Ghost Rider #71

Ghost Rider #71 was published by Marvel Comics in August 1982, serving as the final issue of the original Danny Ketch-less series that began in 1973. This conclusion arrived during a transitional period for Marvel, as the publisher sought to wrap up long-running titles that had seen declining interest compared to the rise of new, grittier ensemble teams. The issue was written by J.M. DeMatteis and featured artwork by Bob Budiansky, who captured the somber atmosphere surrounding the character's long-term struggles with the demonic spirit Zarathos.

The design and narrative tone of this era were influenced by a desire to provide a definitive resolution to Johnny Blaze's original arc. Budiansky's illustrations reflected the aesthetic shift toward early 1980s comic book sensibilities, prioritizing character-driven drama over the pulp-horror roots of the 1970s. While this issue was received as a quiet end to a tumultuous series, it effectively shelved the character until his 1990s reinvention, marking it as a significant milestone for dedicated Marvel collectors interested in the completion of the original run.