GHOST DRIVER (Earth-7)

Biography 

Origin

Roberto Reyes was born into an immigrant family that settled in Los Angeles. His father was a truck driver, while his mother died not long after they arrived in the country, largely because she refused to seek medical help due to their inability to afford treatment.

While his father traveled, Robbie spent most of his time taking care of his brother, a boy with special needs, while also working at a diner to help with expenses. Tired of a monotonous life where money never seemed allowed to enter, even if it meant sacrificing his dream of pursuing whatever career he wanted, the devil presented himself in a friendly form, offering a helping hand, as he had done for so many others.

The Pact

Robbie had always wanted to become a Grand Prix driver like the ones he saw on television. He received his first kart as a child, a gift from his father. He began competing in local races during his adolescence, where he never finished off the podium. Even so, he was forced to abandon that dream, just like everything else: school, friends, a love life, everything at the cost of working 24/7 to give his family a good life. Even then, it never seemed like enough.

It is in these moments of absolute darkness and solitude that the devil usually appears. Mephisto never approaches someone before being certain they will accept his offer.

Robbie wanted his dream to come true, a career that could eventually provide enough money for a comfortable and happy life for his brother. And so, Mephisto made it happen. The price was simple: becoming one of the many souls in his possession. No eternal suffering, no penance in Hell, only a solemn state of pure silence and nonexistence.

Eternal non-life seemed like a small price to pay in exchange for a single good life.

La Leyenda

Within a few weeks, Robbie had already returned to the tracks. He received an offer from a retired racer who wanted to invest in a prodigy. He posted about it on social media, and by a twist of fate, Robbie was the first to see the post.

The investor would provide the initial money for construction and repairs, but after some time, Robbie would have to use the prize money he earned to continue funding his participation in the sport. He obviously accepted the deal.

Nicknamed "La Leyenda," the boy easily claimed the podiums of local championships, causing the other young competitors, many of them from wealthy families who had invested millions in their careers, to grow jealous of him.

His life had never been more comfortable. With the money he earned from racing, he had enough left over to party on the weekends, even though deep down, his intuition told him it was temporary, that it was impossible to make a deal with evil without eventually paying the price.

Last Run

Within a few months, everything seemed to turn upside down again. His father died in a road accident, and his brother became ill. It seemed he had the same disease as their mother and would need continuous treatment in search of a cure.

With his mind disturbed by grief, reaching the podium became difficult, driving away his initial sponsor. Without the prize money, he could no longer afford to continue in the sport, especially while having to pay his rent and his brother's treatment. Losing everything becomes even worse when you thought you had already achieved enough, but he couldn't stop. He used his talent on the track to keep earning a living. The MAGGIA offered him a steady payment to become their driver in illegal races around the country.

It was enough to keep financing La Leyenda's career. With every race, he came closer to returning to the podium. Closer and closer, he couldn't give up now. But getting involved with crime always comes at a price. Tired of being beaten by him, some of the other competitors ordered Robbie Reyes' death, and his support crew of mechanics seemed willing to cooperate for the right price.

With his brakes cut, Robbie entered his final race on the most complex track in the country. All he could think about was the prize money and how everything would be solved if he only had this one more opportunity. He barely had time to process what was happening before his car sped toward the concrete walls protecting the track.

Spirit of Vengeance

For a moment, Robbie Reyes died. Mineral silence, absolute nothingness, and not a trace of consciousness. Until He returned.

Mephisto appeared once again, seeking a new pact.

He complained about how boring the end of everything was and explained to Robbie that he couldn't stop now. He was so close to the podium, so close to absolute fame and fortune, so worried about his brother, who would have no one left without him.

He didn't have to die there. Mephisto could offer him a second chance, but, of course, on his own terms. His body would be restored, completely intact, but his soul would have to be divided with that of Zarathos, the demon willing to offer second chances. Under his blessing, Robbie would return safe and sound, but there would be certain moments when the price of salvation would have to be paid.

During those moments, he would allow his demonic instinct to take control of his soul and become one of the many Spirits of Vengeance, emissaries of the devil on Earth and collectors who would pursue those indebted to justice and deserving of absolute penance.

Mephisto never proposes a deal to someone who would refuse it.

Suddenly, from that racetrack, La Leyenda speeds away through fire and smoke, completely intact, more alive than ever, ready to cross the finish line and claim the first of many first-place trophies.