Series Context
This issue is part of a consecutive three-issue run adapting Ghostbusters II for a comics audience:
- Part 1 ("Together Again For The First Time," October 1989): Covers the film's opening through the Scoleri Brothers courtroom sequence. Written and drawn by the same creative team.
- Part 2 ("The Slime Of Their Lives," November 1989): Bridges the film's middle section, including the mood slime experiments and the fire-trap sequence. It draws from script content including deleted scenes absent from the theatrical release.
- Part 3 ("A Big Date With Liberty," December 1989): The concluding issue, reviewed here.
Throughout all three parts, the creative team remained consistent: writer James Van Hise, penciler John Tobias, inker Rich Rankin, colorist Suzanne Dechnik, letterer Dan Nakrosis, art director Michele Mach, editor Katherine Llewellyn, and chief editor Tony Caputo.
Story
Part 3 adapts the second half of the Ghostbusters II film, drawing from chapters 18 through 28 of the shooting script. The adapted segments cover:
- In the Tunnel (Chapter 18)
- Scaring the Straights (Chapter 19)
- Kidnapping Oscar (Chapter 20)
- Tenth Level of Hell (Chapter 21)
- No Dent (Chapter 22)
- The Statue of Liberty (Chapter 23)
- A Harbor Chick (Chapter 24)
- Breaking and Entering (Chapter 25)
- Ghostbusters vs. Vigo (Chapter 26)
- The Fifth Ghostbuster (Chapter 27)
- World is Safe Again (Chapter 28)
One deleted scene from the script, "Louis' Cousin, Sherman Tully," is also adapted, introducing Sherman Tully as a minor character. Like Part 2, this issue draws on a script draft that included material cut from the finished film.
Altered and Deleted Pages
During production of this final part, the story's ending was revised. Four pages were deleted or substantially altered so the conclusion would align with the theatrical version of the film rather than the script draft.
The altered story retains the core film ending: the Ghostbusters, Dana Barrett, Oscar, and Janosz Poha emerge from the museum after defeating Vigo. Louis Tully is dropped off at the museum by Slimer and finds everyone safe. Jack Hardemeyer is freed from the Wall of Slime, his attitude improved by the mood slime.
The issue then includes scenes not in the film: after the New Year's Eve celebration, Jack and the Ghostbusters discuss the displaced Statue of Liberty, and the Ghostbusters present Jack with their bill for the job. Peter Venkman notes that the city stiffed them last time around. The final pages show the Ghostbusters, Dana, and Oscar attending the official reopening of the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island some weeks after the events of New Year's Eve, where the group discusses their personal heritages.
Cast
Main: Egon Spengler, Peter Venkman, Ray Stantz, Winston Zeddemore, Dana Barrett, Janosz Poha, Louis Tully, Janine Melnitz, Jack Hardemeyer, Vigo, Oscar, Slimer
Minor: Slimed Restaurant Patron, Maitre D', Restaurant Cops (2), Gracie Mansion Butler, Mayor Lenny, Orderly No. 1, Psychiatric Doctor, Sherman Tully, Plaza Hotel Man, Woman with Fur Coat, Mink Coat, Doorman, Detectives (2), Police Sergeant, Police Lieutenant, Dock Supervisor, the Titanic, Fire Captain, the Statue of Liberty
References
- NOW Comics, The Real Ghostbusters Starring In Ghostbusters II Part 3 (December 1989)
