I didn’t read the original Ghostbusters series, so I really didn’t know what to expect with the re-launch. So when I bought The New Ghostbusters #1, by IDW Publishing, I quickly skimmed through the pages to see who was in it and what the ghosts looked like. I was in for a big surprise because I hadn’t read any of the press releases or previews.

The Ghostbusters (Peter, Egon, Ray and Winston) were abducted one at a time, by a ghost that resembled each of them. They wind up in what looks like another dimension.

Who you gonna call now? The New Ghostbusters!

• JANINE. Ghostbusters secretary.
• KYLIE. Ray’s bookstore manager, paranormal researcher.
• MELANIE. FBI special agent

After creating a chaotic scene at a ghost busting site, the ladies are given a proposition by the city. Either agree to micromanagement by the Paranormal Contracts Oversight Commission (PCOC) or have charges filed against them by the city. Since none of the ladies have technical skills with the proton equipment, they also have to add a technician to their team. RON ALEXANDER. Janine hesitantly agreed.

This is a pretty good debut issue. Great dialogue with lots of jokes, all at a good pace. I like how Erik Burnham began with showing what happened to the original Ghostbusters. If you’re looking for a good set-up for a story, this issue has it.

Dan Schoening did a great job on the artwork. I also like the coloring by Luis Delgado. I especially like the ghosts. They’re the typical ghostbusters ghosts. Ooey, gooey and slimy. Just how I remember from the film!

I wasn’t really feeling the story, probably because I rather watch it on television (cartoon comes on QUBO channel), but I’m curious as to what’s going to happen next. I want to know how The New Ghostbusters are going to handle not being able to have a say in the coordinating and prioritizing of their cases. Especially their most important case, finding the guys. I also want to see how well Janine and Kylie work with Ron. Last but certainly not least, I want to know where the guys are and how they plan to get home. So I plan to read the next issue to see where it’s heading.

VERDICT (drum roll please)

If you’re a fan of Ghostbusters then you will want to start reading this series.