Eddie Murphy and John Candy take on a terror dog in the prequel to Ghostbusters: Ectocism

All year long, we’ve been spotlighting artist Nick Ross’ fan-made comic series Ghostbusters: Ectocism. While we thought last month would be the final digital issue of the series, Ross had a surprise Christmas present for readers: today’s release of a backstory-packed prequel issue!

Ghostbusters: Ectocism #0 sets the stage for the return of Gozer, the Gozerian. The issue takes place in a familiar-looking museum and introduces us to Gus and Chuck, whose performances are unmistakably reminiscent of Eddie Murphy and John Candy. This clever fan casting pays homage to the fact that both actors were originally considered for roles in the 1984 Ghostbusters film. Murphy was set to join the Ghostbusters team and Candy was set to play Louis Tully, roles both actors would eventually pass on.

Back to the comic: The setup is simple but effective: Gus and Chuck, two night watchmen, find themselves on duty while marveling at the new exhibit in Shandor Tower. It takes place years after 1984’s interdimensional Crossrip – dismissed as “Unusual thunderstorm” involving “an out of control inflatable marshmallow man float”– the two show little concern in view of the impressive stone statues of Vinz Clortho and Zuul. Things soon descend into chaos when one of Gozer’s minions awakens from his stone pedestal and asks the duo a question: “Who are you calling?!”

A PDF file is required to read Issue #0 available here. Alternatively, you can find it on Ross’s Instagram and Facebook pages.

If you missed the previous installments of Ghostbusters: Ectocism, here’s your chance to catch up. Spanning eight issues and over 300 pages, the series is a visual masterpiece brought to life by Ross’ stunning oil paintings and original storyline. In addition to beloved franchise characters and locations, Ross introduces a new supporting cast with new but familiar-looking faces like Candy and Murphy, as well as tons of well-placed Easter eggs for die-hard fans.

GHOSTBUSTERS: ECTOCISM THE COMPLETE SERIES:
DOWNLOAD ISSUE 0
DOWNLOAD ISSUE 1
DOWNLOAD ISSUE 2
DOWNLOAD ISSUE 3
DOWNLOAD ISSUE 4
DOWNLOAD ISSUE 5
DOWNLOAD ISSUE 6
DOWNLOAD ISSUE 7
DOWNLOAD ISSUE 8

For more on Ghostbusters: Ectocism, check out our previous coverage of the digital comic series here.