Throughout this year, we’ve been spotlighting the fan-made comic series Ghostbusters: Ectocism by artist Nick Ross. While we had thought last month marked the series’ final digital issue, Ross had a surprise holiday gift for readers: today’s release of a backstory-packed prequel issue!
Ghostbusters: Ectocism #0 sets the stage for the return of Gozer the Gozerian. Taking place inside a familiar-looking museum, the issue introduces us to Gus and Chuck, whose appearances are unmistakably based on Eddie Murphy and John Candy. This clever fan casting pays homage to the fact that both actors were initially considered for roles in the 1984 Ghostbusters film. Murphy was once slated to join the Ghostbusters team, and Candy was in line to play Louis Tully, roles both actors would eventually pass on.
Back to the comic, the setup is simple yet effective: Gus and Chuck, two nighttime security guards, find themselves on duty while marveling at the new Shandor Tower exhibit. Set years after the ’84 interdimensional crossrip—dismissed as a “freak electrical storm” involving “an out-of-control inflatable marshmallow man float”—the pair show little concern when faced with the imposing stone statues of Vinz Clortho and Zuul. Things soon spiral into chaos as one of Gozer’s minions awakens from its stone base, leaving the duo with one question: “Who ya gonna call?!”
To read Issue #0, a PDF file is available here. Alternatively, you can find it on Ross’ Instagram and Facebook pages.
If you’ve missed the previous installments of Ghostbusters: Ectocism, here’s your chance to catch up. Spanning eight issues and over 300 pages, the series is a visual masterpiece brought to life through Ross’s stunning oil paintings and original storyline. Alongside beloved franchise characters and locations, Ross introduces a fresh supporting cast featuring new yet familiar-looking faces, like Candy and Murphy, and countless well-placed Easter eggs for diehard fans.
GHOSTBUSTERS: ECTOCISM THE COMPLETE SERIES:
For more on Ghostbusters: Ectocism, find our previous coverage of the digital comic series here.
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