2020 saw the beginning of Hasbro's retro The Real Ghostbusters wave, a line meant to be a throwback for the most dedicated of fans. The first wave of figures brought the classic 1987 back to stores, riding a wave of nostalgia that made the line a huge success. Now, as Hasbro's Ghostbusters line continues to grow in the wake of Ghostbusters day, a second wave is due to hit shelves (and, in fact, may be available in your local Wal-mart already!).
The second wave may not have the core Ghostbusters in its line-up, but it does have some of the line's most fun toys. Two new ghosts are on the way, as well as the iconic Ghostbusters Ecto-1, just in time to drive around town and catch a few ghosts. Hasbro sent CBR this wave to take a look at, and we were pleasantly surprised with the continued level of quality and attention to detail that comes with the Real Ghostbusters re-release line. These new additions all come in gorgeous retro packaging, with a brilliant color scheme that stands out in any collection, but they'll still pop on your shelf if you decide you'd rather open up your toys rather than keep them on card.
Originally released in 1987's second wave of Real Ghostbusters toys, the Bug-Eye Ghost is a pretty simple design, all things considered. The body is a solid plastic construction, but it does have articulation for its two arms. There's also a large, plastic eye that is attached by a string.
Smack the Bug-Eye Ghost on the back in just the right spot, and the eye launches out! We had some trouble getting the effect to work, but when it did work, it looked great. Bug-Eye Ghosts' hands are sculpted in such a way that it can hold the eye as well, making for a haunting display to face down your Ghostbusters figures.
Fearsome Flush originally debuted as part of 1989's sixth wave of Real Ghostbusters toys. The line was already fairly long in the tooth for a toy line by the time of this wave's release, so Fearsome Flush is a clear stand-out in a line that included a "Green Ghost" figure decked out with a Proton Pack and the Neutrona Wand themed "Water Zapper."
There's not a lot of articulation to the Fearsome Flush, but it doesn't need it. In the default mode, Fearsome Flush appears to be an unassuming toilet with a pale gray color and a Ghostbusters logo stamped onto the lid. Roll it across a solid surface, though, and the real monster shows itself. The toilet lid pops up to reveal a pair of horrifying, bloodshot eyes, and the lid raises to unleash a wagging tongue and rows of teeth. It's hardly an "action figure" by traditional definitions, but Fearsome Flush is hard to beat as a memorable ghost and a unique design. It's perfect for your Ghostbusters toys to chase (or just as a fun conversation piece on your desk).
It wouldn't be the Ghostbusters without the iconic Ecto-1, and this re-release takes the cake. The original Ecto-1 was another 1987 Wave 2 release alongside the Bug-Eyed Ghost and the Ghost Popper released in the previous Classics wave. The Ecto-1 is a simple enough construction with enough room for two figures to ride in the front and a special harness seat another figure can ride in. The harness seat has two blasters and can mount on the roof, where it has a full rotation swivel or into a special track in the rear of the Ecto-1.
The real hidden gem is the capture hook in the back, perfect for snagging a ghost while driving. Toggling the switch concealed by the exhaust pipe allows the action of the rear wheels to retract the claw, stashing captured ghosts safely in the Ecto-1's rear compartment. The Ecto-1 itself, made primarily of white plastic with red highlights and a few decals, doesn't sound that impressive, but there's no denying it looks incredibly slick with Ghostbusters riding in it. Whether you're a collector recapturing your childhood or buying for a child, the Ecto-1 is one you don't want to miss out on.
The Real Ghostbusters Bug-Eye Ghost, Fearsome Flush and Ecto-1 are available exclusively at Walmart. Bug-Eyed Ghost and Fearsome Flush retail approximately $14.99, while the Ecto-1 will retail approximately $49.99.
CBR was provided review samples of these products by Hasbro.
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