Real Ghostbusters: NOW Comics Volume 1 Issue 5

The Real Ghostbusters NOW Comics Volume 1, Issue #5 is the fifth issue of The Real Ghostbusters NOW Comics series, published by NOW Comics in January 1989. Written by James Van Hise with pencils by John Tobias, the issue introduces Irena Cortez, a werewolf coerced into a life of crime who becomes a recurring character across the series.

Publication Details


Publisher	NOW Comics
Published	January 1989
Writer	James Van Hise
Penciler	John Tobias
Inker	Brian Thomas
Colorist	Rich Powers
Letterer	Kurt Hathaway
Editor	Tony Caputo
Cover artists	Ken Steacy, Andrew Pratt
Previous issue	Volume 1, Issue #4
Next issue	Volume 1, Issue #6

Publication Details


Publisher	NOW Comics
Published	January 1989
Writer	James Van Hise
Penciler	John Tobias
Inker	Brian Thomas
Colorist	Rich Powers
Letterer	Kurt Hathaway
Editor	Tony Caputo
Cover artists	Ken Steacy, Andrew Pratt
Previous issue	Volume 1, Issue #4
Next issue	Volume 1, Issue #6

Three criminals operating in ninja-like costumes have been using a shock collar to force Irena Cortez, a werewolf, into committing crimes on their behalf. Irena inherited her lycanthropy from her parents, who were killed by hunters; the issue establishes that in this continuity werewolves can be harmed by ordinary bullets rather than requiring silver. When the Ghostbusters encounter Irena, a proton stream removes the shock collar and breaks the criminals' hold over her.

The ninjas then abduct both Irena and Peter Venkman, using Irena's shadow to reanimate an ancient mummy known only as the Nameless One. Peter reminds Irena that Egon told her she can transform at will. Acting on that, Irena willingly becomes a werewolf and defeats the Nameless One. In a final act of aggression the mummy buries itself underground.

Issue characters:

Irena Cortez: A werewolf who inherited her powers from her parents after they were killed by hunters. Coerced into crime via a shock collar, she allies with the Ghostbusters once freed. She reappears in Issue #11 (where she helps defeat Astorath and considers adopting a child named Shannon Phillips) and in Issue #19 (where Peter dates her while she is in werewolf form).
The Nameless One: An ancient mummy resurrected by the ninjas using Irena's shadow. Defeated by Irena in werewolf form, it buries itself underground.
Head Ninja, Fat Ninja, Thin Ninja: Three criminals in ninja-like costumes who use the shock collar to control Irena and employ occult methods to raise the Nameless One.
Inspector Wilbur: A law enforcement figure present in the issue.