The Penance Stare is an ability of a Ghost Rider to incapacitate victims. When in close combat, the Ghost Rider locks eyes with his victim and makes him or her feel every pain that that individual has ever inflicted on anyone else innocent in their lifetime. Its effects are similar to the soul searing effect of hellfire. It can, however, backfire with certain individuals. For example, Blackheart was immune to it until he called on the thousand souls of the Contract of San Venganza.
It can only be used to avenge the innocent, and therefore can't affect someone trying to punish the guilty (such as Hulk against the Illuminati who were not innocent, thereby making the Hulk guiltless).[1]
Recently, this ability can paralyze multiple individuals without locking into their eyes still causing great sorrow.
- When used on Mr. Hyde, it triggers his transformation back into Calvin Zabo, though Mr. Hyde flees before it can take full effect.[2]
- When used on The Punisher it didn't work as the Punisher has no guilt for the work he does and has done. And the Punisher primarily kills criminals who are far from innocent.[citation needed]
- When used on Venom he proved to be immune, due to the symbiote.[citation needed]
- When used on Deadpool, it showed him a "highlight reel" of the events that lead him to him becoming what he was and turned the Ghost Rider back into Johnny Blaze. Which shows that Deadpool's greatest victim is himself.[3]
- ↑ Ghost Rider (Vol. 6) #13
- ↑ Ghost Rider (Vol. 2) #4
- ↑ Deadpool (Vol. 2) #26