Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Hellverine #5 (2025)
In a thrilling twist, the legendary Ghost Rider finds his reign as a harbinger of vengeance challenged by none other than Wolverine’s son, Akihiro. This unexpected contest sees Akihiro confronting the embodiment of evil himself—Mephisto—and achieving what took Johnny Blaze decades to accomplish. With the haunting mantle of Hellverine now firmly on his shoulders, Akihiro deftly outsmarts the Devil, showcasing a brilliance that sets him apart as the intellectually superior Spirit of Vengeance.
In the latest installment, Hellverine #5, crafted by Benjamin Percy and Raffaele Ienco, Akihiro finds himself ensnared in Hell, a consequence of defying Mephisto. The demon lord resurrects him alongside a malevolent entity named Bagra-ghul, compelling him into a sinister pact to revel in suffering—a punishment meant to keep him shackled to infernal tyranny.
However, instead of succumbing to his dark fate, Akihiro boldly rejects this call to chaos. In a final act of defiance, he miraculously accomplishes what the Ghost Riders could not for over half a century.
Akihiro Outsmarts the Devil
While both Akihiro and Johnny Blaze gained their grotesque Spirits of Vengeance through dire circumstances, Akihiro’s triumph over Mephisto came in record time. Drawing on wisdom gleaned from Doctor Strange, he inscribes a “possession cipher” on Bagra-ghul’s chest. In an instant, flames consume him, signifying Akihiro’s newfound ownership of the demon, thereby nullifying Mephisto’s influence over him.
Breaking Free from Infernal Contracts
The Journey of Johnny Blaze
Akihiro’s rapid success starkly contrasts Blaze’s struggle. In Ghost Rider: Final Vengeance #6, Blaze took 52 tortured years to reconcile with Zarathos, his Spirit of Vengeance. Following a heartfelt exchange, they acknowledged their suffering and dependency on one another. Ultimately, this united front led Mephisto to relinquish his hold over them, declaring that they “belong to each other.” Although they emerged from this confrontation bonded, it replaced one form of bondage with another.
In pivotal moments, the balance of power shifts—Mephisto loses influence when he lacks control over the demon confined to a corporeal shell.
While Blaze’s new status may signify liberation, the underlying truth remains: he and Zarathos are inextricably linked. What began as a desperate quest to escape the Ghost Rider’s curse evolved into acceptance of their shared existence. This profound revelation was the catalyst for Blaze finally breaking free from Mephisto’s grasp.
The Strategic Resources at Akihiro’s Disposal
Akihiro’s Superior Strategizing
Throughout their respective journeys, the enduring traumas and agonies Blaze faced starkly contrast with Akihiro’s relatively swift mastery of his circumstances. Akihiro’s acceptance of his duality as the Hellverine played a crucial role in his rapid growth. Recognizing the opportunity to wield his powers for good, he strives to reconcile with his past demons while employing the knowledge he gained from Doctor Strange.
In contrast, Johnny Blaze, despite over half a century of learning from the extraordinary supernatural beings surrounding him, missed the opportunity to gain practical wisdom from his associations. His failure to couple strength with strategy resulted in relentless suffering over the years. Conversely, Akihiro adeptly drew upon Strange’s teachings, maximizing his strategic advantages—even without being steeped in the mystical arts.
While Johnny Blaze continues to be the quintessential Ghost Rider, his limitations in foresight are highlighted by Akihiro’s decisive, intelligent actions, suggesting the latter may not only be the brawn but possess the brains to match.
Hellverine #5 is currently available from Marvel Comics.