Michael Badilino (Earth-616)

Mephisto manipulated John Blaze (as the Ghost Rider) to blast Michael's father with hellfire. The trauma drove the man insane. He murdered his daughters, wife and then committed suicide while Michael was away on an assignment. Michael blamed the Ghost Rider and took Mephisto's offer to become a similar being called 'Vengeance' to battle them.

After both Ghost Rider (now with Ketch) and Blaze battled Vengeance, Caretaker stopped them. He explained that Badilino's family was also connected to the Medallion of Power, which is why Mephisto had manipulated them as well. In reality he had given up his soul for power that was his birthright in the first place. He joined the Midnight Sons. While Ketch was missing, Vengeance filled in for him, patrolling the area around Cypress Hills Cemetary.

Badilino's old enemy Anthony Hellgate learned of the powers Vengeance and Ghost Rider possessed. He captured Badilino and murdered Blaze's wife Roxanne. While imprisoned, Vengeance was experimented on as Hellgate sought to duplicate the power of a Spirit of Vengeance and add it to his own. He was eventually freed by Ghost Rider, but seemed to be unstable, and no longer able to transform into Vengeance.

Badilino joined a task force, recommended by Agent Uno. On one mission he suddenly turned back into Vengeance and massacred both his unit and the criminals they were after. He sought out Hellgate again, and murdered any criminals he came across rather than simply punishing them.

When confronted by Ghost Rider and Blaze, he used a penance stare that was the first step in learning the truth about the Riders' past. Feeling that he had already gone too far, Vengeance caused a massive explosion that destroyed both himself and Hellgate. He was later seen in 'hell' being mocked by Blackheart.

Powers and Abilities

Powers

Hellfire blasts.
Penance stare.
When last seen, Vengeance also was capable of causing hellfire explosions.
Strength level

Able to lift/press at least 10 tons.

Paraphernalia

Transportation

Flaming motorcycle.

Weapons

Vengeance had bone chains, normally wrapped around his wrists. He also could throw large spikes that emerged from his jacket and on occasion on his knuckles. Badilino himself often carried a pistol.

Notes

It is possible the entity Badilino bonded to is another ancestor like Noble Kale, or a captured demon like Zarathos.

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Michael Badilino (Earth-616)

From Marvel Database

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