When a title comes across my desk (or through an email as the case may be) with a name like Mars Attacks The Real Ghostbusters, you kind of have to answer the call and see just what in the heck a comic like this could be about. What exactly do these two franchises have in common? Why on Earth would the Ghostbusters ever come in contact with the aliens from Mars Attacks?
I’m glad you asked!
In a rather clever opening sequence, the infamous 1938 radio production of Orsen Welles’ War of the Worlds is being broadcast, and, unbeknownst to the people of Earth, the transmission is being intercepted by the martians made famous in Mars Attacks. Believing the attack to be real, and curious as to why they were not informed, the martians make their way to Earth to join in the chaos. But, upon arrival, they find everything is peaceful. Feeling betrayed and confused, they hightail it back into space, vowing vengeance for our unintentional trickery. Unfortunately for them, a meteor shower strikes their ship, and they crash land back onto Earth’s surface.
Flash forward to the present, and we meet the Ghostbusters! Sweet! Who are mid battle with a giant Nutcracker. (Yes, you read that correctly.) Witty banter and holiday-related puns ensue until the Ghostbusters catch their target. It isn’t long before they receive a call asking them to visit a mysterious crash site. The very crash site the aliens landed in back in 1938! Because, guess what? The aliens have been long dead and are now angry martian spirits! See? They wrapped that all together rather nicely.
It’s a quick one-shot comic with a lot packed into such a tiny issue, but all-in-all a fun little story. I particularly enjoyed the artwork as the character models were based on the old Real Ghostbusters cartoon show from the ’80s. Everything from blonde-haired Egon to Slimer living at the Headquarters like some sort of adopted, booger-shaped pet. The martians themselves were drawn in a very classic, alien invasion type style from the comic books of yore, which was a nice touch.
So, while not a mind-blowing experience, Mars Attacks The Real Ghostbusters is a fun read worth picking up, especially for the die-hard fanboys of each respected franchise.
