Ghostbusters: Back in Town #1

Ghostbusters: Back in Town #1 is the first issue of a four-part canon mini-series published by Dark Horse Comics, released on March 27, 2024.¹ Written by David Booher with story credit shared by Greg Pak, art by Blue Delliquanti, colors by Mildred Louis, and letters by Jimmy Betancourt (Comicraft), the issue bridges the gap between Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Cover A is by Kyle Lambert and Cover B by Steve Morris.¹ The Diamond Order Codes are DEC230991 (Cover A) and DEC230992 (Cover B).

Plot

Set approximately one year after the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the Spengler family and Gary Grooberson have officially relocated to New York City, moving into the Firehouse and taking up the Spengler family business. The issue follows Callie, Gary, Trevor, and Phoebe as they settle into their new home while navigating changing family dynamics, a visit to the Zeddemore Academy, and a first paranormal encounter in the Firehouse.

Winston Zeddemore welcomes the family back to New York and references the events of Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Janine Melnitz also appears in the issue, wearing the earrings she wore at the end of Afterlife. Ray Stantz is referenced through his shop, Ray's Occult Books. A Green Slime Ghost is the primary paranormal threat, ultimately captured but escaping the Containment Unit and setting up events later in the series. The villain Madame Malveaux and her Cockroach Acolytes are introduced as the overarching paranormal force.