Ghost Rider ##68
Marvel Comics • Ghost Rider Vol. 1 (1973 Series)
Writer
Roger Stern
Interior Artist
Bob Budiansky
Cover Artist
Bob Budiansky
Publication Date
May 1982
Cover Variant
Direct Edition (Spiderman Head in UPC box)
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
Features Johnny Blaze as Ghost Rider. In this issue, titled 'The Curse of Jonathan Blaze!', Blaze struggles with the demonic entity Zarathos. Key characters include the Orb. Ghost Rider battles manifestations of his own inner turmoil and past.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Very Good / Fine (CGC 5.0)
Condition Details
Visible moderate spine stress with color-breaking ticks. Significant corner blunting on the bottom left and top left. Minor edge wear along the left vertical spine. The cover remains attached but shows visible handling wear and loss of original gloss.
Estimated Market Value
Raw: $5 - $10 / Graded (9.8): $120 - $150
Recent Sales
Recent raw copies in Mid-Grade (5.0-7.0) have sold for $6-$12. High-grade CGC 9.8 copies average approximately $135.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for professional grading. The cost of the grading service (approx $35+) exceeds the current market value of a mid-grade copy of this specific issue. It is better kept as a reader copy or in a bag/board for a set collector.
Notable Features
Direct Edition printing (indicated by the Spider-Man face in the UPC box rather than a barcode). Bronze Age Marvel issue.
Authentication Notes
The item appears to be an authentic 1982 newsprint comic. Colors are consistent with the era's printing techniques; the 'Columbia Bicycle' ad at the top is a standard trade dress for Marvel issues of this specific month.