Ghost Rider #81

In *Ghost Rider #81* (1983), the legendary title reaches a pivotal moment as Johnny Blaze finds himself imprisoned within a soul gem, forcing the demonic Zarathos to take control in a desperate bid to confront the villainous Centurious. With the battle raging inside the gem, the line between man and demon blurs—until, in a moment of quiet transformation, Johnny emerges not as a ghost rider, but as a wholly human man, stepping into a future still uncertain, but finally his own. Written by J. M. DeMatteis and Bob Budiansky, with art by Budiansky and inks by Danny Bulanadi and Kevin Dzuban, the issue features a striking cover by Bob Budiansky and Dave Simons.