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Released in 1986 by Kenner, The Real Ghostbusters Ghost Trap encouraged would-be parapsychologists in their quest to find and capture mischievous spirits.
The toy supported The Real Ghostbusters, an animated television series based on the Ghostbusters (1984) feature film. The show ran on ABC from 1986 to 1991 and featured voice performances by Arsenio Hall, Buster Jones, Frank Welker, Dave Coulier, and Maurice LaMarche in the lead roles.
The toy resembled the ghost trap depicted in the films, although its appearance shifted from the industrial aesthetic of the movie prop to a brighter colour scheme intended for children’s play.
To capture a ghost, the trap could be removed from the Proton Pack backpack (sold separately) and positioned on the floor. Stepping on the pump forced air through the hose, causing the trap’s doors to swing open. Imagined ghosts were captured, saving society from untold mayhem. The toy also featured glow-in-the-dark caution stripes on the trap doors, enhancing its visual appeal in low-light conditions.
IN THE BOX
A complete set included a pump, hose, trap with hinged doors, and a glow-in-the-dark Jail Jaw ghost figure.
COLLECTOR CONSIDERATIONS
Kenner Products produced a variety of licensed toys, figures, and playsets for the Ghostbusters franchise. The Ghost Trap was one of the line’s signature accessories and allowed children to recreate ghost-catching scenes from the animated series.
The Real Ghostbusters Ghost Trap can command hundreds of dollars on the secondary market. Collectors should carefully examine the pump and hose for damage, as repeated use could weaken the pump mechanism and cause the hose material to deteriorate over time.
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