Picking up where Season 7 of the cult TV series left off, creator Joss Whedon expands on the Slayer's mythology if he had the opportunity to continue the show into an eighth season.
Since the destruction of the Hellmouth, the Slayers have gotten organized and are kicking some serious undead butt. But not everything's fun and firearms, as an old enemy reappears, and Dawn experiences some serious growing pains.
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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Warning! There are spoilers ahead.
There is really no precedent for Joss Whedon's continuation of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER in comic book form. If Gene Roddenberry had continued Season Four of the original STAR TREK after it was cancelled by writing a series of comics it would have been the equivalent. But I'm not aware of any creator of a franchise of the level of BUFFY continuing it in a different medium excluding movies and television. While I would vastly prefer Joss Whedon focus his efforts on producing a new television series, I'll take new stories from him in any form I can get them. And that is what Joss truly is: a storyteller. But more importantly he understands something that most other storyteller don't quite grasp: it is less what happens in stories than how what happens affects the central characters. BUFFY was never really about killing vampires; it was about how killing vampires and fighting demons changed the ones doing the killing and fighting.
Another thing that Joss Whedon has always excelled at was not giving the fan what they were expecting. I've never encountered a storyteller who so persistently managed to surprise. Whedon resorts to clichés less than almost any other narrative artist I know and the start of the new BUFFY series is no exception. About the only thing that we knew about Buffy Summer following the destruction of Sunnydale was that she was living in Rome and dating some guy known as The Immortal. But here at the very beginning of this issue we learn that the Buffy in Rome wasn't our Buffy at all, but a decoy. So much for what we knew about Buffy! In fact, she is in Scotland and she is homesick, lonely, and sad. And everyone calls her ma'am.
With her in Scotland are only two of the Scoobies: Xander and her sister Dawn, who has grown too big for a britches. In fact, she has grown larger for anyone's britches, thanks to dating the wrong guy who caused her to grow to the size of Paul Bunyan, if not larger. Until Willow returns from wherever she is (we aren't told where), Dawn will remain a giantess.
Meanwhile Buffy has discovered some guys who have carved odd symbols into their chests and summoned demons. More about this in the future to be sure. And the military considers Buffy's new slayers to be terrorists and have struck a deal with an old friend to take her down, none other than Amy.
Anyone wanting to follow this story -- and any fan of the TV series definitely will -- I would strongly recommend early preordering of these books. They have been selling out at a record pace and both of the first two issues have already had to be reprinted. It is clear that this is going to be one of the best selling series of comics in the history of the genre. Be part of it.
There is really no precedent for Joss Whedon's continuation of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER in comic book form. If Gene Roddenberry had continued Season Four of the original STAR TREK after it was cancelled by writing a series of comics it would have been the equivalent. But I'm not aware of any creator of a franchise of the level of BUFFY continuing it in a different medium excluding movies and television. While I would vastly prefer Joss Whedon focus his efforts on producing a new television series, I'll take new stories from him in any form I can get them. And that is what Joss truly is: a storyteller. But more importantly he understands something that most other storyteller don't quite grasp: it is less what happens in stories than how what happens affects the central characters. BUFFY was never really about killing vampires; it was about how killing vampires and fighting demons changed the ones doing the killing and fighting.
Another thing that Joss Whedon has always excelled at was not giving the fan what they were expecting. I've never encountered a storyteller who so persistently managed to surprise. Whedon resorts to clichés less than almost any other narrative artist I know and the start of the new BUFFY series is no exception. About the only thing that we knew about Buffy Summer following the destruction of Sunnydale was that she was living in Rome and dating some guy known as The Immortal. But here at the very beginning of this issue we learn that the Buffy in Rome wasn't our Buffy at all, but a decoy. So much for what we knew about Buffy! In fact, she is in Scotland and she is homesick, lonely, and sad. And everyone calls her ma'am.
With her in Scotland are only two of the Scoobies: Xander and her sister Dawn, who has grown too big for a britches. In fact, she has grown larger for anyone's britches, thanks to dating the wrong guy who caused her to grow to the size of Paul Bunyan, if not larger. Until Willow returns from wherever she is (we aren't told where), Dawn will remain a giantess.
Meanwhile Buffy has discovered some guys who have carved odd symbols into their chests and summoned demons. More about this in the future to be sure. And the military considers Buffy's new slayers to be terrorists and have struck a deal with an old friend to take her down, none other than Amy.
Anyone wanting to follow this story -- and any fan of the TV series definitely will -- I would strongly recommend early preordering of these books. They have been selling out at a record pace and both of the first two issues have already had to be reprinted. It is clear that this is going to be one of the best selling series of comics in the history of the genre. Be part of it.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
*Possible spoilers within.*
I wonder if Joss Whedon originally had more story to tell after the end of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," or if he simply came up with more recently. As "Buffy" ended where he'd supposedly originally intended it to, but "Angel" was cancelled when Whedon expressedy stated that he had more story to tell, I would have expected him to continue "Angel" rather than "Buffy". (I still wish he would do so, and he has recently said that he's considering it.) However, I'll gobble up anything by Mr. Whedon, especially if it has something to do with the Buffyverse. And so when the first issue of the Season Eight comics was released, I devoured it. It's a tasty morsel indeed.
This season takes place a while after the epic finale of the TV show. The U.S. government, investigating the annihilation of Sunnydale, is now pursuing Buffy Summers, whom they consider to be a dangerous terrorist. Buffy herself is leading the thousands of Slayers currently in Europe in small groups, while the patched Xander Harris guides her from their base in Scotland. Obviously this is no small operation - in fact, it's huge.
Speaking of huge, Dawn Summers has recently lost her virginity to a "thricewise" - the result being Dawn's sudden growth spurt, from about five feet to about fifty feet. She's huge, unhappy, and currently housed in a warehouse where her tiny sister tries to sort things out with her. Buffy knows all about the repercussions of your "first time", but Dawn is waiting for Willow's return to vent. ("And anyhow Willow's the expert on boys since when now?" Buffy muses.)
In Part I of the season premiere, titled "The Long Way Home," Buffy battles a group of large, nasty beasts whose most recent victims appear to be members of a cult. (Expect a follow-up on that in future issues.) Meanwhile, in Sunnydale, government workers have unearthed someone from Buffy's past with a hankerin' for some vengeance. And cheese.
If the first issue is any indication, Season Eight of "Buffy" is gonna rock. Truly, this is going to be an absolute delight for any and all fans. Whedon's writing is as witty, creative, and shocking as ever, alluding to previous events and baddies like he so loves to do (and we love him to do) as well as the revelation from Season Five of "Angel" in which we learn that Buffy is currently dating some jerk called "the Immortal." Nope - that was one of three decoy Buffys used to throw enemies off her trail. As for the actual look of the comic, George Jeanty's artwork is excellent. Already he has the look of the characters down pat.
I was worried about how well "Buffy" would work as a comic as opposed to a TV show. I needn't have worried. "Buffy" works, and it works well. It's a blast to see the characters back, OFFICIALLY, and from Whedon's own hands at that. (In future issues, other writers from the series will be scripting the issues as well!) By all means, don't just go out and buy these, because they're selling like mad. Pre-order them well ahead of time so you can get your hands on some simply sumptuous "Buffy" action.
Buffy's back, and she's just as awesome as ever.
I wonder if Joss Whedon originally had more story to tell after the end of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," or if he simply came up with more recently. As "Buffy" ended where he'd supposedly originally intended it to, but "Angel" was cancelled when Whedon expressedy stated that he had more story to tell, I would have expected him to continue "Angel" rather than "Buffy". (I still wish he would do so, and he has recently said that he's considering it.) However, I'll gobble up anything by Mr. Whedon, especially if it has something to do with the Buffyverse. And so when the first issue of the Season Eight comics was released, I devoured it. It's a tasty morsel indeed.
This season takes place a while after the epic finale of the TV show. The U.S. government, investigating the annihilation of Sunnydale, is now pursuing Buffy Summers, whom they consider to be a dangerous terrorist. Buffy herself is leading the thousands of Slayers currently in Europe in small groups, while the patched Xander Harris guides her from their base in Scotland. Obviously this is no small operation - in fact, it's huge.
Speaking of huge, Dawn Summers has recently lost her virginity to a "thricewise" - the result being Dawn's sudden growth spurt, from about five feet to about fifty feet. She's huge, unhappy, and currently housed in a warehouse where her tiny sister tries to sort things out with her. Buffy knows all about the repercussions of your "first time", but Dawn is waiting for Willow's return to vent. ("And anyhow Willow's the expert on boys since when now?" Buffy muses.)
In Part I of the season premiere, titled "The Long Way Home," Buffy battles a group of large, nasty beasts whose most recent victims appear to be members of a cult. (Expect a follow-up on that in future issues.) Meanwhile, in Sunnydale, government workers have unearthed someone from Buffy's past with a hankerin' for some vengeance. And cheese.
If the first issue is any indication, Season Eight of "Buffy" is gonna rock. Truly, this is going to be an absolute delight for any and all fans. Whedon's writing is as witty, creative, and shocking as ever, alluding to previous events and baddies like he so loves to do (and we love him to do) as well as the revelation from Season Five of "Angel" in which we learn that Buffy is currently dating some jerk called "the Immortal." Nope - that was one of three decoy Buffys used to throw enemies off her trail. As for the actual look of the comic, George Jeanty's artwork is excellent. Already he has the look of the characters down pat.
I was worried about how well "Buffy" would work as a comic as opposed to a TV show. I needn't have worried. "Buffy" works, and it works well. It's a blast to see the characters back, OFFICIALLY, and from Whedon's own hands at that. (In future issues, other writers from the series will be scripting the issues as well!) By all means, don't just go out and buy these, because they're selling like mad. Pre-order them well ahead of time so you can get your hands on some simply sumptuous "Buffy" action.
Buffy's back, and she's just as awesome as ever.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
I was one of the million fans who lamented the end of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" back in May 2003. After a seven-season run, we all bid farewell to one of the most truly imaginative series of the past decades. The series finale was really spectacular on its own and I felt that it left you satisfied while still wanting more.
Over the past couple of years, there has been possibilities of TV movies, big screen films, and even a Buffy Cartoon! Joss Whedon finally gives his faithful fans the continuation of "Buffy" that they had always hoped for, albeit in a medium many weren't expecting: comic.
At first, I was a bit apprehensive about this announcement. Admittedly, I've never been a frequent reader of comics and I wasn't sure how the show would make the transition. I'd always felt that one of the main strengths was its brilliant acting and I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy a Buffy story without Sarah Michelle Gellar or Alyson Hannigan bringing it to life.
All my apprehensions were relieved once I ordered the comic online. I just had to give it a chance, especially being that it's written by none other than Joss Whedon (or as Buffy aficionados refer to as "GOD"). What initially pops out about the comic is the breathtaking cover, illustrated by Jo Chen. Whedon has said that he wants to keep her around for the covers as long as possibly. Let's hope Chen sticks around. The rest of the illustrations in the comic (done by Georges Jeanty, Andy Owens, Dave Stewart & Richard Starkings) are beautiful as well. The images just jump out at you and are truly epic in scope.
Now, what about the most important aspect of the comic...the writing! To sum it up in just one word is difficult. Whedon alleviates my previous worry that I wouldn't be able to connect with the dialog without actors because he writes them so well and so true to who we came to love on the series that you can just hear Gellar saying it as if you were watching it on screen. One unique thing about this comic that we don't get in the series are private thoughts from Buffy's head. This provides some great insight and touching moments.
This comic exceeded my expectations and I cannot wait until the next issue. Whedon says "season eight" will go about 30 issues, or even more! With a new issue coming out every month, this means all us Buffy fans will be entertained for the next years to come!!
Over the past couple of years, there has been possibilities of TV movies, big screen films, and even a Buffy Cartoon! Joss Whedon finally gives his faithful fans the continuation of "Buffy" that they had always hoped for, albeit in a medium many weren't expecting: comic.
At first, I was a bit apprehensive about this announcement. Admittedly, I've never been a frequent reader of comics and I wasn't sure how the show would make the transition. I'd always felt that one of the main strengths was its brilliant acting and I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy a Buffy story without Sarah Michelle Gellar or Alyson Hannigan bringing it to life.
All my apprehensions were relieved once I ordered the comic online. I just had to give it a chance, especially being that it's written by none other than Joss Whedon (or as Buffy aficionados refer to as "GOD"). What initially pops out about the comic is the breathtaking cover, illustrated by Jo Chen. Whedon has said that he wants to keep her around for the covers as long as possibly. Let's hope Chen sticks around. The rest of the illustrations in the comic (done by Georges Jeanty, Andy Owens, Dave Stewart & Richard Starkings) are beautiful as well. The images just jump out at you and are truly epic in scope.
Now, what about the most important aspect of the comic...the writing! To sum it up in just one word is difficult. Whedon alleviates my previous worry that I wouldn't be able to connect with the dialog without actors because he writes them so well and so true to who we came to love on the series that you can just hear Gellar saying it as if you were watching it on screen. One unique thing about this comic that we don't get in the series are private thoughts from Buffy's head. This provides some great insight and touching moments.
This comic exceeded my expectations and I cannot wait until the next issue. Whedon says "season eight" will go about 30 issues, or even more! With a new issue coming out every month, this means all us Buffy fans will be entertained for the next years to come!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
wonderful
This was a wonderful comic! I loved it and I can not wait to see what comes next! I have watched the complete Buffy series and this was a great place to start. :D
Published 14 months ago by chey
Back to the Beat
The eighth season of Buffy begins with a drift across the sky, Buffy and three slayers seemingly floating through space, though Buffy is carrying what looks like a huge gun. Gun? Read more
Published on February 14, 2008 by Kevin Killian
Season 8
Fans of the series should pick this up ASAP! Just like watching an episode on TV. Joss brings you back to his universe kicking and screaming.
Published on October 10, 2007 by K. Martin
Miss Buffy the t.v. show
I really miss the Buffy t.v. show, so I decided to read the comic. It was very interesting, but it cost quite a bit for a brief 5 - 10 minute read. Read more
Published on July 24, 2007 by dmurphy
Expecting More
I only recently discovered that there was a Season 8 written by Joss Whedon and I immediately purchased the first 5 issues. Read more
Published on July 18, 2007 by PamJH
Buffy's back better than ever!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 8 takes place right after the ending of Sunnydale. Buffy, Zander, and a giant Dawn return. Read more
Published on July 1, 2007 by Kim Baccellia, "YA Books Central reviewer"
Meh...
I am a big fan of Buffy, so, when I found out Joss had released a comic which would reflect his vision of season 8, I was eager to purchase it. Well.... Read more
Published on June 5, 2007 by Serene
"The thing about changing the world...once you do it, the world's all...
Let joy be undiminished. Joss Whedon is scripting the new Dark Horse comic book "Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8. Read more
Published on April 12, 2007 by Lawrance M. Bernabo
Season Eight... And It's Canon
Here, at last, is the canon continuation of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" as written by Joss Whedon.
Joss Whedon, creator of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and the author of... Read more
Joss Whedon, creator of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and the author of... Read more
Published on March 22, 2007 by Pat Shand
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