Season 8 of Buffy continues to be as entertaining as the show. These 5 issues deal more in depth with Buffy and Xander’s love life, while at the same time furthering the season long arc, as well as giving us a cool standalone story. What more could you want?
SPOILERS FOLLOW!!
Issue 11 is a single issue written by Joss Whedon. Here the spotlight is on Satsu, Buffy’s best fighter. She is also in love with Buffy, which they talk about in this issue. Dawn seems to finally feel better after offloading her secret with Xander, and she parties with all the slayers. But the most interesting subplot is this new Superman-like guy who is after Buffy. He has a plan and is very focused. Joss doesn’t shy away from his usual funny lines or scenes, the best one being the mystery guy almost unmasking himself, only to just scratch his neck. Hilarious!
Issues 12-15 are written by Drew Goddard, one of the writers of the TV show. This is a great arc called Wolves at the Gate, that started with a bang. Not only is the scythe stolen by Japanese vampires with Dracula powers, but Buffy slept with Satsu!
From a character point of view it makes sense that Buffy slept with Satsu. She’s lonely but she’s surrounded by girls, there’s even a funny joke about that at the expense of Andrew. Also her sexual history is not exactly virginal. It makes sense that she wouldn’t be afraid to explore more. But it’s made clear that she hasn’t become a lesbian like Willow.
To deal with the Japanese vampires Xander is sent to ask Dracula’s help. Those scenes with Xander, Dracula and Renee are some of the funniest scenes ever. It’s clear that Joss had a close hand in those.
Taking advantage of the unlimited budget that comics allow, this story is then taken to Japan, where with the help of Dracula, Willow, Dawn and all the slayers they thwart the vampires plan to revert the scythe spell. I think the action worked really well, utilizing every character and their powers.
But the relationships are also at the center of this arc. Xander just started to click with Renee, their relationship was fun (what else can it be with Xander?) but only at the beginning. However Joss is merciless with his characters, and kills Renee breaking Xander’s heart. This is very typical of Joss, but he always gets me.
Buffy and Satsu also have to deal with their relationship, I think Buffy was fine with it, but not Satsu. Which is why she decides to stay in Japan. I’m sure we’ll see more of her.
This series hasn’t let me down yet, and I am confident it’ll keep up the quality. I really like that each arc is only 4 issues long. That seems the right amount without resulting to padding. The single issues between each arc also help changing things up, and allow Joss to stay on the book without writing every single arc. The art by Jeanty is always good. I’ve already written about it, so I won’t bore you again.
One of my favorite current series.