The character of Johnny Blaze, aka Ghost Rider, was created by writer Gary Friedrich and artists Mike Ploog and Roy Thomas. First appearing in "Marvel Spotlight" #5 (1972), Blaze's story revolves around his transformation into the Ghost Rider, a supernatural being bonded to the demon Zarathos. The 2007 film takes creative liberties with the character's origin, introducing Blaze (Cage) as a stunt motorcycle rider who makes a Faustian bargain with Mephistopheles (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) to save his mentor's life, resulting in his transformation into the Ghost Rider.