I read something else that made me excited today, though, and that is the announcement of the monthly publication of a Ghostbusters comic book.  This is something that I have been hoping for, and the reason that I bought all of the Ghostbusters comics that have been released within the last few years.  IDW has finally decided to make it a monthly series, though, and it seems that fan favorite artist Dapper Dan is going to have a hand in it, if not be the series’ artist for a few issues.  I really like his style.  It evokes thoughts of what an animated series would look like if it were based on his artistic style.  I have a feeling that it would be just different enough from The Real Ghostbusters to make it a new, and not derivative, series that is distinct and original.

Of course I would love to see most of the writers from The Real Ghostbusters return to the writer’s room on a new series.  However, I also think Paul Dini would be an awesome addition to the writing team, as he has proven time and again with his work on Batman: The Animated Series among others.  Bruce Timm also went on to work on many of the DC Animated Universe projects, but would be great to have back on the team (he created some character designs for The Real Ghostbusters).  In fact, there were many creators from RGB that went on to work on Batman: TAS.

Many of them will likely be busy working on future DC Animated Universe films as well as Green Lantern: The Animated Series, but that also brings up another idea: direct-to-video animated movies.  Why not create a feature length animated Ghostbusters film to either pilot a new animated television series, or to kick off a series of animated features?  Both Marvel and DC are releasing DTV features to varying degrees of success, and I think that this franchise could sustain something like that.

What do you guys think?  Are you excited for the upcoming monthly Ghostbusters comics from IDW?  Would you like to see a new animated series?  Would you like a series of animated features released direct to video?  If they decided to create a new series, what would you want it to be like?

Related Posts

• January 10, 2011 -- Ivan Reitman on Ghostbusters 3 Script: It is Complete!
• February 8, 2010 -- A New Ghostbusters Cartoon – Coming Soon?
• May 26, 2009 -- Aykroyd talks more Ghostbusters 3, Video Game
• May 6, 2009 -- Who should direct Ghostbusters 3?
• February 23, 2009 -- Ghostbusters 3 to shoot this fall?

Could a new Ghostbusters cartoon be released sometime in the next few years?  It’s possible.  The third movie is currently being re-written.  They’re on the second draft, I believe.  It’s likely that they’ll be shooting it sometime this fall, from what I’m hearing.  The news about it is coming out seemingly every few weeks or so, when someone is able to ask one of the writers or creative team members about it all.

The movies being released lately, either based on properties from the 80s, or otherwise, have brought about multiple new cartoons in some cases.  The Transformers films have brought about both Transformers Animated and the upcoming Transformers: Prime.  G.I. Joe recently had a series called Sigma 6 as well as one called Resolute.  There’s a new G.I. Joe series in the works to join the upcoming Transformers: Prime on The Hub (formerly Discovery Kids).

With these series getting new life with new styles and formats, it’s possible that Ghostbusters could make the return to Saturday Mornings.  Ghostbusters 3 is going to bring more awareness to the franchise.  Ghostbusters: The Video Game has started to bring awareness to higher levels.  And that’s not to mention the logo, which is one of the most recognizable logos in the world.

What would a new Ghostbusters cartoon look like?  I suppose that depends on what Ghostbusters 3 looks like.  Personally, I would like to see a cartoon that is similar in style to The Real Ghostbusters.  While Extreme Ghostbusters did a fair job of that, it missed the boat on a number of occasions, being too dark for younger children.  I’d love to have the writing style and format of the series return, with the new characters and the setting being around the time of the new film.  That way, they can do what RGB did, and tell new stories in that world, without stepping on the stories that potential new films in the series could bring.

What would you like to see in a potential new Ghostbusters cartoon?  A Real Ghostbusters sequel, of sorts?

Related Posts

• March 30, 2011 -- Ghostbusters Comic going Monthly, More Animated Series Thoughts
• January 10, 2011 -- Ivan Reitman on Ghostbusters 3 Script: It is Complete!
• January 28, 2010 -- Ghostbusters 3: Ivan Reitman to Direct, and in 3-D?
• June 23, 2009 -- Sigourney Weaver Talks About ‘Ghostbusters 3′
• May 26, 2009 -- Aykroyd talks more Ghostbusters 3, Video Game

Now Mattel has announced that they’re going to release a line of new collectibles in honor of the 25th Anniversary of Ghostbusters, this year.

There will be movie based 12- and 6-inch versions of the characters, as well as ghosts and characters based on The Real Ghostbusters. New Ghostbusters Action Figures? Thanks, Mattel, for breaking my budget! Read on for more!

Mattel plans to offer a collectible toy line tied into Sony Pictures Consumer Products’ 25^th anniversary merchandise program for the movie Ghostbusters.

Mattel’s Ghostbusters line debuts in June with 12-inch figures available exclusively at the toymaker’s MattyCollector.com website. Each figure will feature window box packaging and include authentic Ghostbuster equipment unique to each of the movie’s major characters. Select prototype figures will be on display at this weekend’s New York Comic Con and at later this month at Mattel’s New York Toy Fair Collector Preview Night.

Ghostbusters collectors will also be offered 6-inch figures – one of which will debut at San Diego Comic Con in July – that will come complete with authentic “Ghostbusters” equipment and ghost.

“There haven’t been many comedic blockbusters over the past quarter century as memorable and loved as Ghostbusters,” said Tim Kilpin, Mattel’s general manager for Boys, Girls & Games. “We are honored to participate in the celebration of the film’s 25th anniversary by creating the most extensive line of Ghostbusters collectibles ever.”

Mattel will also market characters and ghosts from the animated series The Real Ghostbusters.

You better believe that I’ll be collecting these! With all of this and all of the new Transformers coming out this year with the new movie, I’m going to need to build a new room just for all of the toys. Ridiculous! But insanely fun!

Related Posts

• March 30, 2011 -- Ghostbusters Comic going Monthly, More Animated Series Thoughts
• November 10, 2008 -- The Real Ghostbusters DVD Set Shipping November 25th!
• January 10, 2011 -- Ivan Reitman on Ghostbusters 3 Script: It is Complete!
• February 8, 2010 -- A New Ghostbusters Cartoon – Coming Soon?
• May 26, 2009 -- Aykroyd talks more Ghostbusters 3, Video Game

I digress. For years I have been anxiously awaiting any sort of release for The Real Ghostbusters on DVD. The most I expected was to get some episodes on a DVD or a best of The Real Ghostbusters DVD. They put a few episodes on the movie DVD’s second editions, and released three DVDs of episodes a couple of years ago as well.

Then it happened. They announced that more episodes of The Real Ghostbusters were coming to DVD. How much more? Everything. All of the episodes from The Real Ghostbusters and Slimer! and the Real Ghostbusters in one amazing 25 disc set. There will be over 12 hours of bonus material to boot!

It’s everything I’ve always wanted in a Real Ghostbusters set, and more! This is like a dream come true.

The Real Ghostbusters DVD Set

Today, an e-mail came with a message that it’s been delayed, but that shipping has been upgraded. But it’s not bad, because we get more, and maybe a little quicker than expected. Here’s the text of the e-mail:

Dear Fellow Ghostbusters Fan!

Some might say we went a little overboard when we put together The Real Ghostbusters complete collection. We couldn’t help ourselves! This series deserved all the bells and whistles.

In response to fantastic feedback, we’ve created a deluxe firehouse collector’s box with lenticular (hologram) panels on the front and sides. Inside this box are 5 separate steel book cases containing a total of 25 DVDs with every episode from The Real Ghostbusters and Slimer! And The Real Ghostbusters series. The 25^th DVD is a special bonus disc with nearly 3 hours of materials, including the never-before-seen promotional pilot with commentary and storyboards! All in all, there will be over 12 hours of bonus material!

Unfortunately, all these extra features, many of which weren’t included in our initial release plan, have lengthened the production time for this set, originally scheduled to ship out on November 15. But, because of all the added features, we will not have completed sets to ship out until November 25.

We know this will come as a disappointment to many, so we have decided to provide all of our pre-order customers with FREE FedEx Express shipping. Our standard shipping time is 2 weeks, so you will still get your set in the same timeframe (probably sooner)!

When you see all the fantastic features this collection has to offer, we’re sure you’ll agree it was worth the wait. So charge up your proton packs – The Real Ghostbusters is almost here!

Sincerely,
A. Davis
Time Life, Customer Care Manager

Thank you Time Life. I am looking forward to it.

Related Posts

• March 30, 2011 -- Ghostbusters Comic going Monthly, More Animated Series Thoughts
• February 5, 2009 -- Mattel to preview ‘Ghostbusters’ collectibles for 25th Anniversary
• September 7, 2008 -- New Purpose for This Blog
• January 10, 2011 -- Ivan Reitman on Ghostbusters 3 Script: It is Complete!
• March 16, 2010 -- Bandslam – One of 2009′s Best Reviewed Films, is on DVD!