Verminus Rex

Verminus Rex was thought to be the last member of a race rat-people, known as the Short Teeth. It is unknown how the other members of his race had perished. At some point in his history he was considered to be Prince of the Short Teeth race. During World War on the battle fields of Germany, Verminus clashed with the Ghost Rider. He eventually lost his life by stepping onto a landmine. However, this would not be the end of the hellish rodent-man. He would be resurrected by Mephisto's prodigal son Blackheart to serve as one of his new Spirits of Vengeance.

After his incarnation Ghost Rider (Daniel Ketch) discovered Verminus in a campaign of abducting and consuming people. Daniel incinerated Verminus in a blast of hellfire causing his second death, The fiendish rodent was resurrected once again by Blackheart. Verminus and his undead counter parts, Wallow, Pao Fu and Doghead were able to snatch the heart out of the chest of the Ghost Rider. Blackheart offered Ghost Rider the opportunity to lead his new Spirits of Vengeance, he quickly refused, although he considered being transformed into his original form of Nobel Kale, thus breaking the curse that had plagued his descendants for centuries. Ghost Rider tried to convince the Spirits that Blackheart was only using them, Verminus told him that Blackheart had given him what he most wanted and needed, respect and vengeance. He then stood by as Ghost Rider accepted, on the condition that he be allowed to marry Pao Fu and Black Rose, and witnessed the rebirth of Ghost Rider as Noble Kale.

Verminus was stabbed with the blade made form the rib demon Zarathos. The blade was intended to be used by Black Rose to slay Kale. Verminus survived the attack to witness Ghost Rider, strengthened with the full memories of Noble Kale and annihilate Blackheart and Kale was hailed as the new ruler of Blackheart's realm by Skritch.