Ultimate Avengers 2 #5

Issue Details

Synopsis

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT PART 5 The Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. guard the front lawn of the White House. Inside the Oval Office, Robert Blackthorne is with Satan, whom the former had summoned for help as he knows that the Avengers will be beaten by the Ghost Rider and refuse to lose everything to Blaze. Satan notes to Blackthorne that he is risking his very soul to save his, to which he accepts as his life is already damned, even if it means defeating the Ghost Rider. Satan then agrees to the Vice President's request and begins a ritual.  Outside, Hawkeye talks with the Punisher about Ghost Rider and is skeptical whether what they are facing is a demon from hell. Hawkeye also notices that the Ghost Rider had passed a message to Castle before which made him believe what he is, Castle only answers that it was "something that warmed [his] heart." Castle then talks to Hawkeye about how he recalls someone who had been the first to be forcefully recruited into the Avengers. Castle believes him to be Hawkeye referring to himself. Hawkeye answers that he is and that he wasn't a good man before being trained.   Back inside the Oval Office, Satan feels Blaze's presence outside as he conducts the ritual. Blackthorne questions his master as to why he gave Blaze the "opportunity" to carry out his vengeance. Satan answers that Blaze sold his soul to him, and that bringing him back allows him to get Blackthorne and his associates' souls. Satan had planned this to happen ever since meeting Blackthorne.   Blackthorne changes into a Spirit of Vengeance reminiscent of the Ghost Rider and rides out of the White House. The Avengers mistaken him for the Ghost Rider and begin chasing him down D.C. However, Blackthorne proves too powerful for the Avengers, even for War Machine and Tyrone. As Blackthorne tears apart War Machine's armor, Ghost Rider appears and fights his nemesis.