TV21 #78

In TV21 #78 (1971), the Sting-Ray—also known as the Scorpion—strikes at Carter Slade’s ranch during a school fundraiser, paralyzing Sheriff Brooks and Clay Riley before making off with the collected funds. The Ghost Rider arrives to intervene, only to be blocked by the Sheriff and his men, setting off a tense pursuit that escalates when the real culprit, the local druggist, uses the chaos to kidnap Natalie. Written by Gary Friedrich and Dick Ayers, with art by Dick Ayers and inks by Vince Colletta, the issue builds suspense with shifting loyalties and a dramatic confrontation where the Ghost Rider is nearly shot by the Sheriff—only to be stopped by the mysterious Tarantula, who claims to be working with the Night Rider. The cover, penciled and inked by Carlos Pino and Vicente Alcázar, captures the moment of tension with striking detail.