demonic master of the torturous art emerges. However, unlike most Ghost Riders, the Hellverine leaves something of its victims as a monument to its master. While Akihiro is on a journey to find self-redemption, Bagra-ghul continues to serve his gloriously butchery purpose.
Wolverine's son takes on his role as Marvel's new Ghost Rider with a terrifying tribute to his new master
Hellverina #1 – Written by Benjamin Percy; Art by Raffaele Ienco; Color by Bryan Valenza; Lyrics by VC's Travis Lanham; Cover art by Kendrick “Kunkka” Lim
Bagra-ghul is known as the Devil's favorite pet. He was created to be an artist, to build “monuments of suffering” in the name of Mephisto. These pillars of death are masterfully placed, depicting unholy rituals and unholy acts. It's not just expressive, it's purposeful. After leaving behind a gallery of these punishing pieces of art, Akihiro
approaches Doctor Strange for help
. Strange works on his books until he opens a passage about “lament settings.” For those who are not familiar with the Infernal franchise, a lament setting is a puzzle box that, when made into a certain shape, opens a door to another dimension.
Assuming Benjamin Percy left this Easter egg as a clue, Akihiro's path is not random. Mephisto is guiding
Wolverine's son
As Bagra-ghul places more and more of these “lament settings.” In Infernaljust one correct solution is enough to open a gate, but Hellverine is creating dozens more around the world. This could end up being yet another ploy to bring Hell to Earth, literally, and it wouldn't be the first time. During the Doctor Strange: Curse event, Mephisto overtook Las Vegas, transforming it into his new domain. Now, it looks like he may try again.
Mephisto doesn't require just any servant – he needs a Wolverine
What Akihiro Can Do That Other Ghost Riders Can't
This would be the first time Mephisto has been seen using this tactic, let alone using a Ghost Rider to do it. For the most part, Mephisto's Ghost Riders were made for his enjoyment. From time to time, he will command the Knights under their contracts to do a specific job. However, indirectly controlling a Rider to build a potentially global-sized portal to Hell It's a new trick for the King of Hell. This raises the question of why Mephisto didn't try this sooner.
The Hellverine is a Ghost Rider unlike any other, and whatever Mephisto has planned for him, it won't be good.
If he could implant demons under his control into mortals, why he hasn't already done so is an urgent question. As Doctor Strange surmises near the end of Hellverina #1, Mephisto has a plan for Bagra-ghul and Akihiro. Whatever the Devil has planned,
requires a Wolverine
. Because Logan's will was too powerful, Bagra-ghul chose a dead Wolverine. Hellverine is a Ghost Rider unlike any other, and whatever Mephisto has planned for this, it won't be good.
Hellverina #1 is now available from Marvel Comics.