Review – Ghostbusters #20 (IDW Publishing)

Publisher: IDW Publishing
Writer: Erik Burnham
Artist: Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado
Release Date: 24th September 2014

Issue 20 of IDW’s Ghostbusters brings the ‘Mass Hysteria’ story arc to a close, but also, sadly, marks the end of the on-going series. In the year of the original film’s 30th anniversary, Burnham, Schoening, et al, have breathed new life into the franchise with this hugely successful run, and perhaps laid the groundwork for the next cinematic instalment, by introducing a secondary cast of characters who may take over the reins in the future.

In a refreshing, if somewhat surprising twist, centre stage in the finale is taken by Winston, who engages in a battle of wits with the God of Chaos and ultimately suffers most for his actions. Over the course of the run, Erik Burnham has subtly moulded the character into a dutiful, pragmatic hero, whose common-sense approach to matters often outshines that of his more academic colleagues, and it was interesting to see the culmination of his gradual rise to prominence. This shift of emphasis unfortunately meant the anticipated final battle between the team and Tiamat did not materialise, which was a little disappointing.

One of the great strengths of this run has been the consistent excellence of the artwork by Dan Schoening and colourist Luis Antonio Delgado, both of whom sign off in style. Their rendering of classic Ghostbusters Gods and monsters has been first rate throughout, but the series has also given rise to some fantastic new additions to the bestiary, and we are treated to a few more here. We are also given a glimpse of a possible afterlife, and bear witness New York’s streets soaked with blood rain.

Although not exactly the finale I was expecting, GB #20 provides a fitting end to a thoroughly enjoyable run. The door has been left open for future instalments, and it will be interesting to see how the franchise develops from here.

Rating: 4/5.

PREVIEW ARTWORK.

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The Writer of this piece was: Martin Doyle
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