Calum Petrie reviews Ghostbusters: IDW 20/20…
The IDW 20/20 series has some of the most iconic series from the publisher moving either 20 years into the future or past. This week it’s the turn of Ghostbusters, which to be honest is ironic considering the recent news about next year’s return to the main film franchise.
This issue picks up 20 years into the future and has the original four busters running the business, though the Sanctum of Slime Ghostbusters are on hand to carry out any jobs the old guys can’t (or don’t want to) tackle. The issue starts with a mysterious house appearing from the nowhere in a patch of spare ground, and the only logical step is to call in the Ghostbusters.
The art within the issue is a very modern a vibrant art style, and the characters are extremely reminiscent of The Real Ghostbusters animated series. The issue does tend to follow the Sanctum of Slime crew more, with the original guys in a supporting role. Though the franchise has been through a lot of criticism in recent years, it is nice to see the classic faces back in the places where they should be.
The overall story is slightly by the numbers and plays it very safe; there are no major risks by changing characters too much (adding age and weight to the original cast), no change of setting, or even moving the franchise out of its comfort zone. It almost sounds like I am damning it for not being risky enough, while at the same time praising it for having lots of nostalgic value.
Overall, I did enjoy the issue, but I just think I was expecting more when I heard about the 20/20 event.
Rating – 5/10
You can follow me on Twitter – @Cetrie
Originally published January 24, 2019. Updated January 23, 2019.
