Ghostbusters: Deviations (One Shot)
Written by Kelly Thompson
Art by Nelson Daniel
Letters by Neil Uyetake
Covers by Nelson Daniel, Dan Schoening
IDW Publishing
Release Date: March 16, 2016
Cover Price: $4.99

Welcome, one and all, to a story that isn’t quite as you might remember it. This version, aptly titled Ghostbusters: Deviations, is all about what would happen if one key part of the story was changed. This is essentially along the lines of an alternate reality story mashed up with the basic “what if” concept we have seen in the past.

I think the part that stands out the most is that the script changes the story about ten minutes from the end of the first film. The writer chose an important part and changed only one key action. It makes for hilarity in comic form.

I’m working off the premise that you’ve seen the movie Ghostbusters. If you have not, shame on you. I want you to immediately go buy it and watch it. Yes, you need to purchase this film, you’ll watch it repeatedly once you own it. Go on, I’ll wait right here.

Now, if you have already seen the movie or just finished watching it, you’ll remember the part where Gozer is forced into the form of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man and our heroic Ghostbusters are fighting to save humanity from this oversized evil mascot from Hell. Remember what they did to win? That’s right, they crossed the streams! But what if they didn’t? What if, say, they just didn’t manage to win. Well, that’s where this comic takes us. We pick up the tale thirty-one days into a reality where Gozer rules with a soft, delicious (but firm) hand. He is aided by the small, but amazingly adorable, Mini Pufts! But beware, they are more than they seem.

A plan is hatched, with some help from the oddly cooperative and bored Gozer. But not everyone is as excited about the scheme as you might think. It’s the lead up and the objective that really allow for so much humor here. I know I laughed out loud several times while reading, startling my wife and a couple of the cats. I won’t give away any more of the story, you’ll have to read it yourself.

Writer Kelly Thompson does a spectacular job of creating a tale worthy of the original. The best part was modern twists and pop culture references. Of course, it helped that I read it with the proper voices in mind. Additionally, artist Nelson Daniel captured the team in a style that almost created caricatures of the original actors. At no time did I have a problem telling one from another. Their iconic features and attitudes were recreated on the page to perfection.

It’s a single issue. A one shot comic. If you are, in any way, a fan of the film or franchise then go grab this comic book. It made me wonder what other movies or stories we could see in Deviations form. To be fair, there are also one shots for Transformers, G.I. Joe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and The X-Files coming. I don’t know if they are on the same level as this one but I can attest it was a blast to read. Take yourself to the store (or order online) and get this book!