GHOSTBUSTERS: ARTBOOK is a Gorgeous Tribute to the Iconic Film

Ghostbusters is a franchise that needs no introduction– the films have captured the imaginations of countless fans of the jovial macabre and continue to be a touchstone in both horror and comedy. The new Ghostbusters: Artbook, released by Insight editions and Printed in Blood, compiles a truly massive selection of original art based on and dedicated to the one that, for many, started it all. If you’re a fan of Ghostbusters in any way, this is a must-have release that embodies the depth of inspiration and the cultural impact which the film is responsible for.

As this is an art book, evaluating it is a lot different than traditional print releases. Let’s start with the presentation– the book itself is a hefty coffee-table-style hardcover. Everything from the binding to the vividly colored cover screams quality, and that’s before you’ve even opened the thing. What awaits inside is a lavish gallery of over 150 original pieces, sorted into sections based on subject. There’s a chapter set aside for nearly every memorable element of the movie, ranging from Ghostbusters tech to Slimer, Stay Puft, and beyond.

Now let’s look at the art itself. As far as I’m concerned, every illustration in this book is a winner. You can open Ghostbusters: Artbook to a random page and every time there’s a new detail to catch your eye and elicit interest, a piece you maybe hadn’t looked at quite as thoroughly the first time around which offers a new perspective on some element of Ghostbusters. It’s clear that every contributor to the book has a deep love of the subject matter, and it’s interesting to see the wildly different interpretations of characters, sets, and designs across all different art styles.

Also welcome are occasional notes from the artists which provide insight into their links to the movie and why they chose to approach certain subjects or utilize a given style. These asides are further proof of the widespread impact of Ghostbusters, as you’ll read time and again about how important the franchise was to shaping childhoods and imaginations. Perhaps the most touching of these is Bob Risetto’s, not only due to his contribution (although it is a good one) but due to the inclusion of a pair of drawings by his 5-year-old nephew, who has reportedly been obsessed with the ghost hunting team since first seeing the movie. It’s wonderful to see the drawings of a child in the midst of all this professional art and strengthens that the movie is an enduring classic which still offers that spark of blockbuster magic to newcomers.

There’s not much more to say– if you’re a fan of Ghostbusters in any capacity this book is a home run. It’s a gorgeous, glossy, technicolor love letter full of carefully crafted works of art that showcase what makes the movie so special to so many. If you’re still not convinced, enjoy these sample pieces and consider how much more the book has to offer: