Tales of the Vampires (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) [Paperback]

Joss Whedon (Author, Artist), Ben Edlund (Author, Artist), Jane Espensen (Author, Artist), Brett Matthews (Author, Artist), Drew Goddard (Author, Artist), Tim Sale (Author, Artist), Scott Morse (Author, Artist), Mike Mignola (Author, Artist)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 14, 2004

Tales of the Vampires presents stories ranging from medieval times to the Depression to today, all intricately woven around Joss Whedon's central story about a group of young Watchers in training. Not to be missed is Buffy's rematch with Dracula and Angel's ongoing battle with his own demons. Wrapped in a haunting cover by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, these diverse tales flesh out the history and the world of Joss Whedon's unforgettable creations and fill the void left by the Buffy TV show better than any other writers ever could.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Although Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spinoff Angel have both ended, new stories set in creator Whedon's "Buffyverse" continue to appear in comics published by Dark Horse. Whedon and several of his shows' writers—Ben Edlund, Jane Espenson and Drew Goddard—contribute to this new collection of stories about vampires, set in disparate times and places. Buffy turns up for a rematch with Dracula, but Goddard's new story makes this mythic vampire look foolish. Brett Matthews's tale, in which the heroic vampire Angel again confronts his Hyde-like other self, Angelus, breaks no new ground. More successful is Goddard's prequel to the television debuts of the vampires Spike and Drusilla, dramatizing how these literally soulless beings can nonetheless be deeply in love. Espenson's three tales are particularly impressive, including one ironically written (and drawn by Scott Morse) in the style of a children's Christmas storybook. Artist Vatche Mavlian gives the right period look to Matthews's vampiric twist on the mystery of Jack the Ripper. Whedon intriguingly portrays the mindset of a lonely fantasy fan whose wish for "magic" in her life disturbingly comes true when she joins the ranks of the undead. The level of writing and art varies widely through the anthology, but the successes outweigh the disappointments. (Nov.)
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From Booklist

Gr. 9-12. This graphic novel anthology of a dozen original vampire tales is loosely joined by a framing story in which a group of youngsters listens to a shackled monster. Illustrated in a wide range of gorgeously executed styles, the tales vary in both length and age appropriateness. "Spot the Vampire" is suitable for very young vampire fans, "Father" has a little blood and a lot of melancholia, and "Jack," while tame for graphic novel Ripper stories, is appropriately scary. Then there's "Taking Care of Business," which hovers between funny and haunting. Each story offers a tight plot, well-balanced visual and textual interplay, and sympathetic characters. Francisca Goldsmith
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Dark Horse (December 14, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569717494
• ISBN-13: 978-1569717493
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 6.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #151,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "I have magic in my heart...", March 20, 2005

By 

N. Durham "Big Evil" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tales of the Vampires (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) (Paperback)

Compiling the mini-series published by Dark Horse comics, Tales of the Vampires is a must read for Buffy and Angel fans. Featuring stories taking place in the Buffy universe with various writers and artists, Tales of the Vampires may come off as a mixed bag at first, but there is a whole lot here to admire. Standouts include "Stacy" written by Buffy creator Joss Whedon and penciled by Seaguy artist Cameron Stewart, and that alone is worth checking this out for, along with "Father" written by Buffy vet Jane Espenson which weaves a tale of a young man and his ageless vamp father. Espenson also writes "Spot the Vampire" which is delightful, as well as the creepily effective "Dust Bowl". Drew Goddard and Paul Lee contribute "The Problem with Vampires" which shows the reader a pre-Buffy Spike and Drusila, while Goddard also contributes the hilarious "Antique" which finds Buffy herself face to face with Dracula in an attempt to save a brainwashed Xander. "Numb", scripted by Brett Matthews, is another Angel redemption yarn that's been done before and done better, and "Taking Care of Business" by Ben Edlund isn't as clever as it thinks it is. Other than those two stories, Tales of the Vampires is a smashing read for Buffy and Angel fans, and if you liked Tales of the Slayers you'll definitely dig this.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, but emphasizes art much more than stories, July 27, 2008

By 

Henry Perkins (Santa Clara, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tales of the Vampires (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) (Paperback)

"Tales of the Vampire" is an only mildly interesting mix of vampire stories, and if you buy this book for the writing you're going to be disappointed, as I was. There are many distinctive art styles displayed in the book, and that's an excellent reason to buy it if you want more visual variety than was permitted in the TV show format. However, the collection ultimately isn't a major addition to the assembled lore of the BuffyVerse, unlike the Season 8 stories.

The wraparound story that rationalizes the existence of all the others provides a glimpse into watcher training of yore, and that's about it despite occupying the biggest chunk of the book. A couple others ("Father", "The Problem With Vampires") attempt to explain how soulless vampires can maintain emotional, loving, attachments to others. "Jack" posits vampire activity to flesh out the story of "Jack the Ripper"; "Numb" gives a glimpse into Angel's mind around the time of "Amends", the Season 3 BtVS story in which snow came to Sunnydale; and "Antique" is an epilogue to "Buffy vs. Dracula". For 12 total stories there's just not much that's memorable. One in particular is pretty much a Dr. Seuss-like rhyme.

Mostly, though, "Tales of the Vampire" is about the art much more than the stories. Several of the story authors (Joss Whedon, Jane Espenson, Drew Goddard, Brett Matthews) repeat, but the artists are all unique. There's an additional gallery of full-page panels without text at the end of the book, featuring works by another 5 artists and 2 colorists. So this book is just chock full of distinctive artwork, and if you're looking for artistic range you may be delighted. The stories, alas, get short shrift.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Vampire, You Are Everything I Loathe. But I Have Learned From You.", June 15, 2007

By 

Pat Shand "Pat Shand" (Freeport, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Tales of the Vampires (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) (Paperback)

Where "Tales of the Slayers" was entertaining, "Tales of the Vampires" is, to say the least, a spectacular collection of stories tied together by a first-rate tale which gives insight into the mythology of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." It's the best Buffyverse comic that I've read (other than Season Eight and Spike: Asylum, of course), and that's saying a lot. This collection simply has so much to offer. There's stories with drama, stories with depth, stories that explore and expand the mythology, and a few simply funny tales. It's clear to see that this was penned by people who loved writing for the show (Whedon, Espenson, Goddard) and others who loved watching the show (anyone with eyes/ears).

While "Tales of the Vampires" can be described as a collection of short graphic stories about vampires, it also tells a cohesive story about one vampire named Roche telling tales of the undead to a group of young watchers. As the stories unfold, it is simply a pleasure to see the young watcher named Edna realize what Roche's true reason for telling these tales is. The Roche/Edna plot that unfolds over the length of this book is written by Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy and Angel.

Some of the most interesting stories in this edition are about vampires we've never met before, but what fans will surely be most interested in is the stories about characters who have already been established in the Buffyverse. There are plenty of those. Spike and Drusilla's love story in "The Problem With Vampires" is touching, classic, and leads right up to their first appearance in the show. "Antique" is the first we hear of Buffy since the end of the series (this is pre-season eight) and it has her battling with Dracula for Xander's freedom. The closing story is one about Angel called "Numb" which takes place during the Season Three episode "Amends." It expands on the dreams that are tormenting Angel about his past, and has some of the most beautiful comic art I've ever seen. It really fits with the snowy mood of the episode.

The writing, as I mentioned above, is top-notch. The art, different for each story, is almost always great--except for, perhaps, the depiction of Buffy, Xander, and Dracula in "Antique." A bit to blagh for me. But all else is well. If you're interested in vampires, Buffy, comics, or are currently reading "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight", then this is the book for you.

9/10