In anticipation of the new Ghostbusters feature film coming to theaters Summer 2020, we look back at the Boys in Grey's first year on the job, showcasing never before seen adventures! Being interviewed for a book on the Ghostbusters, RAY STANTZ will relate some of his earlier days working with Venkman and Spengler, as well as tell the tale of their first concrete encounter with a ghost... and the eventual fate of that spectral librarian that chased them out of the New York Public Library!
In anticipation of the new Ghostbusters feature film coming to theaters Summer 2020!
Never-before-seen early adventures of the Boys in Grey!
By the fan-favorite and critically-acclaimed creative team of writer Erik Burnham, artist Dan Schoening, and colorist Luis Antonio Delgado!
Cover A (Schoening) is part of 4-issue themed set featuring each 'buster in solo action!
Cover B (Schoening) is part of 4-issue interconnected set!
Ghostbusters Year One is a nice companion piece to the 1984 film. It's not must-read material but Erik Burnham does a great job in filling in gaps if you're a fan of the franchise in any capacity. Erik has a great voice for these characters and while I'm always critical of the IDW character models, the script for this issue is bulletproof.
The issue picks up with our interviewer as she makes contact with Ray Stantz, the heart of the Ghostbusters. We learn how he met up with Pete and Egon in college and how they discovered the emerging field of Parapsychology. This segment of the book also shows some of the Ghostbuster's technology in the conceptual phase.
The book then takes a surprising turn and follows up on the original ghost encounter from the 84 film. The interviewer asks if the library ghost was ever captured. Ray is taken aback by the question and replies that no one had ever asked him before and proceeds to fill her and by extension the reader in on what actually happened. I won't spoil what happens next but the scene is perfect and falls in line with the film and what would be expected from the characters.
Ghostbusters Year One feels like a definitive Ghostbusters story. This is a story I can see collected into a coffee table edition along with the original film. This was a fun and insightful trip down the memory hole that provides some nice solo time to Ray and insight into his character beyond the film.
The only knock I have as usual are the character models. The art direction and action are generally good but it gets really irritating when the Ghostbusters only have several facial expressions each regardless of circumstances. This is especially annoying with Peter who seemingly has the same shit-eating smirk whenever he appears.
Aside from the same general complaint I have about the art direction of the series, the issue is a perfect blend of new and old. I can't see anyone reading this not finding something to love.
Rating: 9.5/10
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