Manikin
04-19-2007, 02:43 AM
Howdy folks,
I recently picked up the first two issues of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic by Joss Whedon...which of course means nothing to any of you unless you are like me and thoroughly enjoyed the TV series. This comic picks up where 'Angel' leaves both story lines, though nothing is stated in this story regarding Angel or his crew.
This story starts much like about every first episode of a new season of Buffy; with action and a small amount of misdirection. The new story takes off fast, assuming that the reader already has at least a cursory knowledge of the characters and previous plots. ***SIDE NOTE: But like I said earlier, who else would be reading this comic?*** It shows elements of a good plot by establishing the Heroes and the 'Big Bad' early on, and hints at a true meaning behind it all, with clues, that will of course be unveiled near the end. Many 'inside' jokes are made about characters from the series, and a few comic/cult references are tossed into the mix as well that will keep 'us fans' giggling to ourselves for a while.
The art is good, capturing the likenesses of the actors very well in some panels, and vaguely in others. The writing is impeccable and is what reminds you most of the characters you love so much. The biggest flaw, or at least what I feel to be a flaw, is that I am constantly hoping for each book to feel like an hour long episode. This just doesn't happen, sadly. Though all your favorite characters are there, spouting witty remarks and fighting daemons, the pace quite quick in each scene. They just don't...it...well...I would say it is like buying a Boston Cream donut from Tim Horton's and taking a few bites only to find that this particular donut was not filled with 'Boston Cream' in the center. Of course, you finish the donut. You enjoy the donut without asking for your money back, but you are only left to hope that the next one you buy will have that cream filling that makes a Boston cream...a Boston cream.
If I were to rate this comic with a completely useless and unsubstantiated system, it would go something like this:
NON-BUFFY FANS: *** (out of) *****
BUFFY FANS: Four vampires staked through the heart out of Five.
Thanks for reading.
I recently picked up the first two issues of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic by Joss Whedon...which of course means nothing to any of you unless you are like me and thoroughly enjoyed the TV series. This comic picks up where 'Angel' leaves both story lines, though nothing is stated in this story regarding Angel or his crew.
This story starts much like about every first episode of a new season of Buffy; with action and a small amount of misdirection. The new story takes off fast, assuming that the reader already has at least a cursory knowledge of the characters and previous plots. ***SIDE NOTE: But like I said earlier, who else would be reading this comic?*** It shows elements of a good plot by establishing the Heroes and the 'Big Bad' early on, and hints at a true meaning behind it all, with clues, that will of course be unveiled near the end. Many 'inside' jokes are made about characters from the series, and a few comic/cult references are tossed into the mix as well that will keep 'us fans' giggling to ourselves for a while.
The art is good, capturing the likenesses of the actors very well in some panels, and vaguely in others. The writing is impeccable and is what reminds you most of the characters you love so much. The biggest flaw, or at least what I feel to be a flaw, is that I am constantly hoping for each book to feel like an hour long episode. This just doesn't happen, sadly. Though all your favorite characters are there, spouting witty remarks and fighting daemons, the pace quite quick in each scene. They just don't...it...well...I would say it is like buying a Boston Cream donut from Tim Horton's and taking a few bites only to find that this particular donut was not filled with 'Boston Cream' in the center. Of course, you finish the donut. You enjoy the donut without asking for your money back, but you are only left to hope that the next one you buy will have that cream filling that makes a Boston cream...a Boston cream.
If I were to rate this comic with a completely useless and unsubstantiated system, it would go something like this:
NON-BUFFY FANS: *** (out of) *****
BUFFY FANS: Four vampires staked through the heart out of Five.
Thanks for reading.