Ghostbusters #16 Review

Can a rather familiar plot structure still be compelling thirty years later? Read on to find out.

The official description from IDW:

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before; a Sumerian god has invaded the City that Never Sleeps, causing all manner of chaos. People are possessed. Blood rains from the sky. Dogs and cats… you get the picture. This is where you call the Ghostbusters, they break out their neutrona wands and cross the streams, taking care of business and saving the day, right? Maybe not this time!

Mass Hysteria! continues and trust me when I say me fellow fanboys and fangirls this is exactly how any property should celebrate a milestone. This massive arc, crafted by a thoroughly capable creative team, continues to be entertaining in its own right while looking back to its roots. In short: proton packs at the ready because its time to bust some heads! In the spiritual sense of course.

Erik Burnham pens the script and the scribe takes all of our main characters down a road that flashes right to where all these paranormal shenanigans began. And the best thing about the piece in general is the fact that banter between key players is solid especially when the author doesn’t shy away from self deprecating humor as it relates to the current plot. Hilarity ensues as our heroes and their new friends seek to take out a god level threat and stop that pesky blood rain once and for all.

The ragtag team has never looked better as Dan Schoening once again illustrates his grasp not just on the franchise but the quirks that go along with it. His unique sensibilities give life to characters like Dr. Peter Venkman without ever having to be a direct iteration of Bill Murray’s illustrious mug. When you add in the dynamic colors by Luis Antonio Delgado we’re left with a striking package that’s bound to please.

Ghostbusters #16 is a comic that knows and understands its audience. From a few moments of suspense to the nods to the aged films this release comes highly recommended.