A.V. Pull List: Baby Thanos Must Die is a fun ride
I recently read the comic "Cosmic Ghost Rider: Baby Thanos Must Die" and was blown away by its absurdity and fun. Written by Donny Cates in 2017-2018, this comic takes a familiar character like the Punisher and puts him through a wild transformation.
The story starts with Frank Castle, aka the Punisher, dying and making a deal with the devil to become Ghost Rider. But that's not all - he later makes a deal with Galactus, becoming Cosmic Ghost Rider! It's bonkers how the Punisher goes from a vigilante to a supernatural entity to a cosmic hero.
As Cosmic Ghost Rider, he travels back in time to kill baby Thanos, but ends up forming a bond with him instead. Meanwhile, a team of Guardians of the Galaxy from the future shows up, consisting of Cable, Rocket Raccoon in a suit made of Groot, Howard the Duck as Juggernaut, and more. Baby Thanos watches in horror as the Guardians are killed by Cosmic Ghost Rider, only to be resurrected and killed again in an endless loop, instilling in him a taste for blood.
Because of these interactions Thanos grows up to become an even more formidable and ruthless version of himself. In a shocking twist, future Thanos returns as a Thanos-Punisher hybrid, wearing the Punisher's iconic skull logo and seeking his dad the Cosmic Ghost Rider.
The comic's humor is reminiscent of Deadpool's, with Cosmic Ghost Rider's constant wisecracking and sarcastic remarks. It's clear that the character's brain has been "fried" by his transformations, making him a bit unhinged and prone to humor. Despite my usual aversion to convoluted stories and character changes, I found myself enjoying the ride and laughing along with Cosmic Ghost Rider's antics.
You can start with "Cosmic Ghost Rider" or “Thanos Wins,” which is a prequel to the Cosmic Ghost Rider story. "Thanos Wins" is a storyline that explores an alternate future where Thanos has successfully collected all six Infinity Stones and wiped out all life in the universe. The prequel sets the stage for the Cosmic Ghost Rider's origin story, where Frank Castle, the Punisher, becomes the new Ghost Rider and seeks revenge against Thanos for destroying the universe. I began with “Cosmic Ghost Rider” because someone recommended it to me, and that's where my journey started. However, feel free to start from any point you'd like.
Overall, I highly recommend both comics to anyone looking for a fun and exciting comic book story with a unique blend of action, humor, and heart. It's a wild ride that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
-Brad McBoom