In the beginning, Johnny Blaze rode an ordinary motorcycle on his nightly excursions. But when your skeletal body is shooting fire Every Which A Way But Loose*, how practical is that really? Your bike could explode at any given moment! Not to mention that Johnny Blaze was getting sucked into Hell regularly and when he came back to Earth, his bike couldn't be found! Well, after Johnny Blaze shook hands with Satan in issue #2, issue #3 had the answer.
In "Wheels of Fire", Gary Friedrich concluded his epic tale that introduced the Son of Satan to the Marvel Universe. Daimon Hellstrom had rescued both Johnny Blaze and Linda Littletree from Hell. Linda had been possessed by the Devil and had become "Witch Woman", givin' Johnny Blaze nothin' but red hot pants trouble for three issues. When the Son of Satan dumps Johnny miles away from the nearest city, he realizes he's in a mess of trouble.
His human body had taken on critical injuries and without goin' to a hospital, Johnny would be stuck in Satan's realm for good. Linda teaches Johnny to focus his Hellish powers and concentrate on the image of a motorcycle! "Brain's about to burst!" Johnny yells, which is how I feel readin' a Grant Morrison comic!
Out of the ether, Johnny creates the flamin' HellCycle! It took an incredible effort the first time, but later Johnny would be able to recreate the cycle with ease. Now he could ride anywhere without settin' his gas tank on fire! The only restriction is that when the Ghost Rider becomes Johnny Blaze at dawn's early light, the HellCycle disappears as well. Linda reminds Johnny of this fact twice before he takes off for the nearest city. Hint, hint, what's comin' next?
Friedrich and Jim Mooney show us the consequences of not listenin' to a wise woman! Ghost Rider reaches the outskirts of the city by dawn. He reverts to Johnny Blaze just as he's leapin' onto a freeway, and the HellCycle evaporates in mid-air!
There's a massive pile-up on the freeway as trucks and cars collide into each other. Johnny lays injured on the side of the freeway, but at least he gets medical attention as soon as possible! I think this is a legal case that only She-Hulk could handle: drivin' your HellCycle within 30 minutes of dawn is a felony offense in the Marvel Universe! Nuff said.
* Forgive Dick from referencing this Clint Eastwood trucker movie. -- Kid Flash, Ye Editor.
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