It’s difficult to review a comic book series, because a story arc is often spread out over several months, and it’s sometimes best to wait for the story to be collected into a single graphic novel. That’s why I usually won’t review comic books, despite how much I enjoy them. That said, this is Joss Whedon and “Buffy”, so really, it just begs for some commentary!
This is essentially setting the foundation for the overall “Season 8” arc, and as such, the story serves the purpose of establishing the new status quo and bringing Willow back to the fold. Using Amy and Warren as the main antagonists was a nice touch for that reason: both of them have more than enough reason to take their pound of flesh. This helps to set up the power limitations for Willow, which after her connection to the Goddess Power in the series finale, was a big question.
There’s also the hint of something even worse out there, as evidenced by the “twilight” symbol. This could play into the whole question of balance and the Slayer legacy. What Buffy and Willow did in the finale changed things in a major way, so what is the effect on the dynamic within the demonic realm?
One major item of debate is the connection between the Chosen line and demonic power. As seen in the seventh season of “Buffy”, there was a source of Slayer power prior to the infusion of demonic energy into the Chosen line at the hands of the First Watchers. That source was a feminine Goddess Energy, and one must wonder if the Slayer legacy that was activated in the new Slayer army pertained only to the Goddess Energy or the demonically-enhanced version.
Whatever the case, the new Slayer army is getting a great deal of support and direction from Buffy and Xander, and that puts him in an interesting position. It may only be a product of her oft-mentioned sexual cravings, but it’s great to see Buffy thinking about Xander. He’s gained a bit of status as one of Buffy’s most loyal comrades, and with so many hot athletic Slayers around, he ought to find someone sooner or later. Wouldn’t a love triangle between Buffy, Xander, and a new Slayer be an interesting twist?
There’s also this business with Dawn, which has its interesting elements, but it’s still just something that begs to be explored. It’s probably the most obvious example (beyond the huge pool of extras) of the difference in scope: Dawn’s current situation simply wouldn’t be viable on television. Joss has been great at demonstrating the versatility of the comic book medium on “Astonishing X-Men”, so this feels like the best of both worlds. This is a great start to what ought to be a fun ride.
Rating: 8/10
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