"Ghost Rider"- The Blazing Skulled Hero's Beginnings!

Johnny Blaze / Ghost Rider made his blazing debut in "Marvel Spotlight"#5 (Aug. 1972), which is currently worth upwards of $550 in mint condition, in the comic book market.Ghost Rider was featured in the next several issues before receiving his own self-named comic book in Sept. of 1973 (which lasted for 81 issues, until 1983). He was created Roy Thomas (writer/editor), Gary Friedkin (writer) and Mike Ploog (artist). He was later drawn by Jim Mooney, as well as Dan Perlin for the "Ghost Rider" series. Special Note---1972 seemed to be a banner year for Marvel and writer Roy Thomas, to create several successful supernatural series (see also-"Tomb of Dracula" & "Werewolf By Night").

Johnny Blaze started out as a normal motorcycle stunt rider, who foolishly sells his soul to Satan; in exchange for his mentor's life and protection in a deadly motorcycle stunt. Satan (of course) cheats Johnny and allows his mentor to die anyway, and wants to claim Johnny's soul. The Devil then changes Johnny into a blazing-skulled, flaming motorcycle riding supernatural being, who he plans to use as his minion. Johnny rebels and uses his powers to protect the innocent and combat the wiles and plans of Satan. Johnny could be his normal self at certain times.

Ghost Rider's powers include---superhuman strength & stamina; he could shoot hell-fire from his hands; he had a flaming motorcycle that could ride on any surface, as well as ability to travel through other dimensions; he also had a flaming chain for a weapon; and was able to heal quickly from wounds.

He had other famous superheroes join him for some of his adventures. In Oct. 1975, Ghost Rider became a member of the superhero group "The Champions", which included Hercules, Black Widow, and two former original X-Men---The Angel & The Iceman. The Champions series was created by writer Tony Isabella and artist Don Heck. The original series lasted for 17 issues. Other superheroes would join and leave the group, from time to time.

There have been several other "Ghost Riders" since that time, but this article only covers the exciting original.

"Ghost Rider" was made into 2 popular feature films, starring Nicolas Cage,as well as appearances in several Marvel animated series'  on TV.

I'm sure that the character of the "Ghost Rider" will  'blaze' on for many years to come.