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Spike Comics (Buffy Vampire Slayer)
Spike: The Complete Series
Spike is out on his own, away from Angel's watchful eye, and in charge of his own destiny. Old flames and new challenges arise as Spike faces a crazed killer, Wolfram & Hart, and the consequences of having a soul. This title collects the complete 8-issue series of "Spike" by Brian Lynch that connects the "After The Fall" storyline to the subsequent "Buffy: Season 8" series.
200 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2012
2 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Brian Lynch
233 books73 followersBrian Michael Lynch is an American film and comic book writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
March 21, 2016
A wonderful dip into the past for me!
This complete series of comics follows on from the end of the TV show Angel (it pretty much begins where Angel ended). The comic is a complete story in itself and concludes come the end of the book - the plot was pretty surface level but it was great to see Spike doing what he does best. Willow and Drusilla make an appearance which great for fans of BTVS. I felt like the art work was great in some places but a little sloppy in others.
I feel this was just what I needed at the time - I nice little helping of nostalgia to get the week started!
This complete series of comics follows on from the end of the TV show Angel (it pretty much begins where Angel ended). The comic is a complete story in itself and concludes come the end of the book - the plot was pretty surface level but it was great to see Spike doing what he does best. Willow and Drusilla make an appearance which great for fans of BTVS. I felt like the art work was great in some places but a little sloppy in others.
I feel this was just what I needed at the time - I nice little helping of nostalgia to get the week started!
August 13, 2019
Spike: The Completed Series sees Spike wanting to get away from the Angel crew, to carve out his own path. To become the main hero, so to speak. I enjoyed the fact that they brought back elements from previous Spike mini series. What I enjoyed less was the fact that by the end of this story, I really felt that Spike went through what he did just because the writers wanted a reason for him not to be in the Angel comics anymore. It’s just a shame that such a great character was given his own series to be retired, especially the way they did it here! Of course, I could be totally wrong. However, I feel that the journey Spike goes through could've been done in a way that didn't rewrite the characters development in such a silly way. There was a message underneath it all but it couldn't stand against the ridiculousness of the story. Overall, I am really frustrated that, in my opinion, this was such a waste of really great potential!
October 31, 2014
I really enjoyed this story. Felt sorry for Drusilla though. Can't wait to read more Buffyverse items.
May 31, 2017
Kinda out of this world adventure.
I was a bit apprehensive about the artwork being too dark at first but liked anyway.
Story wise it was action packed and I felt bombarded with familiar characters.
These characters and the Whedonverse in general are my guilty pleasure and even though there were some things that felt slightly unbalanced for me I enjoyed the ride.
I was a bit apprehensive about the artwork being too dark at first but liked anyway.
Story wise it was action packed and I felt bombarded with familiar characters.
These characters and the Whedonverse in general are my guilty pleasure and even though there were some things that felt slightly unbalanced for me I enjoyed the ride.
October 21, 2019
I remember when this series was first announced; I was SOOOO excited to get a Spike ongoing title written by Brian Lynch and drawn by Franco Urru. While still enjoyable, what this title ended up being was... not all that it could have been because of numerous circumstances. Mainly being: 1. The title went from ongoing to limited series because Dark Horse was taking over the Angel franchise from IDW and 2. Franco Urru was dealing with health problems, which limited his role in the artwork. Given these two huge obstacles, it’s a wonder Spike ended up being as good as it was. It wasn’t anywhere near what it could have been, but it is what it is.
The first two issues and the final issue are pretty solid, but the middle five are pretty messy and hard to follow at times. You can really feel that Lynch tried to cram all of his long term ideas into these eight issues, plus incorporate elements to lead into Buffy Season 8 (Willow guest starring and the bug ship plot). Urru coincidentally worked on the best issues; the rest of the art is... meh. Mooney’s art is decent at times, but feels rushed; the third artist I really just didn’t like, and feels like they were only picked because they were the only one available at the time and there was no time to waste.
That all said, this Spike title really is worth reading. It’s far from the worst thing established in Buffyverse canon, but it’s also not up to par with Lynch’s other Spike titles. It could have been fantastic if given the number of issues it needed to breathe and had a consistent artist (ideally Urru) — but whatever. When it’s good, it’s great, but a lot of the time it’s just okay. I still get choked up reading the final scene between Spike and his friends. Beck, Betta George, and Jeremy were fantastic characters, and I’m so glad we got this final story with them. It’s a shame Dark Horse never used them in future stories, but I guess that was out of respect for IDW, where the characters originated. (I’ll continue thinking Spike visited them all time to time.) Willow crossing over and the bug ship origins were also really fun things to see.
4/5 stars
The first two issues and the final issue are pretty solid, but the middle five are pretty messy and hard to follow at times. You can really feel that Lynch tried to cram all of his long term ideas into these eight issues, plus incorporate elements to lead into Buffy Season 8 (Willow guest starring and the bug ship plot). Urru coincidentally worked on the best issues; the rest of the art is... meh. Mooney’s art is decent at times, but feels rushed; the third artist I really just didn’t like, and feels like they were only picked because they were the only one available at the time and there was no time to waste.
That all said, this Spike title really is worth reading. It’s far from the worst thing established in Buffyverse canon, but it’s also not up to par with Lynch’s other Spike titles. It could have been fantastic if given the number of issues it needed to breathe and had a consistent artist (ideally Urru) — but whatever. When it’s good, it’s great, but a lot of the time it’s just okay. I still get choked up reading the final scene between Spike and his friends. Beck, Betta George, and Jeremy were fantastic characters, and I’m so glad we got this final story with them. It’s a shame Dark Horse never used them in future stories, but I guess that was out of respect for IDW, where the characters originated. (I’ll continue thinking Spike visited them all time to time.) Willow crossing over and the bug ship origins were also really fun things to see.
4/5 stars
March 20, 2013
This was better than the previous IDW miniseries, Angel: Only Human. This may be because of the characters. Spike is rather more interesting to follow than Gunn and Illyria, and Betta George might be the best thing IDW contributed to the franchise. The storyline is decent enough, and Spike does manage to carry it. But Drusilla... I know she's a hard character to write, but she wasn't done very well here. Her lines didn't sound like her half the time. The biggest disappointment came towards the end. There are some classic moments here, though, so it's worth a read.
March 8, 2024
The suffering I endured once again. It was less awful than the Angel comics but it still melted my brain. Spike ending up on a big spaceship surrounded by bug creatures? I’m glad I wasn’t on drugs reading this because it would have induced a deep state of psychosis.
December 29, 2015
*Book source ~ Library
From Goodreads:
Spike is out on his own, away from Angel's watchful eye, and in charge of his own destiny. Old flames and new challenges arise as Spike faces a crazed killer, Wolfram & Hart, and the consequences of having a soul. This title collects the complete 8-issue series of "Spike" by Brian Lynch that connects the "After The Fall" storyline to the subsequent "Buffy: Season 8" series.
Now, I think I’ve made it pretty clear in the past that I love Spike. He is my absolute favorite Buffy/Angel character. But that doesn’t mean I’ll automatically love anything that comes out pertaining to my beloved fantasy vampire boyfriend. However, in this case, I do. It’s awesome! The storylines and the artwork are fantastic. Not perfect, mind you, but damn near. The only problem I had with it is Drusilla. She didn’t look like Drusilla at all, but at least she was in the story. I love that crazy bitch. Plus, there was Groo, the dragon and Willow. Yay! Since I’ve read the comics out of order I have no idea who Beck and Betta George are though I quite like them and will need to get up to speed on their place in the Buffyverse. Ok, I did read a bit about Betta George in Angel: After the Fall, but I still don’t know how he came into the Big Picture. No worries. I’ll get to all of the comics sooner or later. One day I’ll have them all in my personal collection. Until then thank goodness for the library! Especially mine since I suggested the purchase and they actually bought it. To my local Buffy/Angel friends: you’re welcome. To my library: you rock!
From Goodreads:
Spike is out on his own, away from Angel's watchful eye, and in charge of his own destiny. Old flames and new challenges arise as Spike faces a crazed killer, Wolfram & Hart, and the consequences of having a soul. This title collects the complete 8-issue series of "Spike" by Brian Lynch that connects the "After The Fall" storyline to the subsequent "Buffy: Season 8" series.
Now, I think I’ve made it pretty clear in the past that I love Spike. He is my absolute favorite Buffy/Angel character. But that doesn’t mean I’ll automatically love anything that comes out pertaining to my beloved fantasy vampire boyfriend. However, in this case, I do. It’s awesome! The storylines and the artwork are fantastic. Not perfect, mind you, but damn near. The only problem I had with it is Drusilla. She didn’t look like Drusilla at all, but at least she was in the story. I love that crazy bitch. Plus, there was Groo, the dragon and Willow. Yay! Since I’ve read the comics out of order I have no idea who Beck and Betta George are though I quite like them and will need to get up to speed on their place in the Buffyverse. Ok, I did read a bit about Betta George in Angel: After the Fall, but I still don’t know how he came into the Big Picture. No worries. I’ll get to all of the comics sooner or later. One day I’ll have them all in my personal collection. Until then thank goodness for the library! Especially mine since I suggested the purchase and they actually bought it. To my local Buffy/Angel friends: you’re welcome. To my library: you rock!
December 15, 2024
The Big Bad with a soul finally got his own book. He's stepping out of Angel's shadow and creating his own destiny in Las Vegas. However, the Wolfram & Hart branch of Sin City has plans for Spike that involve old flames and new friends. Spike teams up with Beck from Asylum, Betta George, and calls upon Buffy's best pal Willow to work a spell or two. Two notable characters from the television series return in this volume: one a blast from Spike's past, the other a former rival of Angel's.
Once again, I was impressed by Lynch's development of Spike and his understanding of the characters in the Buffyverse. Fantastic writing and beautiful illustrations particularly Stephen Mooney's work in issues 5-7. I recommend this series to Spike fans and anyone continuing onto Buffy Season 8.
Once again, I was impressed by Lynch's development of Spike and his understanding of the characters in the Buffyverse. Fantastic writing and beautiful illustrations particularly Stephen Mooney's work in issues 5-7. I recommend this series to Spike fans and anyone continuing onto Buffy Season 8.
November 15, 2017
This was one of my favorite things, ever. I laughed more at this than I have at anything I've read in a awhile! The only negative was the whole idea of Dru being involved in any of this was weird and seemed a little random.
June 11, 2014
I wish I could say otherwise, but it is painfully obvious in this edition that Joss Whedon was absent in the writing of it. I mean, Las Vagas, alright, I'll get on board. It's not like Spike, wanting to go out on his own, would be able to settle in Sunnydale or LA to do that. And, I thought, it was genius to have Drusilla present as the character with the visions who knew he was on his way. Nor was I surprised to see that she was kind of allied with Wolfram and Hart. Hell, it's happened before, and season 2 of Angel is still one of my favourites.
I've read a lot of negative reviews about Drusilla's characterisation in this. I found her characterisation to be fine, especially as it went on. I was happy to buy the idea that she'd found sanity and a sense of home in LA's drop into hell. I actually loved everything they chose to do with Dru, and liked how the end of her story tied her in with Beck (who I loved!!)
As much as I hate to say that, despite the gorgeous cover art, the art in this volume seemed lazy when compared to the earlier Angel: After The Fall series. Especially when it came to Drusilla. Usually when you dedicate a full page to a character who's not expected to appear, the artist does their level best to make sure you recognise who that character's supposed to be on sight. Certainly, that worked with Lilah later in this volume. And I may have done a little fan girl squee at the sight of it. Maybe I'll feel differently on a second reading, but I just wasn't feeling it for the first time through.
Willow was perfect, although obviously everyone's aware she's present from the cover. I absolutely loved the little interactions between her and Spike, they made me flash back to what I liked so much about them in season 4 of Buffy just after he got chipped and couldn't eat people. Pairing them up together in a plot that involved a vampire's soul was, again, genius. I won't say more for fear of going seriously spoilery.
But, an alien space ship pulled down by Wolfram and Hart wanting to get out of dodge after their embarrassing failure in helLA? One with space bugs on it that Spike runs off with on a mission to protect? As much as I loved seeing Lilah back, and I did, it wasn't worth that. And, unfortunately, that's where this volume left it, so it's the thing that's stuck with me after reading it. All I can say is hopefully there's a worthwhile tie in when he comes over to Buffy season 8 that makes it worth it.
I've read a lot of negative reviews about Drusilla's characterisation in this. I found her characterisation to be fine, especially as it went on. I was happy to buy the idea that she'd found sanity and a sense of home in LA's drop into hell. I actually loved everything they chose to do with Dru, and liked how the end of her story tied her in with Beck (who I loved!!)
As much as I hate to say that, despite the gorgeous cover art, the art in this volume seemed lazy when compared to the earlier Angel: After The Fall series. Especially when it came to Drusilla. Usually when you dedicate a full page to a character who's not expected to appear, the artist does their level best to make sure you recognise who that character's supposed to be on sight. Certainly, that worked with Lilah later in this volume. And I may have done a little fan girl squee at the sight of it. Maybe I'll feel differently on a second reading, but I just wasn't feeling it for the first time through.
Willow was perfect, although obviously everyone's aware she's present from the cover. I absolutely loved the little interactions between her and Spike, they made me flash back to what I liked so much about them in season 4 of Buffy just after he got chipped and couldn't eat people. Pairing them up together in a plot that involved a vampire's soul was, again, genius. I won't say more for fear of going seriously spoilery.
But, an alien space ship pulled down by Wolfram and Hart wanting to get out of dodge after their embarrassing failure in helLA? One with space bugs on it that Spike runs off with on a mission to protect? As much as I loved seeing Lilah back, and I did, it wasn't worth that. And, unfortunately, that's where this volume left it, so it's the thing that's stuck with me after reading it. All I can say is hopefully there's a worthwhile tie in when he comes over to Buffy season 8 that makes it worth it.
February 6, 2013
Okay, this was officially awesome! However, I've been reading all this graphic novels sort of backwards. I started with the Buffy Season 8 and 9, and then went to this one, which predates those but is after After the Fall, which I have not read yet. So I'm still missing details...
Anyway, this review will mostly just be selected squees. I'll put anything spoilerish under tags, if you haven't read this.
First of all, I'm a bit annoyed by everyone's attitude toward Spike in this series. All the people and demons and such keep saying, "Oh, it's just Spike..." That is irritating to me, because Spike is a badass! I mean, he slaughtered his way across Europe and America, killed two Slayers... and everyone is dissing him, expecting him to play second fiddle to Angel. It's upsetting to me, 'cause I love Spike!
Some funny moments. When John just made me giggle. It was absolutely classic. I do wish we had more of the background with him and Dru, but I imagine that's in one of the series I haven't read yet.
When Spike gave Dru , I was absolutely shocked! What would she do? Turned out we didn't experience much of that, because Spike is such a romantic at heart he couldn't bear to leave her like that.
I also loved Willow's entrance! Anyone who would is someone I want to have at my party! I also loved the whole scene where Spike initially contacts her, , and then when they're traveling in the car later.
Well, if all that hasn't made you wildly excited to read this graphic novel... then obviously you aren't a Spike fan-girl like I am. But that's okay. More Spike goodness for me!! He's mine I tell ya!
Highly recommended for fans of the Slayerverse, and especially Spike fans.
Anyway, this review will mostly just be selected squees. I'll put anything spoilerish under tags, if you haven't read this.
First of all, I'm a bit annoyed by everyone's attitude toward Spike in this series. All the people and demons and such keep saying, "Oh, it's just Spike..." That is irritating to me, because Spike is a badass! I mean, he slaughtered his way across Europe and America, killed two Slayers... and everyone is dissing him, expecting him to play second fiddle to Angel. It's upsetting to me, 'cause I love Spike!
Some funny moments. When John just made me giggle. It was absolutely classic. I do wish we had more of the background with him and Dru, but I imagine that's in one of the series I haven't read yet.
When Spike gave Dru , I was absolutely shocked! What would she do? Turned out we didn't experience much of that, because Spike is such a romantic at heart he couldn't bear to leave her like that.
I also loved Willow's entrance! Anyone who would is someone I want to have at my party! I also loved the whole scene where Spike initially contacts her, , and then when they're traveling in the car later.
Well, if all that hasn't made you wildly excited to read this graphic novel... then obviously you aren't a Spike fan-girl like I am. But that's okay. More Spike goodness for me!! He's mine I tell ya!
Highly recommended for fans of the Slayerverse, and especially Spike fans.
March 2, 2013
A brilliant adventure that sees everyone's other (and much cooler) favourite vampire-with-a-soul travel to Las Vegas to kick some villainous butt. With awesome artwork and featuring a great cross section of Buffy & Angel characters this comic is a joy for fans of the shows and Spike fanboys/girls in particular.
October 22, 2023
id been excited to read this one since i has heard of it, because a solo spike adventure leading his own team? sign me up! and it didn’t fully disappoint, it was an interesting story and it was nice to see spike step up as a leader outside of both Buffy and angel, and make this story about the soul he fought for. yes as im still trash the fact that spike told dru that his story with Buffy isn’t over… love that so much and how he’s better for having a soul and for having known buffy. WH coming back into play is interesting and i will be curious to see how that develops in later comics.
him and willow reuniting was my favorite part and she was soooo excited to see him 🥺 i love that she’s so proud of him too, and believes he’s a champion in his actions. her saying Buffy knows he’s alive and she’s been looking for him makes me so excited for their reunion even though i feel it will be a bit disappointing somehow.
certain aspects lost me a little: i don’t believe for one second in WH’s theory that spikes soul is actually not his, that is stupid and i, like spike, believe they made that shit up. also couldn’t take john seriously because he was just like soulless John Wick basically. then the whole bug plot line…. im all for spike being a leader but did it have to be a ship full of bugs? what are we doing here. i know this is a bridging story to btvs s8 but i do hope we lose the bugs quickly…
anyways i enjoyed parts of it and i do think brian does a good job with spike and making him grow into the worthy character that i love that very much, so i hope to see those parts of spike continue.
him and willow reuniting was my favorite part and she was soooo excited to see him 🥺 i love that she’s so proud of him too, and believes he’s a champion in his actions. her saying Buffy knows he’s alive and she’s been looking for him makes me so excited for their reunion even though i feel it will be a bit disappointing somehow.
certain aspects lost me a little: i don’t believe for one second in WH’s theory that spikes soul is actually not his, that is stupid and i, like spike, believe they made that shit up. also couldn’t take john seriously because he was just like soulless John Wick basically. then the whole bug plot line…. im all for spike being a leader but did it have to be a ship full of bugs? what are we doing here. i know this is a bridging story to btvs s8 but i do hope we lose the bugs quickly…
anyways i enjoyed parts of it and i do think brian does a good job with spike and making him grow into the worthy character that i love that very much, so i hope to see those parts of spike continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2019
I think this is one of my favorite BTVS-universe comics to date. I guess it is in part due to the fact that I absolutely love Spike but the comics is really good in itself. The characters are amazing, I love them all, and the art is beautiful, gorgeous even. The story is pretty fun and I love Spike, did I say that already ?
No but the telepathic fish is amazing too. And the kickass firestarter.
And I love that Groo is back in this universe. I loved him in Angel, loved him in After The Fall, love him even more here. I don't get why there is not a comics serie about him and his dragon, that would be awesome !
And Willow. I love Willow, and I think I love her even more in the comics. She really goes full potential in them. She also get a little less moral, she befriends demons and sees the world in a little more complicated way, which means she is perfect with Spike. Their reunion was great and I got a little teary even. I love that she now really trusts him and does not sees him as just Buffy's pet.
And then I love that the comics shows how the soul is not what made Spike into a hero. He choose to be a hero, to be good. Then he choose to have a soul. I think it's overlooked by a lot of fans, but to me it's always been the difference between Angel and Spike. Angel's soul is a curse, one he actually would be relieved to be free from. Spike's soul is a choice, and if he had to give it up, he still would make the right choices.
(I love Angel too. I just don't believe he is the heroe everyone wants to see in him.)
No but the telepathic fish is amazing too. And the kickass firestarter.
And I love that Groo is back in this universe. I loved him in Angel, loved him in After The Fall, love him even more here. I don't get why there is not a comics serie about him and his dragon, that would be awesome !
And Willow. I love Willow, and I think I love her even more in the comics. She really goes full potential in them. She also get a little less moral, she befriends demons and sees the world in a little more complicated way, which means she is perfect with Spike. Their reunion was great and I got a little teary even. I love that she now really trusts him and does not sees him as just Buffy's pet.
And then I love that the comics shows how the soul is not what made Spike into a hero. He choose to be a hero, to be good. Then he choose to have a soul. I think it's overlooked by a lot of fans, but to me it's always been the difference between Angel and Spike. Angel's soul is a curse, one he actually would be relieved to be free from. Spike's soul is a choice, and if he had to give it up, he still would make the right choices.
(I love Angel too. I just don't believe he is the heroe everyone wants to see in him.)
July 18, 2022
Jenny Frison just fucking GETS it. Brian Lynch does not. The writing in this series was random, disjointed, difficult to follow, and failed to do justice to almost any of the core characters featured: in many ways, Spike has regressed from when we saw him last, Drusilla is inconsistently characterised (and Juliet Landau's beautiful, striking features are drawn so poorly as to be unrecognisable), Willow was at least in-character but still lacked any dimension, and none of the newer characters held my interest (save for George the telepathic fish, who was only interesting by virtue of his weirdness).
I enjoyed the little interactions between Willow and Spike, and I was so pleased with the decision to portray (SPOILER) Spike as having retained his humanity even after (temporarily) losing his soul; to have this complexity of the in-universe "rules" of ensoulment explicitly acknowledged is gratifying for Spike fans and long overdue. For that one element of the plot, and for the stunning art gallery at the end, this gets 2 stars.
I enjoyed the little interactions between Willow and Spike, and I was so pleased with the decision to portray (SPOILER) Spike as having retained his humanity even after (temporarily) losing his soul; to have this complexity of the in-universe "rules" of ensoulment explicitly acknowledged is gratifying for Spike fans and long overdue. For that one element of the plot, and for the stunning art gallery at the end, this gets 2 stars.
June 30, 2023
This volume of 8 issues, bridges the gap between Angel: After the Fall and Buffy Season 8. It also provides an origin story for Spike's bug ship.
Considering how well reviewed it is on here, I wanted to like it more than I did. I enjoyed having Willow and Dru play quite a role but, overall, the story lacked that umph that Spike typically brings to everything he does. The art was also a bit hit or miss, leaning much more on the side of miss.
Considering how well reviewed it is on here, I wanted to like it more than I did. I enjoyed having Willow and Dru play quite a role but, overall, the story lacked that umph that Spike typically brings to everything he does. The art was also a bit hit or miss, leaning much more on the side of miss.
February 7, 2021
Lo he disfrutado muchísimo! El art está bien y la trama también (aunque John me ha resultado un poco canso), pero lo mejor para mí, sin duda, ver a Spike con su propio grupo (Beck y George, adoro a George!) y las apariciones de Drusilla y Willow. Me han encantado las interacciones con los personajes y el cliffhanger del final. Impaciente por ver cómo encaja con la Season 8 de Buffy.
October 9, 2018
Spike! My fave vampire back to kick some more ass! This time he's on his own, playing second fiddle to no one. With a little help from the other members of Team Spike (with special appearance by Willow) can he take down Wolfram & Hart again?
July 29, 2025
It would have rated better if they hadn't wasted a big bad built up over season of TV and series of comics - we get to see a senior partner of W&H who gets one line and then runs away?
That's not good plot.
That's not good plot.
July 7, 2017
Love Spike. This was a pretty good read. Glad to get caught up.
September 13, 2017
This was a bad place to start reading the Buffy comics. I didn't understand who most of these people were. It was still nice to see Spike again, though.
December 13, 2021
I loved this spike series. It was exactly what you would expect from Lynch. Funny and action packed.
December 10, 2022
Loved Willow, but the IDW series just don't do it for it.
August 25, 2023
Spike es de mis personajes favoritos.
Me ha encantado saber más de su personaje aunque como de costumbre las historias que tratan los comics son raros.
Me ha encantado saber más de su personaje aunque como de costumbre las historias que tratan los comics son raros.
May 18, 2016
My favorite Buffyverse comic bar none. This is everything I want a Spike comic to be. Complex characters with great chemistry, lots of action, and incredible artwork.
SPOILERS INCOMING
Spike shines as a leader (aka a champion), while still being wise enough to accept help and advice from his friends. On the outside, he's as witty and bold as ever, but we also get to see a more sensitive side of Spike, especially when he expresses his feelings for Buffy, greets Willow, and loses his soul. Personally, I was thrilled to see Spike retain his goodness without his soul, as that is what makes him the hero of the series (over Angel) to me.
The supporting characters are equally complex and endearing. Beck remains strong and powerful, and I appreciate that she can accept that Spike does not reciprocate her love. Betta George remains his practical and caring self, and I love him for it. The scenes with Willow, especially with her and Spike, are especially touching, and I adored seeing their relationship develop further. As for Druscilla, I like the way Lynch handled her character and how her presence showed how far Spike has come.
While I believe Urru also did the art for the other Spike comics I've read, he is truly on his A-game for this one. The scenes are stunning and clear, and the characters faces and expressions fit perfectly with the actors (when appropriate). I could see this entire book playing like a movie in my mind. The coloring, too, was exceptionally beautiful.
The plot is full of action, with Wolfram and Hart as the big bads again, supported by a soulless human serial killer named John. There were a few twists I did not see coming - Spike losing (then regaining) his soul and the arrival of the aliens. My only complaint with the plot (and the entire book) is that it ended on a cliffhanger. Will Spike and his bugs find and defeat Wolfram and Hart? Since this seems to be all of the series, I guess I just have to hope it is answered when Spike eventually reappears in the Buffy comics.
SPOILERS INCOMING
Spike shines as a leader (aka a champion), while still being wise enough to accept help and advice from his friends. On the outside, he's as witty and bold as ever, but we also get to see a more sensitive side of Spike, especially when he expresses his feelings for Buffy, greets Willow, and loses his soul. Personally, I was thrilled to see Spike retain his goodness without his soul, as that is what makes him the hero of the series (over Angel) to me.
The supporting characters are equally complex and endearing. Beck remains strong and powerful, and I appreciate that she can accept that Spike does not reciprocate her love. Betta George remains his practical and caring self, and I love him for it. The scenes with Willow, especially with her and Spike, are especially touching, and I adored seeing their relationship develop further. As for Druscilla, I like the way Lynch handled her character and how her presence showed how far Spike has come.
While I believe Urru also did the art for the other Spike comics I've read, he is truly on his A-game for this one. The scenes are stunning and clear, and the characters faces and expressions fit perfectly with the actors (when appropriate). I could see this entire book playing like a movie in my mind. The coloring, too, was exceptionally beautiful.
The plot is full of action, with Wolfram and Hart as the big bads again, supported by a soulless human serial killer named John. There were a few twists I did not see coming - Spike losing (then regaining) his soul and the arrival of the aliens. My only complaint with the plot (and the entire book) is that it ended on a cliffhanger. Will Spike and his bugs find and defeat Wolfram and Hart? Since this seems to be all of the series, I guess I just have to hope it is answered when Spike eventually reappears in the Buffy comics.
January 7, 2014
Despite Joss Whedon telling James Marsters that he Whedon himself did not like vampires arguably Spike became the breakout character of the televison series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Fast forward a few years and Whedon is exercising more control over the content of the Buffyverse comics. Low and behold one of the best of IDW's offerings during that span (the properties are now at Dark Horse Comics) is this collection of the short lived Spike series.
Taking characters form the fall to hell story line in Angel Spike travels to Vegas to look into some Big Bads. The trip is ostensibly about Spike moving out of Angle's Shadow. The story for all of its fight scenes and the like did something I did not expect.
As readers we get character development. Spike becomes a much better defined, and explained, character than ever before. He is not exactly the same from start to finish and the journey he undertakes at the end makes sense in the context of the journey he undertakes in this trade.
Taking characters form the fall to hell story line in Angel Spike travels to Vegas to look into some Big Bads. The trip is ostensibly about Spike moving out of Angle's Shadow. The story for all of its fight scenes and the like did something I did not expect.
As readers we get character development. Spike becomes a much better defined, and explained, character than ever before. He is not exactly the same from start to finish and the journey he undertakes at the end makes sense in the context of the journey he undertakes in this trade.
June 2, 2014
3 stars. If Drusilla (and Lilah) had been better drawn, I could have rated it higher. I could also have done without the BEMs.
I admit to being tickled by the homage/shout-outs to . I wished there hadn't been a typo in the panels for the former, else the page would have been a keeper.
The images were striking and vivid, but uneven in quality and execution of characters. Inconsistent, yet often memorable.
I liked much of the dialogue, and thought the writer(s?) captured Spike and Willow's cadences pretty well overall. Beta George was an interesting character - new to me, but already well-developed.
The biggest question that I came away with is: why was the Dragon named Cordelia ??? That can't possibly be a coincidence. Right? So now, how do I locate that storyline?
I enjoyed the blast from the past and, despite its flaws, I came away feeling glad that I read it.
I admit to being tickled by the homage/shout-outs to . I wished there hadn't been a typo in the panels for the former, else the page would have been a keeper.
The images were striking and vivid, but uneven in quality and execution of characters. Inconsistent, yet often memorable.
I liked much of the dialogue, and thought the writer(s?) captured Spike and Willow's cadences pretty well overall. Beta George was an interesting character - new to me, but already well-developed.
The biggest question that I came away with is: why was the Dragon named Cordelia ??? That can't possibly be a coincidence. Right? So now, how do I locate that storyline?
I enjoyed the blast from the past and, despite its flaws, I came away feeling glad that I read it.
August 11, 2025
All in all, this was a good outing for Spike. Unlike Illyria, he can hold a solo comic.
The Twilight ribbing was fun - I like that Spike is into his fame, and the Elvis impersonators are funny. Spike gets a lot of the funny scenes.
I didn't like the inclusion of Drusilla. I feel like she's one of those characters with way too much plot armor. And I think she's so powerful and crazy that she tends to suck all the oxygen out of whatever story she's in. That said, I do like her ending. It shows character growth for Spike.
The idea of Wolfram & Hart needing to rebuild in Vegas makes sense. I like that. I do think Spike going off into space to chase them is a little out of left-field. It seems like Angel's mission. But, I like his rapport with the bugs, and I guess they need to get him onto that ship somehow.
The Twilight ribbing was fun - I like that Spike is into his fame, and the Elvis impersonators are funny. Spike gets a lot of the funny scenes.
I didn't like the inclusion of Drusilla. I feel like she's one of those characters with way too much plot armor. And I think she's so powerful and crazy that she tends to suck all the oxygen out of whatever story she's in. That said, I do like her ending. It shows character growth for Spike.
The idea of Wolfram & Hart needing to rebuild in Vegas makes sense. I like that. I do think Spike going off into space to chase them is a little out of left-field. It seems like Angel's mission. But, I like his rapport with the bugs, and I guess they need to get him onto that ship somehow.
January 9, 2013
A beautiful comic and a beautiful story.
I'm glad Spike got his own spin off and I hope he gets a few more because it's a strong story and is able to incorporate some of the lovable minor characters who have plenty of room for growth.
There were so many awesome guest appearances in this series Willow, Dru, Gru, Beta George and even Lilah which made me smile; she's one of the most awesome bad guys I have ever been acquainted with.
It's the Buffyverse, if you’re a fan then you're going to enjoy.
I'm glad Spike got his own spin off and I hope he gets a few more because it's a strong story and is able to incorporate some of the lovable minor characters who have plenty of room for growth.
There were so many awesome guest appearances in this series Willow, Dru, Gru, Beta George and even Lilah which made me smile; she's one of the most awesome bad guys I have ever been acquainted with.
It's the Buffyverse, if you’re a fan then you're going to enjoy.
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