Ghost Rider ##61
Marvel Comics Group • Ghost Rider Vol. 1
Writer
Roger Stern
Interior Artist
Bob Budiansky and Dave Simons
Cover Artist
Bob Budiansky
Publication Date
October 1981
Cover Variant
UK Price Variant (20p)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
In this issue, titled 'Prisoner of the Hellspawn!', Ghost Rider (Johnny Blaze) faces off against the Water Wizard. The story involves the kidnapping of the Water Wizard and Johnny Blaze's struggle to control the demon Zarathos while battling his enemies.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Fine/Very Fine (CGC 7.0)
Condition Details
Moderate spine stress and ticks visible along the left edge. Minor corner blunting on the top right. Slight color breaking crease near the bottom right. The cover retains good gloss but shows some surface wear consistent with age. Edges show small amounts of shelf wear.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $10.00 - $20.00; Graded (CGC 7.0): $40.00 - $55.00
Recent Sales
Recent sales for raw copies in similar condition fluctuate between $8 and $22. High-grade (9.8) copies of this specific issue sell for approximately $150-$200, though the UK 20p variant often has lower volume but higher niche demand.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading unless the collector seeks personal encapsulation. The cost of shipping and grading fees would likely exceed the market value of a 7.0 copy. A press and clean could improve it to a 7.5 or 8.0, but still unlikely to reach high-value tiers.
Notable Features
This copy is a UK Price Variant (20p cover price), which was printed concurrently with the US version. Features the Spider-Man head logo in the bottom left corner box instead of a UPC barcode, common for Direct Market or specific regional distribution of that era.
Authentication Notes
The comic appears authentic based on the aging of the paper stock, correct typography for the 1981 Marvel trade dress, and the specific saturation of the purple and orange inks typical of 1980s flexographic printing.