Ghost Rider #81

Ghost Rider #81, published in 1983, serves as the final issue of the original volume of the Ghost Rider series that began in 1973. It marked the conclusion of Johnny Blaze’s long-running struggle against the curse of Zarathos, providing a temporary resolution to the character's primary narrative arc. The book was produced during a period of transition for Marvel Comics, as the supernatural horror themes that defined the 1970s began to shift toward more traditional superhero storytelling.

The creative direction for this issue was overseen by writer J.M. DeMatteis and artist Bob Budiansky, who aimed to bring a sense of closure to Blaze’s internal conflict. The design and narrative tone were characterized by the gothic, melancholic atmosphere synonymous with the series' later years. While the issue was received as a definitive end to the title's ten-year run, its release highlighted the challenges of sustaining a standalone supernatural anti-hero book in the early 1980s comic market.