Kirby/Romita--Ghost Rider #23 Cover (1977)
Artists: Jack Kirby (Penciller) , John Romita Sr, (Penciller) , John Verpooten (Inker) , John Romita Sr. (Inker)
81 Comments - 886 Views - 44 Likes
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DescriptionHere's a stunnning 1977 Ghost Rider cover, drawn by two of Marvel’s greatest artists—Jack Kirby and John Romita! The cover story is titled “Wrath of the Water Wizard,” and features Johnny Blaze, aka the Ghost Rider, being attacked by a frightful monster made entirely of water! (Just what a superhero with a flaming head fears most, right?) We see Ghost Rider rearing back on his hellcycle as the Water Demon attacks. Behind the monster, the maniacal Water Wizard—In his first appearance—gestures magically as he commands the monster to douse Ghost Rider’s mystical flame. Poor GR blasts it with his hell bolts to no avail, barely managing to raise a little steam. Clearly the Supernatural Superhero will need a new idea to defeat his formidable foe. It’s interesting to note that this cover is one of only three Ghost Rider covers ever drawn by Kirby. And it’s one of the last covers he drew (Along with “2001: A Space Odyssey”) before his final retirement from the big two comic publishers. The crisp, clean inks were provided by Marvel stalwart John Verpoorten, with minor touch-ups by Romita. The book is signed twice by Kirby and Romita, and once by Stan Lee, but thankfully only in the margins and UPC box. IMHO it's a fabulous Bronze Age cover by two of Marvel's greatest comic artists and I’m delighted to add it to my collection.Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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West Stephan
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Kirby, Romita & Ghost Rider on his bike is a trifecta cover in my book! Congrats Bill!
James S 
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
A gorgeous, classic Marvel cover add to your collection! Maybe you should think about doing that more! ;-)
Rick W
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
All of the elements you could want in a Kirby classic '70s cover!
Davide G.
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Monster(s) ✅️ Machineries ✅️ Krackles ✅️ Action ✅️ Not to mention those impeccable inks. Fantastic addition to your amazing Cover Gallery!
Red Raven
Member Since 2012
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Woooooow very magnificent et impressionnant cover by 2 masters !!!! Congratulations my friend 👍
Steven biali001
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Another masterpiece in a magnificent collection! Congrats!
Dino Mauricio
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Exceptional Ghost Rider cover with a unique and all-star artist collaboration!
Brian G
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Such a cool cover! Awesome to see a piece created by multiple legends of the medium. Congrats!
Fisch Benz
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
A stunner and a historic one at that! Congrats on another beautiful banger!
Jason G
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
For some reason this is the first time I've laid eyes on a Kirby Ghost Rider cover (at least that I can remember). Boy, Kirby really can seemingly do no wrong! Amazing rendition of him and I really love how he rendered the bike. His machinery is always a treat to look at. Thanks for posting this feast for my eyes!
John C
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Thanks Bill. I'm going to see Niagara Falls next week and this will make sure I'm gonna have nightmares.
E DLS
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
I suppose it's relatively easy enough to hunt down a nice Kirby cover. And it probably wouldn't take much searching to find a nice Romita cover either. But leave it to you to score a Bronze Age gem with BOTH of these legendary comics titans. Posts like these are why it's so much fun tracking your gallery. Congratulations buddy!
Ruben DaCollector
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Bill, your collection just contunes to accelerate intothe upper echelon of "Killer Collections". I love Ghost Rider and always have, but to see Kirby tackle him is just beyond cool. He only drew a few of them as you say, so it's a real treat to see something so rare and I imagine an even bigger treat to own stuff like this. Just one observation. Isn't it ironic that Romita, who in these days was constantly being asked to redraw or ink faces on covers, DIDN'T seem to touch Ghost Rider's face? Because those inks are clearly by Verpoorten. I'm happy to see that, personally, as I was never a fan of seeing faces redrawn, by Romita or anyone else for that matter. Big kudos, my friend, a fabulous acquisition!
Paul P Spiderversity
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Wow that is one outstanding Ghost Rider cover!! Kirby and Romita Sr...man oh man those two artists working together are just amazing. Congrats!!
Marcus Wai
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
That bold Kirby style in the composition is still everpresent no matter what era it is from. Classic Kirby touches like the forearms are extended, Kirby tech, the waterfall of energy in the linework, and hints of Krackle all build momentum that can't be stopped. The Romita face on Ghost Rider makes him more consistent with the look of the commercialized house style of the era. Wonderous artifact that shows how Kirby still resonates today.
Mark V
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Out of the box subject/character for Kirby to tackle but, as usual, he kills it.
Steve N. Comic/Fantasy Art
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Ghost Rider gets the Marvel Twin Giants treatment in a rare moment of duress! Kirby+Romita power couple salutes a mainstay!
George H
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
WOW, I had no idea that Kirby/Romita worked together on GR cover! Killer piece!
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Late Kirby is still royal! And a revival of the Kirby/Romita team is very welcome, indeed! What a find!
Joe Murray
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Absolutely love seeing Jack’s take on some of the other Marvel characters, and this cover is one of those shining examples, plus Romita bonus, big congrats!
A K
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
A cover with many cooks and it looks amazing! Seeing Kirby and Romita Sr. together is always a treat. This cover has a nice meld of Jack's energy and John's polished finishes. What a great melding of two major talents. Congratulations, my friend!
Michael Kenyon
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Sublime. So much talent touched this cover. Congrats my friend.
stephen yarish
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Love the old Ghost Rider covers and this is a great example why. Awesome cover, congrats!
NEBUR ADLAN
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
All people dreams with a Ploog GR...but how many people can dream with a Kirby one ?
The box with the three signs is simply outstanding...
Many congrats for this one
Troy C. Punswick
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
I would be delighted too! AWESOME cover!!!
Duke Fleed aka #1 Groo Fan
Member Since 2013
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
Fun cover! Never knew Kirby drew old flame head. Love the composition and action!
John Espinoza
Member Since 2014
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
I am also one of the many who didn't know Kirby drew Ghost Rider. This doesn't grab me as a Kirby cover at first, but upon closer inspection, all the elements that makes Kirby Kirby are there. What a fantastic acquistion, Bill!
Sean Clarke
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 9/19/2023
I bought this comic off the racks as a kid, and we sure didn't know how good we had it... we just assumed that Jack Kirby was immortal and that we'd always have new work to enjoy.
Ian Saint
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
Awesome piece. Just watched Elemental with the kids and love the the fire and water theme goes so well with the week. Love the signatures more than normally for some reason and the motorcycle art is always fun to see.
JN 80
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
Fantastic vintage cover Bill. What a combination of Kirby and Romita
Toni S
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
What a fabulous cover! To have an artwork by a Kirby-Romita combo it's just amazing. I clearly see the touch of all artists in so many details. I love the inking style. Probably Romita worked on it too. Huge congrats! It is a delight for all of us!
Toni S
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
The fact that they signed all in the corner box is an evidence of what they took care of the details!
Chris K.
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
What an amazing cast of characters on this one, Bill! Great addittion to your gallery...as always!
H P
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
What a classic cover! A fine composition by two of the greats! Congrats!
Jared Simmons
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
I am just addiing my voice to the chorus of compliments and congratulations because this cover deserves the high praise. As a HUGE Ghost Rider fan, I love it. The fact that it is drawn by legends and that the composition and line work are first rate is undisputable. CONGRATS!!
Michael Weigant
Member Since 2009
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
One of my favorite marvel characters and artists period ! Many congrats on this one Bill !
Johnny M
Member Since 2014
Forum Moderator
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
With a villain like that, I can't imagine the amount of water damage there is on this cover ;)
REDEMAGNI CLAUDIO
Member Since 2016
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
What a wonderful cover, designed by someone who embodies the world of Marvel Superheroes, more than anyone else with the complicity of the great Romita, great congratulations Bill
Tyler T
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
Fantastic cover! A superhero level artist team up if there ever was.
Brian Norton
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
love the water wizard. those leg boots are bigger than he is, lol
Kin Wong
Member Since 2007
1 - Posted on 9/20/2023
Awesome Kirby/(Verpoorten/)Romita pickup! I didn't think it was a Kirby at first given the inking style, but there are some Kirby elements in there (like the Water Wizard's stance) that still shine through. Congrats on adding another classic to the collection!
Eric B
Member Since 2008
1 - Posted on 9/21/2023
Not only is this a fun cover with interesting linework, but it also has all of the signatures are in a respectful location. Nice addition Bill.
Andrew G
Member Since 2022
1 - Posted on 9/21/2023
Can't get better than Kirby and JRsr on the same cover. Great score, Bill!
Tim D
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 9/21/2023
Very cool! I had never seen this one. The inks really smooth this out, with the big exception of Water Wizard who oozes pure Kirby.
Jeremy Radisich
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 9/22/2023
I was lucky enough to be the caretaker of this cover for a brief period of time--glad to see it's ended up in a great home! I always think it's fun to see Kirby do his take on characters that aren't normally associated with him--the end result here is part Kirby, part Romita, part 70s-era motorcycle craze; but it all works!
Michael McIsaac
Member Since 2020
1 - Posted on 9/26/2023
Two of the best cover artists in history joining forces to create comic book gold.
Ken Martin
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 9/30/2023
Kirby, Romita and Lee all on one book and one heck of a fun cover.
Gal Schwartz
Member Since 2005
1 - Posted on 10/5/2023
Legendary team-up of two of MARVEL's artistic giants !! Awesome cover in which you see both styles flourish !
K Gearon
Member Since 2011
1 - Posted on 10/7/2023
Always gotta love when the elements are up against each other, espeically when it comes to comic book form images! Witness exhibit A :) Classic face off shot that absolutely makes you want to buy the book to see what's up inside! Love all the surrouding lettering, too. Pure vintage goodness, Bill. Congrats!
Hart R.
Member Since 2004
1 - Posted on 10/16/2023
Ok...yeah...ummm...good...great...fantastict...
Man! I keep starrin' at this...Brilliant...yeah...
Kevin A
Member Since 2019
1 - Posted on 10/21/2023
Expressions, energy, composition, etc - Kirby is the king of comics for a reason. I love how this cover exemplifies that, especially in how there is not a single wasted line.
gene o
Member Since 2018
1 - Posted on 11/7/2023
Talk about a "murderer's row" of talent. The Kirby dynamism mixed with Romita's grace. What a gem!
Some Collector
Member Since 2017
1 - Posted on 11/23/2023
To say this is a classic is an understatement.
David Matheny
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 12/1/2023
this is top notch at a peak level. the 3 autographs in the bottom left corner is perfect icing already on a epic cake. congrats
David Matheny
Member Since 2021
1 - Posted on 1/19/2025
David Matheny wrote:
this is top notch at a peak level. the 3 autographs in the bottom left corner is perfect icing already on a epic cake. congrats
Hey, look I was already here and I am still in awe.
Justin Topages
Member Since 2015
1 - Posted on 12/6/2023
Stunning! What a magnificent & special treasure. The signatures only add to this one.
Dave W
Member Since 2006
1 - Posted on 12/21/2023
This is fire (as the kids say - at least mine do) - are you kidding me ... Kirby AND Romita?!?!? Congrats Bill - your collection and legend continue to grow.
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