Despite multiple movies, multiple cartoon series, spinoff comic books and games, there are only a handful of recognizable, recurring ghosts in the Ghostbusters universe. Slimer began as a memorable antagonist in the 1984 film before eventually transitioning to a sort of Firehouse mascot in The Real Ghostbusters cartoon. The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man presides as the reigning champ and fan favorite of specters. Then there’s Samhain, the Ghost of Halloween who made his first appearance in the first season of The Real Ghostbusters and quickly became one of the Ghostbusters’ most formidable foes of all time.
First appearing in the eighth episode of the inaugural season of The Real Ghostbusters, “When Halloween was Forever,” Samhain is revealed to be an ancient spirit dating back to the origins of Halloween, hailing from 7th century Ireland. As in, Samhain is Halloween personified. Somehow, the spirit was trapped in an antique clock for centuries, until it was transported to New York for display in a museum. His two goblin henchmen set him loose on Halloween night, where he then halts time and attempts to make Halloween everlasting. His downfall of the episode was his weakness to light.
In the season 2 episode “The Devil to Pay,” minor demon Dyb Devlin conjured up illusions for the Ghostbusters to face, which included Samhain. They engaged in battle, panicked, until Ray finally realized the real Samhain was still safely secured in the containment unit.
Samhain was unleashed from the containment unit for real in season 3 episode “Halloween II ½,” courtesy of his favored goblin minions. His main objective this time was revenge. So, he took over the Firehouse and used it as his own personal fortress full of ghosts. The Ghostbusters teamed up with the Jr. Ghostbusters, who promptly get captured and held hostage. Strategic blasts and fighting ensue, and the Ghostbusters successfully trap Samhain once more.
NOW Comics published The Real Ghostbusters comic series based on the cartoon, starting in 1988. Naturally, Samhain made appearances there as well, beginning with issue 17. In the second annual edition, Samhain seems to have met a permanent demise, but can you really kill the spirit of Halloween? Especially considering Samhain notably appears in both the intro and outro of the Extreme Ghostbusters animated series in 1997. The series only lasted 40 episodes before cancellation, but Samhain’s presence in the opening is strongly suggestive that he would’ve popped up in an episode at some point. He was also the only ghost other than Slimer to receive an Extreme Ghostbusters toy.
Samhain appeared as a central enemy in IDW’s comic Ghostbusters: What in Samhain Just Happened?! and the board game as well. That doesn’t even touch upon the countless mentions or cameo appearances by the Ghost of Halloween over the entire franchise history, canon or otherwise.
The Ghost of Halloween is driven by a need to protect other ghosts, goblins, and other creatures of the night. He longs for perpetual Halloween and for his underlings to be treated well. Though most ghosts tend to be afraid of him. Samhain has a temper, after all. He can stop time and create an enduring night. His backstory is straight out of actual Halloween folklore. Above all, he’s one of the few ghosts to present a recurring problem for the Ghostbusters. It’s only fitting that the very essence of Halloween makes for one of the toughest villains the Ghostbusters have ever faced, again and again.
Samhain is overdue for another appearance, don’t you think?
