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Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 10
Buffy Season Ten Vol. 1: New Rules (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) by Christos Gage (27-Nov-2014) Paperback
While slaying the zompires that have overrun a small California town, Buffy and her pals are shocked to discover a new kind of harder to kill, able to transform and walk in the light of day-like Dracula… If that weren't enough, the rules of magic are literally being rewritten. While the crew attempts to find out exactly what this means and restore the status quo, Xander is the victim of a haunting as his relationship with Dawn crumbles.Collects Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #1-#5.* Executive produced by Joss Whedon!“Highest possible recommendation.”—SciFiPulse
Unknown Binding
First published November 12, 2014
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About the author
Christos Gage
1,532 books128 followersChris N. Gage is a writer for comic books and television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
February 6, 2019
I enjoyed the beginning of this season and thought it started with some great stuff. They changed the artist or the art style and it's cheaper and more cartoony. It feels younger and less ... something. I guess the art was ok, but I don't like how everyone looks different now. It's annoying.
Well, magic is back and a whole new set of problems. The Vampyre book is being rewritten and who is the one going to rewrite it. Spike is back for now and so is Dracula. No relationship lasts in the Buffy-verse, they wouldn't allow that, so Dawn and Xander are not so good. I knew it wouldn't last. You know it won't last in the Buffy-verse so I don't get attached any longer.
I thought this was fun.
Well, magic is back and a whole new set of problems. The Vampyre book is being rewritten and who is the one going to rewrite it. Spike is back for now and so is Dracula. No relationship lasts in the Buffy-verse, they wouldn't allow that, so Dawn and Xander are not so good. I knew it wouldn't last. You know it won't last in the Buffy-verse so I don't get attached any longer.
I thought this was fun.
June 2, 2019
The events of Season 9 have restarted magic but the rules have yet to be written. Vampires have gained new powers so the Scooby Gang turns to Dracula for help and it is glorious. The humor gets turned up to 11 once Dracula and Xander meet again. This book was just so much damn fun.
Rebekah Isaacs pencils are a sight for sore eyes after two years of Georges Jeanty's fugly art. Characters actually look like their real life counterparts yet with Isaacs little artistic twist on them. I'm not surprised Christos Gage has made this book sing again. He did a fantastic job on Angel and Faith Season 9. The dialogue is funny and irreverent again falling in line with the show. This is what a Buffy comic should be.
Rebekah Isaacs pencils are a sight for sore eyes after two years of Georges Jeanty's fugly art. Characters actually look like their real life counterparts yet with Isaacs little artistic twist on them. I'm not surprised Christos Gage has made this book sing again. He did a fantastic job on Angel and Faith Season 9. The dialogue is funny and irreverent again falling in line with the show. This is what a Buffy comic should be.
November 20, 2019
Every time Dracula stops by it's a party. This time wasn't an exception. All my favorite people showed their faces here, and damn, I missed them. Great start for the season!
Over and out
Over and out
July 10, 2015
I'll admit I was initially enthusiastic about the idea of continuing Buffy the Vampire Slayer in comics, especially since Joss Whedon was going to be involved in the project. (And more than just cashing the checks, I assumed).
Season eight was good, season nine wandered a bit too much and I was at a bit of a crossroads on whether or not I felt like I wanted or needed to read season ten. But my local library got in the first two collected editions of season ten, so I decided to give it a try.
And, for the most part, it's a lot more enjoyable than season nine was -- at least so far. With magic restored to the world -- via a new magical system -- the Scooby gang is contending with trying to be grown ups all while learning the new rules of the game. Seems there's a big book that you can write the rules into and they become reality. Buffy takes it on herself to guard this book and I have a feeling that the book will come to play a big role in the season arc that will eventually unfold in the comics.
Meanwhile, there are consequences to restoring the magic. Dawn has been reset to a certain point before she and Xander were a couple. And while she loves him, she doesn't love him in that way, leading to all kinds of awkwardness and angst. And yet, as with much of the awkwardness and angst of the Buffy-verse, it feels earned and authentic. In fact, it almost feels like something Joss himself would have dreamed up as a way to keep our couple apart but give us hope they'll get back together soon.
Also on tap are a return to Sunnydale and Andrew trying to resurrect a certain dead character that I won't give away. Nicholas Brendan even steps in to co-write an issue that has Spike and Xander falling under the spell of a couple of sirens. I'd almost say this is my favorite installment from the first dozen or so issues of season ten, if only because it pulls away from the heavy arc that the other issues are carrying (even a standalone with Harmony and Clem making a guest appearance gets caught up in arc stuff in its final few pages, including one very interesting reveal).
Overall, I like season ten a bit more than I thought I would. Reading this collection, I still yearn to go back and dust off my DVDs and maybe revisit Sunnydale again.
Season eight was good, season nine wandered a bit too much and I was at a bit of a crossroads on whether or not I felt like I wanted or needed to read season ten. But my local library got in the first two collected editions of season ten, so I decided to give it a try.
And, for the most part, it's a lot more enjoyable than season nine was -- at least so far. With magic restored to the world -- via a new magical system -- the Scooby gang is contending with trying to be grown ups all while learning the new rules of the game. Seems there's a big book that you can write the rules into and they become reality. Buffy takes it on herself to guard this book and I have a feeling that the book will come to play a big role in the season arc that will eventually unfold in the comics.
Meanwhile, there are consequences to restoring the magic. Dawn has been reset to a certain point before she and Xander were a couple. And while she loves him, she doesn't love him in that way, leading to all kinds of awkwardness and angst. And yet, as with much of the awkwardness and angst of the Buffy-verse, it feels earned and authentic. In fact, it almost feels like something Joss himself would have dreamed up as a way to keep our couple apart but give us hope they'll get back together soon.
Also on tap are a return to Sunnydale and Andrew trying to resurrect a certain dead character that I won't give away. Nicholas Brendan even steps in to co-write an issue that has Spike and Xander falling under the spell of a couple of sirens. I'd almost say this is my favorite installment from the first dozen or so issues of season ten, if only because it pulls away from the heavy arc that the other issues are carrying (even a standalone with Harmony and Clem making a guest appearance gets caught up in arc stuff in its final few pages, including one very interesting reveal).
Overall, I like season ten a bit more than I thought I would. Reading this collection, I still yearn to go back and dust off my DVDs and maybe revisit Sunnydale again.
February 17, 2019
Whoa, talk about a upgrade.
So last we saw the world has gotten magic back. In doing so, things have changed. As the title suggest, new rules. Right away we are introduced to so many what the fucks it's almost hard to keep up. Giles is back, but as a kid? These new vampires can transform and fight in the sun? What!? Dawn and Xander trying to figure out what the hell their relationship is. Buffy trying her best to hold it all together while counting on her family and friends to help? Now THIS is the Buffy I know and love.
Good: The art is a huge upgrade IMO. Everyone looks distinct and can tell who is who. Fights are better as well. The dialogue is a huge upgrade, and when Dracula comes into play, I was laughing so hard my wife thought I was dying. I also thought the new storylines opened for this season are a huge upgrade and I'm 100% invested. Also, kid giles >>>
Bad: The main storyline in this with Dracula overstays its welcome at points. Started to feel like it dragged or went on too long for me.
Overall, great stuff. This is a nice upgrade from last season which settled with okay to good at points. This is great. A 4 out of 5.
So last we saw the world has gotten magic back. In doing so, things have changed. As the title suggest, new rules. Right away we are introduced to so many what the fucks it's almost hard to keep up. Giles is back, but as a kid? These new vampires can transform and fight in the sun? What!? Dawn and Xander trying to figure out what the hell their relationship is. Buffy trying her best to hold it all together while counting on her family and friends to help? Now THIS is the Buffy I know and love.
Good: The art is a huge upgrade IMO. Everyone looks distinct and can tell who is who. Fights are better as well. The dialogue is a huge upgrade, and when Dracula comes into play, I was laughing so hard my wife thought I was dying. I also thought the new storylines opened for this season are a huge upgrade and I'm 100% invested. Also, kid giles >>>
Bad: The main storyline in this with Dracula overstays its welcome at points. Started to feel like it dragged or went on too long for me.
Overall, great stuff. This is a nice upgrade from last season which settled with okay to good at points. This is great. A 4 out of 5.
April 13, 2016
Wow, this was probably the best Buffy comic book I've read, and the closest one to catch the feel of the TV show. Christos Gage was already very good with the Buffyverse, being the writer of brilliant Angel & Faith Season 9. But it looks like the addition of Nicholas Brendon, the actor from the show who played Xander, makes all the difference. I finally know and love all these characters again.
Ooh, and Rebekah Isaacs! Bless her. She is such a wonderful artist, and it is so great to see her work on this book instead of Georges Jeanty's — I could never get used to his style during seasons 8 and 9 of BTVS. Isaacs, again, was a regular artist on A&F S9, and she did a great job, but here on BTVS, with a much wider cast of characters, many of whom must resemble an actual person who played the character on TV, she still manages to make everyone instantly recognisable. And her style is just instantly appealing and fits the book very well.
So, a great start to what hopefully will be a great season. I have a lot of faith in the creative team this time around.
Ooh, and Rebekah Isaacs! Bless her. She is such a wonderful artist, and it is so great to see her work on this book instead of Georges Jeanty's — I could never get used to his style during seasons 8 and 9 of BTVS. Isaacs, again, was a regular artist on A&F S9, and she did a great job, but here on BTVS, with a much wider cast of characters, many of whom must resemble an actual person who played the character on TV, she still manages to make everyone instantly recognisable. And her style is just instantly appealing and fits the book very well.
So, a great start to what hopefully will be a great season. I have a lot of faith in the creative team this time around.
March 16, 2017
Thank you, gods of Buffyverse! All the appeal that the series had is here again, but with small enough twists that the changes don't feel too overwhelming or out of place. The inclusion of Dracula is hilarious. I just love the way he's been made into this tongue-in-cheek character, who is well aware of his campiness and Fabio hair. Old acquaintances are back in new forms and my favourite characters are hanging around, so season 10 seems to have gotten into a promising start.
March 25, 2016
Season 10 is totally brilliant. Nicholas Brendan was an awesome addition to the team. I absolutely adore the turns the story has taken. I can't say much more because spoilers, but gah... SO GOOD.
Side note: when did I become team Spike? I have mixed feelings about this!
Side note: when did I become team Spike? I have mixed feelings about this!
February 12, 2018
4.5 stars! I LOVED this installment; it's my fav so far in the Buffy comics. There's a new artist (and colourist?) and the art is SO MUCH BETTER! And the gang is all back together again and I got that warm family feeling of all of them fighting evil together that the show has in its best episodes.
July 21, 2015
I'm surprised that I actually liked this, despite going into this series 10.
May 11, 2017
This is the best Buffy comic I've ever read, and one of the best Buffy stories in any medium. After the events of Season 9, Buffy and friends find themselves writing the book on magic, vampires, and the supernatural, literally reshaping their powers as they try to come to terms with the changes wreaked from their restoration of magic. The whole gang is here, with some brief unexpected cameos, and characters thought long gone make reappearances. The action is fast and furious, with new tension derived from the vampires not adhering to previous limitations. And the humor is perfectly in tune with the show (I love Dark Willow being a self-aware trope and joke), while also mining emotional depths in some surprising relationships. Christos Gage and Nicholas Brendon really do a good job of exploring Xander and making him relevant in a way he rarely has been. Contrasting his relationship with Dawn and his servitude toward Dracula (who is hilarious here) leads to some strong pathos, even though his stories are secondary to Buffy. The only real quibble I have with the book is that the artist's interpretation of Buffy was painfully off on some pages, to the point I didn't actually recognize her. But beyond that quibble, this book is a near perfect Buffy experience.
December 31, 2014
A new seed of magic has taken hold, and the rules are being rewritten. The gang is all back together, the Scoobies reunited.
Without giving anything away, this installment brings back characters we have seen briefly, and one who has been part of the team from the onset.
The Dawn & Xander storyline takes a new, interesting direction. Xander's sanity becomes a major question.
This is a wonderful continuation of the Buffyverse. We can all rejoice that the story stays true to the series awesomeness.
Without giving anything away, this installment brings back characters we have seen briefly, and one who has been part of the team from the onset.
The Dawn & Xander storyline takes a new, interesting direction. Xander's sanity becomes a major question.
This is a wonderful continuation of the Buffyverse. We can all rejoice that the story stays true to the series awesomeness.
March 16, 2015
Great new season so far. Wonder what is going to happen next.
May 19, 2016
4.5
*Book source ~ Library
From Goodreads:
While slaying the zompires that have overrun a small California town, Buffy and her pals are shocked to discover a new kind of vampire: harder to kill, able to transform and walk in the light of day-like Dracula… If that weren't enough, the rules of magic are literally being rewritten. While the crew attempts to find out exactly what this means and restore the status quo, Xander is the victim of a haunting as his relationship with Dawn crumbles. Collects Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #1-#5.
Totally digging this new season of Buffy. There’s fighting, bad guys, a mystery, Spike, and Dracula. I don’t really care about Dawn and Xander and I’m not sure why Anya is back in ghost form or how exactly Giles is back. I think I need to get caught up in the other comics for things to make sense. I wish I had won the lottery. Then I could buy them all instead of relying on the library who, while very generous in purchasing my many suggestions, has yet to get more of the Buffyverse like Angel & Faith. Loving the artwork except for Andrew. I didn’t know who he was until he was addressed by name. He looks a lot like Riley. I’m liking where this season is heading with the wild magic back and the book.
*Book source ~ Library
From Goodreads:
While slaying the zompires that have overrun a small California town, Buffy and her pals are shocked to discover a new kind of vampire: harder to kill, able to transform and walk in the light of day-like Dracula… If that weren't enough, the rules of magic are literally being rewritten. While the crew attempts to find out exactly what this means and restore the status quo, Xander is the victim of a haunting as his relationship with Dawn crumbles. Collects Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 #1-#5.
Totally digging this new season of Buffy. There’s fighting, bad guys, a mystery, Spike, and Dracula. I don’t really care about Dawn and Xander and I’m not sure why Anya is back in ghost form or how exactly Giles is back. I think I need to get caught up in the other comics for things to make sense. I wish I had won the lottery. Then I could buy them all instead of relying on the library who, while very generous in purchasing my many suggestions, has yet to get more of the Buffyverse like Angel & Faith. Loving the artwork except for Andrew. I didn’t know who he was until he was addressed by name. He looks a lot like Riley. I’m liking where this season is heading with the wild magic back and the book.
November 23, 2015
As I have stated several times, I adore Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It is my favorite television show and honestly, anything that Joss Whedon puts out involving Buffy and the world of Buffy I will always read. This does give me a bit of bias towards anything that comes out.
That being said, I was not a fan of season nine. I had read the season nine comics thinking they would get better, they had to, it was Buffy. Sadly, for me they did not. So when it came to starting up season ten I was very cautious.
I was foolish to be cautious. Season ten starts off in an amazing fashion and just continues to get even more amazing as it goes on. I will be honest, I cried a little bit during these first five issues and I can't wait to read the next five issues, see where they take me, and find out what adventures Buffy and the scoobies will be going on next.
That being said, I was not a fan of season nine. I had read the season nine comics thinking they would get better, they had to, it was Buffy. Sadly, for me they did not. So when it came to starting up season ten I was very cautious.
I was foolish to be cautious. Season ten starts off in an amazing fashion and just continues to get even more amazing as it goes on. I will be honest, I cried a little bit during these first five issues and I can't wait to read the next five issues, see where they take me, and find out what adventures Buffy and the scoobies will be going on next.
July 17, 2023
#1 buffy the vampire slayer: new rules ★★★★☆
#2 buffy the vampire slayer: i wish ★★★☆☆
#3 buffy the vampire slayer: love dares you ★★★★☆
#4 buffy the vampire slayer: old demons ★★★★☆
#5 buffy the vampire slayer: in pieces on the ground ★★★☆☆
#6 buffy the vampire slayer: own it ★★★★☆
that gang’s all back together! even anya, sort of! this one has more of a buffy show feel to it than the previous ones.
#2 buffy the vampire slayer: i wish ★★★☆☆
#3 buffy the vampire slayer: love dares you ★★★★☆
#4 buffy the vampire slayer: old demons ★★★★☆
#5 buffy the vampire slayer: in pieces on the ground ★★★☆☆
#6 buffy the vampire slayer: own it ★★★★☆
that gang’s all back together! even anya, sort of! this one has more of a buffy show feel to it than the previous ones.
January 12, 2015
So fun! The usual snappy dialogue, great art where the characters actually look like the characters, some serious stuff, some funny stuff, and some really interesting stuff. But nothing too huge or too...ridiculously weird, like happened in Season 9. Also, Dracula!!! I always really love it when he shows up because he is hilarious. And then there's ! And I guess kind of some big things happened in the Angel and Faith series that I haven't been able to force myself to read yet, but I feel pretty comfortable continuing to skip those.
Anyway, totally looking forward to volume 2!
Anyway, totally looking forward to volume 2!
March 3, 2017
I really enjoyed the start of season 10! It's fun having the gang all back together, and I'm excited for the potential new laws of magic.
Dracula is always a joy, and I appreciated how his presence raised the stakes and helped Xander and Dawn work through their issues. This is actually the first time in all of Buffy history that I have liked Dawn as a character. Also, as a fan of "Spuffy," I thought Spike and Buffy's new dymanic served them both well as characters. From a writing standpoint, I thought the humor was really well done, and I appreciated the self-references. Art was gorgeous and easy to follow, too.
Overall, I loved this volume and cannot wait to read the next!
Dracula is always a joy, and I appreciated how his presence raised the stakes and helped Xander and Dawn work through their issues. This is actually the first time in all of Buffy history that I have liked Dawn as a character. Also, as a fan of "Spuffy," I thought Spike and Buffy's new dymanic served them both well as characters. From a writing standpoint, I thought the humor was really well done, and I appreciated the self-references. Art was gorgeous and easy to follow, too.
Overall, I loved this volume and cannot wait to read the next!
January 15, 2015
Yay for back to basics!!! And no stupid Angel! And yay for Dracula, who had me literally laughing out loud! I love having the group back together without all the weird crazy universe exploding plot lines and the giant slayer army. I'm so glad things are back to normalish, even if Giles is Harry Potter for some reason (I will not read Angel to find out why - he's back and that's all I care about!)
:) :) :)
P.S. I love that "going dark Willow" is a thing, haha.
:) :) :)
P.S. I love that "going dark Willow" is a thing, haha.
March 7, 2015
The idea that new rules of magic are being written for the world is a nice continuation of the plots from season 8 & 9. Beyond that, this volume is fun, with good adventure, great character arcs (focusing on Xander and Dawn), and a terrific return of Dracula, which makes hilarious use of the old baddie.
November 2, 2018
when they say new rules, they ain't kidding. the recycling of characters is a little insane, though gile's situation is pretty ironic and funny. but yeah, death is no barrier for sure. season 9 was pretty epic - much more believable and compelling to me than season 8 - I just don't really buy twilight. we'll see what they do with season 10, it's wide open.
April 18, 2015
Great start to the new season-looking forward to the next!
March 20, 2019
I was not a big follower of the Buffy TV show, but I have read some of the Buffy and Angel comics. I know enough about the characters I wasn't totally lost, but there were also some character changes I didn't know about. Also, I'm not sure if the comics adhered strictly to the TV Series continuity.
All of that being said, this was still a good read with decent art. Vampires have evolved and can now walk in the sun and transform into various creatures, basically the same powers as Dracula other than the sunlight survival. Of course, Buffy and her friends are on the case. Plenty of action and plenty of humor as well.
All the Buffy favorites are here and I think fans of the show will probably really enjoy this continuation of the series.
All of that being said, this was still a good read with decent art. Vampires have evolved and can now walk in the sun and transform into various creatures, basically the same powers as Dracula other than the sunlight survival. Of course, Buffy and her friends are on the case. Plenty of action and plenty of humor as well.
All the Buffy favorites are here and I think fans of the show will probably really enjoy this continuation of the series.
December 29, 2024
Ah, this is starting to feel more and more like the tv show! I have high hopes for this new season
January 19, 2015
We're going back to Buffy's roots, save one little snag... the breaking of the fourth wall! Sort-of. Then again, having the book of Vampyrs get all erased and then start to redefine the magic of the whole world just means that nothing is sacred and rulebound. Then again, that's kinda what I love about the series. It eventually manages to redefine itself repeatedly, only to smash it to pieces once more. I don't know of any other series that has the courage to do this so regularly with a cast of misfits so well loved by so many ubergeeks.
February 3, 2017
Un mundo con nuevas reglas pero con la scoobie gang que todos conocemos; escucho sus voces al leer los diálogos. Por cierto, la serie de Angel & Faith es canon, tiene continuidad en esta.
May 16, 2019
In 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Rules', Buffy and gang encounter a new type of vampire that can take on several forms and can be exposed to sunlight without getting burned. They also discover that the rules of magic have changed, hence protecting the Vampyr book is more important than ever.
I started season 10 without any expectations but wow, this volume was amazing on every level. I enjoyed the storyline immensely as everyone had to quickly figure out how to defeat those stronger vampires and understand the new rules stated in the Vampyr book. There were plenty of questions that needed to be answered and throughout the story, well-thought-out explanations were provided. There was undoubtedly a lot at stake (pun intended).
There was a good mix of action (thrilling battle scenes), humour (mainly the exchanges between Xander and Dracula), friendship (especially Buffy and Willow), teamwork (everyone working as one) and romance (Xander and Dawn). Besides that, there were interesting developments such as the unexpected , Anya's appearance and honest conversations between Xander and Dawn. The characters were more mature in general.
I was incredibly pleased with the improved artwork (in terms of consistency). Finally, there was no issue of not recognizing certain characters, mistaking one character for another or wondering how the same character can look so different in every panel. In addition, I liked how the switch to a different location included the name of the place. It was a small yet thoughtful incorporation that made the story easy to follow.
Overall, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Rules' is the best volume I've read so far with an exciting storyline supported by good subplots, strong bonds between the characters and (some) character growth.
I started season 10 without any expectations but wow, this volume was amazing on every level. I enjoyed the storyline immensely as everyone had to quickly figure out how to defeat those stronger vampires and understand the new rules stated in the Vampyr book. There were plenty of questions that needed to be answered and throughout the story, well-thought-out explanations were provided. There was undoubtedly a lot at stake (pun intended).
There was a good mix of action (thrilling battle scenes), humour (mainly the exchanges between Xander and Dracula), friendship (especially Buffy and Willow), teamwork (everyone working as one) and romance (Xander and Dawn). Besides that, there were interesting developments such as the unexpected , Anya's appearance and honest conversations between Xander and Dawn. The characters were more mature in general.
I was incredibly pleased with the improved artwork (in terms of consistency). Finally, there was no issue of not recognizing certain characters, mistaking one character for another or wondering how the same character can look so different in every panel. In addition, I liked how the switch to a different location included the name of the place. It was a small yet thoughtful incorporation that made the story easy to follow.
Overall, 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Rules' is the best volume I've read so far with an exciting storyline supported by good subplots, strong bonds between the characters and (some) character growth.
October 27, 2016
The Scooby gang is back together and in true form. Buffy's hair is shorter, but that physical change does not preclude the internal demons (pardon the pun) she endures and grows from.
Some returning favorites are reintroduced to the fold in varied forms. Giles's much-welcomed assimilation brought a tear to my eye. Buffy's father figure, mentor, and Watcher (which has always been the order of importance to me) is back as a pubescent boy. A call to the other comics in the Buffyverse. Anya is haunting Xander. We are still determining her purpose; whether she's a fantasm or a figment of Xander's slipping mental state, we'll eventually sort out.
There's a new breed of daytime vamps led by Vicki. They can also change form. A repercussion of destroying the seed in season 9. A lovely hint is that Ilyria may not have died at the end of last season. Koh stated that the Old Ones don't carry on that way. It'll be interesting to see how she returns and in what form.
The Buffy-Spike romance continues to develop. This time, Buffy is unable to come up with the words to say how she actually feels. It's these moments that keep me engaged. There are these grounded moments where Buffy's personal life is challenged as much as the rest of the world is. It's that micro vs. macro dichotomy that challenges the reader to determine "right" from "wrong."
Most of the remaining issues brings Dracula back. He takes control of Xander and wants to write his fate in the Vampyr book (as the course of supernatural states has been rewritten with the falling of the seed, there is no longer a written history). It ends with a transformation to Maloker from the end of the previous season, but all in all, this through line left me disengaged.
However, knowing that Dawn is re-experiencing all her past feelings and life is fascinating. She's reliving her mother's death. That's devastating. It also explains why she is no longer in love with Xander. She embraces the path it took to fall in love, but no longer feels it herself in the present day. I think this "factory reset" is what everyone wishes to experience, but the actual results are unpredictable.
This volume lays the groundwork nicely for what's to come in the rest of season 10. I think Dracula was going to be a welcome callback, but I failed to see the appeal during the TV series, and find him less intriguing in comic-book form.
Some returning favorites are reintroduced to the fold in varied forms. Giles's much-welcomed assimilation brought a tear to my eye. Buffy's father figure, mentor, and Watcher (which has always been the order of importance to me) is back as a pubescent boy. A call to the other comics in the Buffyverse. Anya is haunting Xander. We are still determining her purpose; whether she's a fantasm or a figment of Xander's slipping mental state, we'll eventually sort out.
There's a new breed of daytime vamps led by Vicki. They can also change form. A repercussion of destroying the seed in season 9. A lovely hint is that Ilyria may not have died at the end of last season. Koh stated that the Old Ones don't carry on that way. It'll be interesting to see how she returns and in what form.
The Buffy-Spike romance continues to develop. This time, Buffy is unable to come up with the words to say how she actually feels. It's these moments that keep me engaged. There are these grounded moments where Buffy's personal life is challenged as much as the rest of the world is. It's that micro vs. macro dichotomy that challenges the reader to determine "right" from "wrong."
Most of the remaining issues brings Dracula back. He takes control of Xander and wants to write his fate in the Vampyr book (as the course of supernatural states has been rewritten with the falling of the seed, there is no longer a written history). It ends with a transformation to Maloker from the end of the previous season, but all in all, this through line left me disengaged.
However, knowing that Dawn is re-experiencing all her past feelings and life is fascinating. She's reliving her mother's death. That's devastating. It also explains why she is no longer in love with Xander. She embraces the path it took to fall in love, but no longer feels it herself in the present day. I think this "factory reset" is what everyone wishes to experience, but the actual results are unpredictable.
This volume lays the groundwork nicely for what's to come in the rest of season 10. I think Dracula was going to be a welcome callback, but I failed to see the appeal during the TV series, and find him less intriguing in comic-book form.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2024
4.5 but it felt bad to give it 4 stars bc this was loads better than any other buffy comic from s8/9. it might be the fact that the gangs back together and some of the dynamics are feeling s5 ish.
buffy seems the best she has so far, and I think as we always know her strength comes from her friends. i really loved that line of spikes about not being able to choose our first family but choosing our second and how buffy made a good choice.
onto spike and buffy, I know this is THAT season so im tempering my hopefulness. their flirty dynamic feels good and i love her constantly wanting him to come patrolling and be with her constantly, and her even saying they are in a good place and have no baggage from the past but are still acting the most coupley fighting ever. her forgetting she was dating dowling was peak comedy though, you know he’s team spike anyways so. really excited to see how they deal with their past to actually date because you can tell it kills spike to know he is exactly what she wants and needs in a partner but he doesn’t feel worth of having it still. yes, i could over analyze this for a million years.
enjoyed ghost Anya popping up and giving Xander so much shit because that bitch deserves it. And even having dawn and Xander go through troubles because honestly she may remember him falling in love but i don’t so would be interested to see that. the Giles of it all is kind of sad but I’m still happy he’s back.
draculas return was more fun than i imagined and an interesting concept to deal with them having the literal power to rewrite the rules of magic. did have dua lipa’s new rules in my brain the whole time tho.
buffy seems the best she has so far, and I think as we always know her strength comes from her friends. i really loved that line of spikes about not being able to choose our first family but choosing our second and how buffy made a good choice.
onto spike and buffy, I know this is THAT season so im tempering my hopefulness. their flirty dynamic feels good and i love her constantly wanting him to come patrolling and be with her constantly, and her even saying they are in a good place and have no baggage from the past but are still acting the most coupley fighting ever. her forgetting she was dating dowling was peak comedy though, you know he’s team spike anyways so. really excited to see how they deal with their past to actually date because you can tell it kills spike to know he is exactly what she wants and needs in a partner but he doesn’t feel worth of having it still. yes, i could over analyze this for a million years.
enjoyed ghost Anya popping up and giving Xander so much shit because that bitch deserves it. And even having dawn and Xander go through troubles because honestly she may remember him falling in love but i don’t so would be interested to see that. the Giles of it all is kind of sad but I’m still happy he’s back.
draculas return was more fun than i imagined and an interesting concept to deal with them having the literal power to rewrite the rules of magic. did have dua lipa’s new rules in my brain the whole time tho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2024
Magie kam in die Welt zurück, doch manches scheint sich verändert zu haben. So halten sich die Vampire nicht mehr an bisherige Regeln. Und tatsächlich schreibt sich auch das Buch, das Giles Buffy hinterlassen hat, neu: Neue Regeln entstehen.
Die zehnte Staffel startet mit einem furiosen Band, der mich mehr als einmal laut auflachen ließ. Die Geschichte ist wieder sehr spannend, aber auch voller Humor, wie man es auch aus der Serie kennt. Einer der Autoren dieses Bandes ist der Xander-Darsteller Nicholas Brandon, ich denke, dass vor allem er, nicht nur, dafür verantwortlich ist.
Denn auch sonst gibt es einige Referenzen, die vor allem mit Xander in Verbindung stehen. So kehrt Dracula zurück, und der Geist einer alten Liebe Xanders erscheint ihm – und bleibt hoffentlich noch einige Bände. Auch ein anderer, tot geglaubter, Charakter kehrt zurück, allerdings recht verändert, ich dachte zuerst „Was macht denn Harry Potter hier“. Die Wiederbelebung dieses Charakters ist offenbar in einem Band außerhalb der Reihe geschehen, leider sind die meisten davon mittlerweile vergriffen.
Natürlich gibt es auch in diesem Band wieder eine sehenswerte Covergalerie.
Der erste Band der zehnten Staffel ist für mich der bisherige Höhepunkt der Reihe. Spannend, voller Humor und mit gelungenen Wiedersehen beliebter Charaktere, hat er mich absolut begeistert.
Die zehnte Staffel startet mit einem furiosen Band, der mich mehr als einmal laut auflachen ließ. Die Geschichte ist wieder sehr spannend, aber auch voller Humor, wie man es auch aus der Serie kennt. Einer der Autoren dieses Bandes ist der Xander-Darsteller Nicholas Brandon, ich denke, dass vor allem er, nicht nur, dafür verantwortlich ist.
Denn auch sonst gibt es einige Referenzen, die vor allem mit Xander in Verbindung stehen. So kehrt Dracula zurück, und der Geist einer alten Liebe Xanders erscheint ihm – und bleibt hoffentlich noch einige Bände. Auch ein anderer, tot geglaubter, Charakter kehrt zurück, allerdings recht verändert, ich dachte zuerst „Was macht denn Harry Potter hier“. Die Wiederbelebung dieses Charakters ist offenbar in einem Band außerhalb der Reihe geschehen, leider sind die meisten davon mittlerweile vergriffen.
Natürlich gibt es auch in diesem Band wieder eine sehenswerte Covergalerie.
Der erste Band der zehnten Staffel ist für mich der bisherige Höhepunkt der Reihe. Spannend, voller Humor und mit gelungenen Wiedersehen beliebter Charaktere, hat er mich absolut begeistert.
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