Customer Reviews

Tales of the Vampires (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

"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.

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

I grew up reading japanese mangas and therefore not very into american comic books in general. At least that was my impression about classics such as Superman or Spiderman. Hence I am very nicely surprised when I received and read my copies of Tales of the Slayers (not to be confused with the Tales of the Slayer Series) and Tales of the Vampires. Both books are mostly written by the writers on the BTVS show. Both books are very much similar in style and in quality. I put down the comparison so that people who had read the other book can get a rough idea how this book is.

Each story is a very well-structured short story with interesting twist. Sophiscted enough for adult readers such as myself. It is fun to see the diverse styles in art and in script in this book. I like that the art plays just as important a part as the story. It's very similar to the kind of manga I read, only that this is even more fun since it is in full color.

A plus for the Buffyverse fans. Angel, Spike and Drusilla, together with Giles' parents are featured in this book. There is also a hilarious story starring Dracula, Xander and Buffy Summers!

I wish to see Joss Whedon and team writing more vampire stories, and I can't wait for the sequal in the Fray series to come out soon enough.

An amalgam of stories about vampires - familiar vampires, new vampires, male vampires, female vampires, modern vampires, vampires of old. What makes them different, alien, and what makes them just like us. All set in the frame of an old, chained story-telling vampire, deep in the catacombs beneath the Watcher's Guild. Brilliant, imaginative, often lyrical, and highly enjoyable.

The ending of the tv show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" left me bitter and disappointed for many reasons. But this book reminds us about what vampires are all about: blood, mayhem, destruction along with the complex underpinnings of emotion that make them such fascinating creatures.

After all, they DO come from human stock.

While I didn't care for the titular character of "Stacy" (just another teenaged loser craving power in all the wrong places), the story made me understand why somebody actually would want to be a vampire...a sense of connection with something bigger than herself.

"Father" gives that same feeling. The vampire truly cares for his family. That sense of family didn't die when he did; he remains joyful and happy when his son marries and produces a child of his own. You almost feel sorry for the creature when a violent, righteous Slayer kicks in the door and puts an end to his undead existence.

But I've always believed that humans weren't meant to be immortal. It does bad things to us. In almost any story about humans gaining eternal life, the human becomes inhuman, a monster who shrugs off his humanity like a dirty coat.

That's why I liked "Taking Care of Business." You didn't see too many really old vampires on the show. One gets the feeling most of them are too arrogant or stupid to keep existing for long. So in "Business" you see what can happen when a vampire sticks around for too long. He goes insane. So what happens when he meets a human even loonier than he is? There's the joke.

But it was "Antique" that really made me smile. How could it not when it had the vampire that rings out above all others...DRACULA!

Okay, he was shown to be a pompous gypsy windbag on the show and "Antique" furthers that hilarious concept. But in the end we see what all the mesmerism, fancy clothes, posturing, self-aggrandizement and oratory is really about...the need for attention. Dracula is a very lonely figure, in spite of his riches, and all he really wanted was a friend, somebody to listen to him, keep him company, praise him and show him something new about the world. Too bad the only way he knew how to get it was by hypnotizing people.

All in all, I would certainly recommend this comic book to anybody wanting to feed their Buffy fix. Even if you never saw "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" you would love this work for its interesting twists and ideas about vampires.

in addition to being a nice little pick-me-up for buffy junkies, the work is well written beautifully illustrated. I would recommend it to anyone with a penchant for any comic reader.

This is a graphic novel with twelve unique vampire stories that fit into the buffyverse continuity. Each tale is framed by one continuous story by Joss Whedon. The stories are by different authors and illustrated by different artists. Some work better than others. My favorites are "Father," "The Problem with Vampires," "Numb" and the story that weaves in and out of the collection, "Tales of the Vampires."

A group of young watcher trainees listen to a vampire tell the tales gathered in this anthology. The first story, "Father," is a son remembering his father. I enjoyed "The Problem with Vampires" because two of my favorite vampires are featured, Dru and Spike. "Numb" shows how Angel struggles to keep control of Angelus. The dialog in "Antique" was funny, but I didn't like how Xander was portrayed

Very cool comic book. I enjoyed it a lot, I received it in perfect condition. Quick read, keeps you interested.

I would give it a 5 star review except for the fact that the dang thing fell apart within minutes of opening it! Too much fuss to exchange it. :(