Slimer - The Class V Full-Roaming Vapor

Slimer is one of the most recognisable non-human entities ever encountered by the Ghostbusters and remains an active, if unpredictable, paranormal presence to this day.

Origins and First Contact

Slimer was first encountered in the early 1980s at the Sedgewick Hotel in New York City. Classified as a Class V Full-Roaming Vapor, Slimer exhibited typical traits of this category: high energy movement, partial corporeal manifestation, and an extreme attraction to food sources.

Unlike many Class V entities, Slimer showed clear signs of personality. He was mischievous rather than malicious, curious rather than aggressive, and seemed to enjoy provoking reactions from humans. This combination of intelligence and appetite made him both dangerous and strangely endearing.

During the Ghostbusters’ first major public operation, Slimer was successfully captured using a proton stream and containment trap, becoming the team’s first officially logged ghost.

Behaviour and Characteristics

Slimer is most often described as:

• Semi-translucent green in appearance
• Capable of rapid flight through solid objects
• Highly reactive to strong smells and food vapours
• Able to generate large quantities of ectoplasmic residue

Ectoplasm left by Slimer is known to be particularly sticky, mildly corrosive, and difficult to remove without specialised cleaning equipment. Long-term exposure has been known to damage furnishings, electronics, and clothing.

Despite this, Slimer has never shown deliberate intent to seriously harm humans.

Relationship with the Ghostbusters

Over time, Slimer’s relationship with the Ghostbusters evolved. After subsequent containment breaches and facility incidents, Slimer was observed behaving less like a hostile entity and more like a semi-cooperative presence.

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Slimer was no longer treated as a priority recapture target unless he posed a direct risk. In several documented cases, he actively avoided damaging people and showed familiarity with Ghostbuster equipment and personnel.

This led some researchers to classify him as a non-hostile free-range apparition.

Slimer and The Real Ghostbusters

Following his initial capture, Slimer’s role evolved significantly during the events documented in The Real Ghostbusters animated series. Rather than remaining a purely hostile or containment-only entity, Slimer became a semi-permanent resident of the Ghostbusters’ firehouse.

In this period, Slimer was no longer treated strictly as a ghost to be trapped, but as an unpredictable ally. He frequently assisted the team during investigations, provided early warnings of paranormal activity, and occasionally intervened during encounters with more dangerous entities.

Slimer’s behaviour during this time was notably more expressive and emotional. He displayed clear loyalty to the team, particularly when the firehouse or its occupants were threatened, but remained driven by impulse, appetite, and mischief.

Relationship with Peter Venkman

Slimer developed a particularly complex relationship with Dr Peter Venkman. Their interactions were marked by constant friction, sarcasm, and practical jokes on both sides. Despite this ongoing antagonism, the two demonstrated a begrudging mutual tolerance.

In multiple recorded incidents, Slimer actively aided Venkman or reacted defensively when he was placed in danger. Researchers have suggested this reflects Slimer’s tendency to form emotional attachments, even when expressed through disruptive or irritating behaviour.

Firehouse Resident and Team Mascot

During this era, Slimer effectively functioned as an unofficial fifth Ghostbuster. He resided within the firehouse, interacted regularly with staff and equipment, and was widely recognised as the team’s mascot.

Although never fully trusted, Slimer was accepted as a familiar presence rather than a threat. His continued cooperation reinforced the theory that some Class V entities are capable of adaptation, social bonding, and long-term coexistence with humans under the right conditions.

What Is Slimer Doing Today?

Recent reports suggest Slimer remains active but largely out of sight.

Modern theories propose that Slimer now follows a migratory pattern, appearing near:

• Large food waste facilities
• Abandoned commercial kitchens
• Closed hotels, cinemas, and restaurants

There have been unconfirmed sightings of a green vaporous entity in cities undergoing redevelopment, particularly where old buildings are being demolished or refurbished. Paranormal investigators believe Slimer may be drawn to residual emotional energy linked to excess, celebration, and indulgence.

Some believe he actively avoids modern proton equipment, having learned to recognise its unique electromagnetic signature.

Current Status

• Threat level: Low
• Containment priority: Monitor only
• Last confirmed sighting: Classified

Slimer is considered a reminder that not all ghosts are villains. Some are simply echoes of appetite, emotion, and unfinished business – still drifting through our world, looking for their next meal.