Ghost Rider vs Knull: Why the Penance Stare Is Not Enough to Win

Ghost Rider versus Knull: who wins? For as powerful as Knull is, Ghost Rider actually has one ability that can make this fight very interesting, the Penance Stare. Even so, I don't think Ghost Rider alone is going to be near enough to take him down, and my pick is Knull.

Knull's history could make for one of the nastiest Penance Stares imaginable

Think about everything Knull has done. He has spent billions of years slaughtering gods, destroying worlds, creating entire armies of monsters, and basically spreading death throughout the universe.

The Penance Stare forces somebody to experience the pain and suffering they've inflicted on other people. So if Ghost Rider manages to unleash it on Knull, "that's got to be one of the nastiest Penance Stares imaginable."

Ghost Rider's powers have worked against Knull's symbiotes before

We've actually seen Ghost Rider's powers work against Knull's symbiotes. Johnny used the Penance Stare on a symbiote dragon and severed its connection to the hive mind. So, in theory, it could work.

The problem is getting the chance to use it against Knull

Here's the problem: how is Ghost Rider even going to get the opportunity to use it? Knull is ridiculously powerful. He's killed Celestials. He's the one who created All-Black, the Necrosword.

When Sentry tried to fight him, Knull literally grabbed him and ripped him in half. And Sentry's a guy who can fight World War Hulk.

Even with Zarathos, Ghost Rider and Knull are on two different tiers

Ghost Rider can survive some pretty serious punishment. His hellfire can injure supernatural beings. When Zarathos starts taking over, he becomes a completely different monster.

But even with Zarathos, we really are just talking about two different tiers here. Ghost Rider's only shot is Zarathos taking complete control and the Penance Stare working instantly. Even that isn't going to cut it.

My verdict: Knull wins

Knull almost beat every hero on Earth by himself. I don't think Ghost Rider alone is going to be near enough to take him down. Knull wins.

Do you think the Penance Stare could ever give Ghost Rider a real chance against Knull?