The Guardians of the Galaxy had some members in the Marvel universe that you don’t know from the movies. The probably most powerful member would have saved them a lot of trouble, although he was originally just a human, completely without powers.
Which character is it? Most probably know Frank Castle as the Punisher. The former US Marine has no superpowers in the regular universe, but after the death of his family by the Mafia, he became an anti-hero who, unlike other superheroes, is also willing to kill his enemies.
In an alternative universe, however, he became one of the most powerful characters of all time, right after Thanos defeated almost all heroes of Earth.
In Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the Punisher returns:
A Pact with the Devil, the Devourer of Worlds, and Thanos
What happened to Frank Castle? In an alternative universe, things didn’t go well for the heroes. As so often, Thanos came to Earth, managed to win, and almost wiped out all life. In this battle, Frank Castle also died. Upon arriving in Hell, he made a pact with the devil Mephisto and became the new Ghost Rider. Back on Earth, however, no one was left.
One day, Galactus came to Earth seeking help against Thanos. Frank offered him the planet, became his Herald (similar to the Silver Surfer), and received from him nearly limitless cosmic power; he became the Cosmic Ghost Rider. Together, they searched the galaxy for Thanos, but their encounter did not end well.
In the comic Thanos No. 16 from 2018, Galactus and the Ghost Rider storm towards Thanos, but he simply decapitates Galactus with an energy beam. Since the Ghost Rider is immortal, he cannot kill him. Thanos tells him that there are much worse beings and offers him to become his right hand to punish more beings: the task of the Ghost Rider. He made the pact.
After that, the Ghost Rider had various tasks and stories. For a while, he took care of Baby Thanos from the past before he became evil and was rather a figure that acted outside a regular world or timeline.
In 2019, a new Guardians of the Galaxy
comic series started by author Donny Cates. There, a new team emerges, and after Beta Ray Bill rescues the Cosmic Ghost Rider, he (rather reluctantly) becomes a team member alongside Star-Lord, Groot, Moondragon, and Phyla-Vell. To this day, the Cosmic Ghost Rider remains one of the strongest members of the team.
The Guardians from the movies would have no problems with him anymore
How powerful is the Cosmic Ghost Rider? Frank Castle as the Cosmic Ghost Rider has several abilities that set him apart from most heroes and villains. For one, thanks to the pact with Mephisto, he is the Spirit of Vengeance. He can use hellfire and enhance his weapons with it; for example, he does this with his guns.
In addition, there is the legendary gaze of the Ghost Rider. When he looks someone in the eye, he makes them feel the pain of those to whom they have inflicted pain – for a lifetime. Oh, and he is also immortal.
As a cosmic Herald of Galactus, he received the ability to travel through the galaxy, shoot cosmic energy, and he can resurrect the beings he has killed.
All of this also enhances his physical abilities, such as strength, speed, and resilience.
When compared to the strongest heroes in the MCU, like Thor, Captain Marvel, or Adam Warlock, the Cosmic Ghost Rider is clearly above them, primarily due to his immortality and cosmic energy.
Did you know about the Cosmic Ghost Rider, and which Marvel characters are you still interested in? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. If you only know the movies, you are missing a character who can influence the entire multiverse: A normal guy became so strong in Marvel that even Thanos looks like Hawkeye next to him
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