Ghostbusters #19 Review

30 years in, are the Ghostbusters still engaging? Read on to find out.

The official description from IDW:

Tiamat is too powerful to be destroyed and her growing interest with humanity promises unheard of catastrophe for the city, county, and state of New York if the Ghostbusters don’t come up with a fix… and fast! But with all of their usual methods laughed off, will the team have to make a deal with devil to save the day? Find out in the penultimate installment of Mass Hysteria!

It’s a hard thing going back to a popular franchise with multi-generational roots. Thankfully we have an outstanding creative team that knows how to embrace the future without tarnishing those fond memories of t-shirts, proton packs and the memorable Ecto-1 car toys. Truth be told this latest entry is no different my fellow fanboys and fangirls, so think back to that kid your picturing and find a nice spot to enjoy this.

An outstanding script by Erik Burnham calls on the important players as two class seven entities battle it out in Ray‘s mind. Through the strength of the written word our engaging scribe finds the humor and humanity in a situation that’s familiar and new. And that right there is what makes this arc special, as the author takes the time to pay respect while offering his own spin on things. Add in the fact that Mass Hysteria is building up its stakes and you’ve got something that deserves attention.

Dan Schoening is once again an artist to watch. The way the talent effortlessly transports familiar characters from a visual perspective to a still medium while maintaining their trademark personalities is outstanding. Each page is quirky and memorable with a few standout panels sprinkled out for good measure. Add in the colors by Luis Antonio Delgado and the whole of this component shines with enough energy to catch the gaze of wandering eyes.

Ghostbusters #19 is another superb entry that brings me right back to my childhood. And so if you’re a fan there’s no question: go out and buy this! Highly recommended.