In October, IDW is bringing characters from the 1984 hit movie Ghostbusters
back to comic books. Written by Keith Champagne with artist Tom Nguyen,
the four-issue mini-series will tell a story of Venkman, Ray, Egon and
Winston as the ghosts try to get a little revenge.
Newsarama talked to Champagne about the series, what characters are going to show up, and why Champagne has no love for Slimer.
Newsarama: How did this comic come about? Did you pitch it to IDW or was it something they approached you about?
Keith Champagne: It seems like a case of being in the right place in the right time.
I like IDW as a company, I enjoy the product they put out, so I've made
it a point to keep in loose contact with [Editor-in-Chief] Chris Ryall
over the past year or so. He brought up a couple of properties to me in
our last go round, Ghostbusters being one of them. I came up with a
couple of quick ideas and we were off to the races soon after.
NRAMA: Were you a fan of the movie?
KC: I think the first Ghostbusters movie is one of the
greatest comedies of all time. The second movie... maybe not. But it
has some great moments sprinkled throughout.
NRAMA: Did you have a favorite part?
KC: Slimer all the way, baby! Can't get enough of that lovable green rascal...NOT.
I was so happy when I was told I didn't have to use Slimer. It's a good
indication that we're going for a PG-13 adventure ride with the
Ghostbusters, not a strategically commercialized kid's ride at the
local amusement park.
As for as my real favorite part... Bill Murray, of course.
NRAMA: Why do you think the Ghostbusters was such a successful franchise?
KC: Is Ghostbusters a successful franchise? It's definitely
generated a lot of revenue in different formats so I guess one could
consider it successful in a bottom line kind of way, but creatively, I
think it's been hit or miss. Granted, I'm not the target audience for
the cartoon stuff so maybe I'm wrong.
I think the greatness of the first movie has more or less born the
weight of the entire franchise over the years. None of the other
iterations has seemed to come close although I'm hearing that the
upcoming video game is really good, basically a third movie in itself.
And hey, there's no shame in shooting for the stars and falling a
little short. Let's face it: guys like Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis and
Rick Moranis and Bill Murray firing on all cyclinders, that's a tough
act to follow for us mere mortals.
NRAMA: Do you think it still translates to modern audiences? Why?
KC: I can't speak for everyone but I re-watched the first movie
a little while back to get reacquainted with the Ghostbusters and it
still works really well. The special effects show their age a little
but that's something we don't have to worry about in comics.
Each Ghostbuster: Venkman, Ray, Egon and Winston, they're all very
distinct from one another, personality wise. There's a ridiculous
amount of uncharted territory when it comes to investigating the
paranormal. There's nothing but potential with this property, no reason
at all it can't connect with today's audience so long as it's properly
handled. Everybody knows of the Ghostbusters, they've just been out of
the limelight for a while.
NRAMA: But why now, Keith? Why do you think right now is a good time for a Ghostbusters comic?
KC: Part of it might be '80s nostalgia for people around my age
but more than that, I think the property is enjoying a bit of a
resurgence thanks to the building hype for the upcoming video game.
People are starting to think about Ghostbusters again. Well, guess
what? Here's an all-new adventure to check out!
NRAMA: In Ghostbusters continuity, where does this fall? And what is happening that drives the story?
KC: There have been tons of comics and cartoons and stuff over
the years, but to streamline the process and bring the focus back on
the original group, the first two movies are what count as far as
continuity.
Basically, the Ghostbusters have taken out Gozer and slapped Vigo
silly. They're riding high, completely unaware that they're noticed by
and making some powerful enemies in the realm of the paranormal.
Certain ghosts might have a vested interest in making sure the
Ghostbusters don't start stepping on their toes. They might even put
out a hit on the group before they really become a problem.
NRAMA: Are we going to see some familiar people as ghosts?
KC: The ghosts of Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Seigal, and Al Capone might be involved, among others.
NRAMA: Besides Egon, Ray, Winston and Peter, what other characters from the movie might we see showing up?
KC: Did I mention you won't see Slimer? Pretty much everyone
else is fair game. It depends on how much room we have to play with. If
your favorite secondary character doesn't pop up in this series, I
promise they will in the next one.
NRAMA: What's your favorite thing about writing the Ghostbusters characters?
KC: Mostly, I get a kick out of the fact that I'm writing Dan
Akroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson. This is one of
those gigs that I never thought twice would even exist, let alone come
my way. It's just pure fun to put the gang through their paces and try
to live up to the standard set by the first movie.
NRAMA: As you write this comic, what's the biggest challenge?
KC: Honestly, in comparison to some of the projects I've
written, this project is like a vacation. Which isn't to say that I
don't enjoy writing larger crossover stuff; I love the challenge of it.
But logistically, this is so much simpler. It's easier to keep my eyes
on both the trees and the forest.
In terms of actual process, it's really hard to write funny. I don't
know what makes you or anyone else out there laugh, so I can only come
up with stuff that would make me laugh and go from there. The movies
give me a good template, and actually knowing and being able to hear
the actors voices in my head is a big help in terms of making sure
they're all staying in character, no matter what situation I plot them
into.
NRAMA: How has it been working with the artist, and what's the overall feel of the comic?
KC: Tom Nguyen and I finished working together on the Black Belt
Hamsters a little while ago, and I feel lucky to have him back for this
book. He's also a good friend so it makes working together more
enjoyable.
The Ghostbusters have very human proportions, not superhuman, and Tom
is playing to that, making sure these guys look like normal people.
It's a different side of his art. The same great storytelling but
imposed on the real world, more or less. But on the flip side, when it
comes to the paranormal stuff, the ghost designs, he has more room to
cut loose. It makes for a really nice contrast. It's great looking
stuff. I think his work here will continue to open people's eyes to the
fact that he's a great all around artist, not just one of our best
inkers.
NRAMA: Anything else you want to tell people about Ghostbusters?
KC: You know that classic line from the Ray Parker theme song? "I ain't afraid of no ghosts!"
Well, guess what? Ray Parker was lying.
