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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Where's the Stake?, August 23, 2002
This review is from: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Supernatural Defense Kit (Paperback)
Occasionally, one has to be amazed by the devious minds of the folks who inhabit marketing departments. It is no secret that they want us fans to spend our hard earned cash reserves on all things Buffy. Especially books, comics, figures, and paraphernalia. The "Supernatural Defense Kit," however, is proof of the presence of the demonic somewhere deep in the catacombs of Dark Horse Comics. The kit consists of a perfectly serviceable cross and chain (the golden cross of belief), a copy of the ring that Angel gave to Buffy as a token of his love (the Claddagh ring of strength and friendship), and a wee vial of water with real silver foil in it (the shimmering holy water of fortitude). And, best of all, a hardbound copy of "The Final Cut," a story originally from BTVS comic #8, to which a great deal has been added. Perhaps they should have retitled it "The Director's Cut." All of this comes in a slipcase designed to make removing the contents something only a slayer could do. The shimmering holy water is very well sealed, to prevent idle sipping, and the usually obligatory stake has been left out. Which makes this kit equally safe for both the youngest and the oldest of overenthusiastic Buffy fans. This is all in good fun, of course. I think the Claddagh ring is a nice touch, reminding us that the theme of Buffy is not all violence and vampire dust. Loyal friendship and commitment play their parts as well.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The best Buffy book, April 10, 2000
By A Customer
The third graphic novel collecting issues from the ongoing Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic book series and the best one so far. This is the first time the series had attempted any sort of story ark, with mixed results. One the one hand it allows for a more compelling plot then the one monster per issue fromat they'd used up to now, but on the other the Selke storyline is left unresolved which is frustrating for readers who have to wait for the next collection. The artwork is either excellent (if you consider the comic book as a stand alone, seperate from the tv series) or in need of work (if you expect the characters to look anything like the actors). The fact that Angel and Xander look very similar and Bufy and Amy are practically indistinguishable would be my main critiscism. Artwork aside, this book comes closer to recreating the atmosphere of the tv series than the previous ones. Although the comic series has managed to capture the humour and action of Buffy exceptionally well they'd so far left out the emotional element which makes the tv show so gripping. This can be found in Joyce's concerns about ageing in this book which are mirrored by Buffy's worries about getting old (although for different reasons). The modelling story examines on of the series recurring themes - can Buffy lead a normal life despite being the Slayer? and does so without just retreading old ground. All in all this is an excellent book and a must for all Buffy fans.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Will the Real Buffy Please..., October 19, 2002
During most of 1999, Dark Horse Comics pursued a single long story line with intermittent breaks. In a sense, this was an imitation of the television show, with its combination of episodic tales and extended story arcs. While this was a mixed success with the readers, it did produce its share of great moments, and established some basic principles for the series that have lasted for almost regular 50 issues and countless specials. This trade paperback contains the last three episodes of the 'Bad Blood' story arc that consumed nine issues in total. The force behind the series is the efforts of Selke, a horribly scarred vampire, to recover her looks, establish a power base, and to destroy Buffy. Selke and her accomplice Dr. Flitter have found away to create an evil Buffy twin whose assignment is to track down her original and 'slay' her. Of course, we know that Buffy will survive, but the clone's ability to anticipate Buffy's every move allows her to accomplish the impossible - leave Buffy for dead in the Sunnydale sewer and shop for clothes in the same night. Buffy find help from an unexpected source and works her way to a final confrontation with Selke in the middle of the Sunnydale Mardi Gras celebration. A final short story tells the story of a sorority initiation that nearly stomps the clock permanently. These are probably the best three episodes of 'Bad Blood,' both in terms of writing and artwork. Even so the long stretch of the comic book series works against it and it lacks the spark that a shorter series like 'The Blood of Carthage' can produce. It is hardly a failure however. I do suggest that the reader begin at the beginning with the first trade paperback, 'Bad Blood.'
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