| Johnny returns to the carnival with Vincenzo, determined to warn Quentin that Freakmaster is coming. Too late! Freakmaster is already there. Johnny launches into a tirade, and Freakmaster claims to be outraged by what has happened. He explains that his purpose formed after seeing his freak parents abused, and he decided to create a series of freak shows where the workers would be well-treated. He shows Johnny the new freak tent he's creating and explains he'll support the carnival. Johnny's not convinced, and returns to the tent later that evening, discovering the truth: Freakmaster intends to turn all the carnival workers into freaks! Freakmaster discovers him, and unleashes his "man-cycles" - horrible man/machine hybrids similar to the fate Renaldo had planned for Johnny! He also learns that Freakmaster has turned his former assistant Renaldo into The Human Pincushion, a freak! Johnny does not wish to free Ghost Rider, but with Vincenzo and the Rider both battering his mind, the demon escapes and defeats the hybrids. But as he's about to punish Freakmaster, the villain tells him Ralph Quentin is more deserving. And Quentin... agrees! For it was he who mistreated Freakmaster's freak parents, when he was breaking into the business. In a moment of indecision, Johnny manages to regain control before Ghost Rider can punish either man... and he warns Freakmaster to go, or next time he won't stop the rider. And... Roxanne Simpson appears! She has been tracing Johnny for some time and has finally caught up with the Quentin Carnival... |
