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Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 9
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 9, Vol. 4: Welcome to the Team
Buffy is unwillingly recruited by the demon Illyria and a mystical council to take down the Siphon—for good. He is on the loose again, and a danger to all remnants of magic! Meanwhile, back home the loss of magic has begun to affect those closest to Buffy . . . Collect issues #16-#20 of Season 9.
136 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2013
12 people are currently reading
885 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Chambliss
51 books22 followersAndrew Chambliss is an American television writer and producer. He is well known for working on series such as Dollhouse, The Vampire Diaries, and Once Upon a Time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
January 21, 2019
There were some great story arcs in this volume. We see Illyria come back and she is supposed to be this very powerful being of magic. Yet, within a few pages someone has sucked out her power. Yawn. Guess she isn't all that powerful. Silly.
Willow makes an appearance again and all is right with the Buffy verse. Yeah. One of the best arcs of this story is that Dawn is beginning to fade away without the link to magic in the world. She is still a ball of magic. It's a very cool idea, but it other power beings like Buffy can keep their magic, then why wouldn't Dawn. Why does Dawn fade and Buffy doesn't? Still, it's a good storyline. Willow helps Dawn out but she doesn't have enough magic to save her. She needs more. Dawn does wake up.
It appears on the face of things that Xander is going to double cross Buffy, but who knows. We are left on a cliff hanger. I don't like Xander as a character and I think he has always been a jerk and a grade A asshole, but he has always been loyal to Buffy and Willow. I can see him being desperate when it's just Buffy, but with Willow back in the picture, I and the fact that Dawn woke up, I would think he would put his faith in Willow. I don't think it's consistent with what I know of him.
There were a lot of great reveals in this story and I still feel the story is silly. I enjoyed it better when there were an army of slayers. Let's get magic back and move on.
This pales in comparison to the TV show, but it's nice to keep the world going, even if it's much much sillier, or I'm older, one or the other.
Willow makes an appearance again and all is right with the Buffy verse. Yeah. One of the best arcs of this story is that Dawn is beginning to fade away without the link to magic in the world. She is still a ball of magic. It's a very cool idea, but it other power beings like Buffy can keep their magic, then why wouldn't Dawn. Why does Dawn fade and Buffy doesn't? Still, it's a good storyline. Willow helps Dawn out but she doesn't have enough magic to save her. She needs more. Dawn does wake up.
It appears on the face of things that Xander is going to double cross Buffy, but who knows. We are left on a cliff hanger. I don't like Xander as a character and I think he has always been a jerk and a grade A asshole, but he has always been loyal to Buffy and Willow. I can see him being desperate when it's just Buffy, but with Willow back in the picture, I and the fact that Dawn woke up, I would think he would put his faith in Willow. I don't think it's consistent with what I know of him.
There were a lot of great reveals in this story and I still feel the story is silly. I enjoyed it better when there were an army of slayers. Let's get magic back and move on.
This pales in comparison to the TV show, but it's nice to keep the world going, even if it's much much sillier, or I'm older, one or the other.
April 14, 2022
I had felt this within the first couple issues, the plot seemed light compared to previous volumes. I think it’s because this volume is basically just a stepping stone.
It gets all the players where they need to be for the final act.
While I don’t mind the ‘Back to Basics’ approach, it just felt like not a whole lot was going on in each issue.
I did like the mini reveals such as
I also liked the introduction of The Council. It makes it feel like there really is a world of people out there, beyond just the Buffy and Angel crew.
I am so excited to see how this season ends!
It’s been interesting with the zompires and the new characters but I’m ready for a change. And for the Simone plot to finally be over!
It gets all the players where they need to be for the final act.
While I don’t mind the ‘Back to Basics’ approach, it just felt like not a whole lot was going on in each issue.
I did like the mini reveals such as
I also liked the introduction of The Council. It makes it feel like there really is a world of people out there, beyond just the Buffy and Angel crew.
I am so excited to see how this season ends!
It’s been interesting with the zompires and the new characters but I’m ready for a change. And for the Simone plot to finally be over!
June 1, 2019
I'm not the biggest fan of this arc, mainly because it feels like half an arc. Buffy's felt a bit directionless this season and that's only compounded here. George Jeanty's art and the amount of people he has to draw doesn't help. I have a difficult time telling some of his characters apart. I also feel like his art is regressing some, especially when it comes to drawing characters to a recognizable likeness to the show.
July 20, 2014
Season 9's reading a lot better than season 8 did. Shit just went weird in 8, it was as if they had a moment where everybody sat around a table and said something like "hey, we're not on TV, we don't have to worry about a specialFX budget anymore, let's just got crazy!" Only somebody forgot that it would be a good idea to have a solid story in place.
February 24, 2023
WELL I had fears about one of the characters in a previous volume for no real reason... just a hunch that it might twist into something dark and fatal... and HERE WE GO. If anything happens I might cry.
-Enjoying the theme(s) of this Season a lot more.
-Glad to see Illyria. Even thought I have a love/hate relationship with her since Angel because of the whole Fred situation.
-Glad Willow is back.
-THIS is the side of Xander that tends to annoy me. The "Kick his ass," whine and leave your fiancee at the alter, and get angry and sassy because you're just a big ole baby Xander... but he usually has a great apology and comeback tour when the moment passes...
Ok... whoever decided to allow totally new artists draw and color in that last issue in this volume?! The characters look like 10 year olds who have never even seen the show, let alone any other comic in this series, draw them. Shame... I was so grossed out by the drawing and coloring of that final issue in this one... I really hope it is not the same artists again in the finale volume next...
-Enjoying the theme(s) of this Season a lot more.
-Glad to see Illyria. Even thought I have a love/hate relationship with her since Angel because of the whole Fred situation.
-Glad Willow is back.
-THIS is the side of Xander that tends to annoy me. The "Kick his ass," whine and leave your fiancee at the alter, and get angry and sassy because you're just a big ole baby Xander... but he usually has a great apology and comeback tour when the moment passes...
Ok... whoever decided to allow totally new artists draw and color in that last issue in this volume?! The characters look like 10 year olds who have never even seen the show, let alone any other comic in this series, draw them. Shame... I was so grossed out by the drawing and coloring of that final issue in this one... I really hope it is not the same artists again in the finale volume next...
January 12, 2016
The Good: Xander makes you care about Dawn. That's what we remaining skeptical fans have needed since the moment Dawn appeared in the series. A reason to care about her. She's grown up some, but she's still, at heart, the annoying little sister we all wish had never been introduced. Her relationship with Xander is the only thing that makes her likable, but at least we have that now. Xander is still full of his flaws, the one character that never evolves past his episode, always reverting back to default mode come the next. This graphic novel stays true to that, as annoying as it may be. We see him once again contemplating questionable things based on emotion over logic.
The Bad: The artwork is getting laughable. I mean, look at that cover. Clearly Buffy. Clearly Xander in black and white at the bottom. Obviously the artists have a grasp on what the characters are supposed to look like. Then on the inside we get rushed cartoony nonsense that barely resemble the characters. I couldn't identify Buffy in more than a few panels. Xander is slightly better, but the eye patch is a pretty big tip off. Judge for yourself.
{see blog for photos}
Not good.
The Bad: The artwork is getting laughable. I mean, look at that cover. Clearly Buffy. Clearly Xander in black and white at the bottom. Obviously the artists have a grasp on what the characters are supposed to look like. Then on the inside we get rushed cartoony nonsense that barely resemble the characters. I couldn't identify Buffy in more than a few panels. Xander is slightly better, but the eye patch is a pretty big tip off. Judge for yourself.
{see blog for photos}
Not good.
January 20, 2019
Another volume of season 9, another pretty good but not great volume.
Buffy is now teamed up with her near vamp-kill squad but things might not go in her favor when a old friend comes to visit. On top of that we have Dawn dealing with being sick and Xander losing his cool far too often which leads to some terrible choices. We then have our new vampire slayer trying to prove himself but will he get in over his head? Let's find out right now!
Good: The pacing is pretty well done. Never boring, flows good, and we have all our characters shine for moments here and there. The heating up to the finale is working well as Buffy is dealing with a nervous and broken Xander. The stakes grow a little more too making it a more interesting volume.
Bad: The art and fights are still pretty dull for the most part. The new slayer loses a lot of interest here compared to his opening in the last volume.
Overall, good, like this whole season, I just wished I could give it higher. Either way, a 3 out of 5.
Buffy is now teamed up with her near vamp-kill squad but things might not go in her favor when a old friend comes to visit. On top of that we have Dawn dealing with being sick and Xander losing his cool far too often which leads to some terrible choices. We then have our new vampire slayer trying to prove himself but will he get in over his head? Let's find out right now!
Good: The pacing is pretty well done. Never boring, flows good, and we have all our characters shine for moments here and there. The heating up to the finale is working well as Buffy is dealing with a nervous and broken Xander. The stakes grow a little more too making it a more interesting volume.
Bad: The art and fights are still pretty dull for the most part. The new slayer loses a lot of interest here compared to his opening in the last volume.
Overall, good, like this whole season, I just wished I could give it higher. Either way, a 3 out of 5.
May 14, 2016
4.5
*Book source ~ Library
From Goodreads:
Buffy is unwillingly recruited by the demon Illyria and a mystical council to take down the Siphon—for good. He is on the loose again, and a danger to all remnants of magic! Meanwhile, back home the loss of magic has begun to affect those closest to Buffy . . . Collect issues #16-#20 of Season 9.
I’ve been waiting forever and a day for this volume to show up at the library. I’ve read the rest of Season 9, so this one fills in the gap of what’s going on with Dawn. I still hate Xander, no surprise there. Love Buffy and the motley crew she’s collected, but I miss Spike so much. *sigh* But Illyria and Eldre Koh are here. Yay! The artwork is decent except for Andrew. He looks zero like he’s supposed to. I can’t even tell it’s him until someone calls him by name or he says something geeky. That Siphon is a piece of work and Simone is a real cunt nugget. All-in-all, I love this installment of the Buffyverse.
*Book source ~ Library
From Goodreads:
Buffy is unwillingly recruited by the demon Illyria and a mystical council to take down the Siphon—for good. He is on the loose again, and a danger to all remnants of magic! Meanwhile, back home the loss of magic has begun to affect those closest to Buffy . . . Collect issues #16-#20 of Season 9.
I’ve been waiting forever and a day for this volume to show up at the library. I’ve read the rest of Season 9, so this one fills in the gap of what’s going on with Dawn. I still hate Xander, no surprise there. Love Buffy and the motley crew she’s collected, but I miss Spike so much. *sigh* But Illyria and Eldre Koh are here. Yay! The artwork is decent except for Andrew. He looks zero like he’s supposed to. I can’t even tell it’s him until someone calls him by name or he says something geeky. That Siphon is a piece of work and Simone is a real cunt nugget. All-in-all, I love this installment of the Buffyverse.
December 15, 2017
Into it! As much as I don't really like Xander, this plotline about Dawn and him adjusting to a non-magical life and dealing with being the one always watching but never acting is drawing me in. Plus, Buffy's roomie is a secret Slayer! Illyria shows up! Willow's back! And Severin is an interesting villain.
December 28, 2016
3/5 stars.
December 12, 2015
Posted originally on my blog:
The Writer's Inkwell
So after the oddness of the last volume, a few things began to make a little more sense in this one. For one, I wish I had paid more attention to the Billy the Vampire Slayer as he is now officially a member of Buffy's slaying brigade. But in truth, I paid enough attention so that I wasn't completely lost when I picked up this book, so that's all that matters, right?
In this volume, Buffy is summoned away from a zompire battle by a mystical council filled with some familiar faces and some new faces. Headed by Illyria, who possessed Fred's body in season five of Angel, they are concerned about the threat Severin aka the Siphon poses to those few remaining mystical creatures.
Meanwhile, Xander finds himself losing control as Dawn becomes sicker and sicker. With the seed of magic destroyed, the mystical components that created her to be flesh and bone are disappearing. This of course, leads to yet another person blaming Buffy for what she did. But in a surprising turn of events, it also pushes Xander to join Simone and Severin in their mission to destroy Buffy once and for all.
While this is an interesting twist, I'm not sure I'm buying the whole Xander going rogue. Even if I did, he's the least powerful/resourceful of the scooby gang and as much as things have been off between him and Buffy, I just don't see him being a real threat. His rise to power when she still had the slayer army, still seems a bit far fetched. But.. what do I know?
The Writer's Inkwell
So after the oddness of the last volume, a few things began to make a little more sense in this one. For one, I wish I had paid more attention to the Billy the Vampire Slayer as he is now officially a member of Buffy's slaying brigade. But in truth, I paid enough attention so that I wasn't completely lost when I picked up this book, so that's all that matters, right?
In this volume, Buffy is summoned away from a zompire battle by a mystical council filled with some familiar faces and some new faces. Headed by Illyria, who possessed Fred's body in season five of Angel, they are concerned about the threat Severin aka the Siphon poses to those few remaining mystical creatures.
Meanwhile, Xander finds himself losing control as Dawn becomes sicker and sicker. With the seed of magic destroyed, the mystical components that created her to be flesh and bone are disappearing. This of course, leads to yet another person blaming Buffy for what she did. But in a surprising turn of events, it also pushes Xander to join Simone and Severin in their mission to destroy Buffy once and for all.
While this is an interesting twist, I'm not sure I'm buying the whole Xander going rogue. Even if I did, he's the least powerful/resourceful of the scooby gang and as much as things have been off between him and Buffy, I just don't see him being a real threat. His rise to power when she still had the slayer army, still seems a bit far fetched. But.. what do I know?
January 9, 2015
In really short: Horrible art, amazing story!
First, the bad part: the drawings were such a let down. AWFUL! Faces are deformed, Buffy is unrecognizable, nobody seems to be able to draw properly Dawn, etc. Hell, you know there is an issue when you can't be sure whether a character is Billy, the male slayer, or Anaheed, Buffy's roomate who is in fact a woman.
On the story side though, it is great. From the cover, we could expect a comeback from Illyria and such a comeback is a pleasure. The cast of Angel should be more present into Buffyverse comics.
The plot here is simple but really effective and sets the tone for a huge finale. Illyria requires Buffy's help to defeat an enemy, while Dawn, as she had her origin via magic, is getting sick and is dying.
We also get a new form of ubervamp, which was, however, underused.
Great book then, but disappointing art.
First, the bad part: the drawings were such a let down. AWFUL! Faces are deformed, Buffy is unrecognizable, nobody seems to be able to draw properly Dawn, etc. Hell, you know there is an issue when you can't be sure whether a character is Billy, the male slayer, or Anaheed, Buffy's roomate who is in fact a woman.
On the story side though, it is great. From the cover, we could expect a comeback from Illyria and such a comeback is a pleasure. The cast of Angel should be more present into Buffyverse comics.
The plot here is simple but really effective and sets the tone for a huge finale. Illyria requires Buffy's help to defeat an enemy, while Dawn, as she had her origin via magic, is getting sick and is dying.
We also get a new form of ubervamp, which was, however, underused.
Great book then, but disappointing art.
July 17, 2023
#1 buffy the vampire slayer: freefall ★★★★☆
#2 buffy the vampire slayer: on your own ★★★☆☆
#3 buffy the vampire slayer: guarded ★★☆☆☆
#4 buffy the vampire slayer: welcome to the team ★★★☆☆
#5 buffy the vampire slayer: the core ★★★☆☆
i hate when buffy’s friends start to go all anti-buffy when shits hits the fan after she makes decisions that they never have to even contemplate making.
#2 buffy the vampire slayer: on your own ★★★☆☆
#3 buffy the vampire slayer: guarded ★★☆☆☆
#4 buffy the vampire slayer: welcome to the team ★★★☆☆
#5 buffy the vampire slayer: the core ★★★☆☆
i hate when buffy’s friends start to go all anti-buffy when shits hits the fan after she makes decisions that they never have to even contemplate making.
December 7, 2013
There's a lot going on in this book, but it very much focuses on getting back to the Buffy basics - the scooby gang (plus a new regular or two), and a big bad, with what should have been a slam dunk crossover with Illyria. There's a lot of story here, and a fair bit of classic Buffy angst, but it doesn't quite settle the way I'd hope, for some reason. A good read, but not a great one. Maybe part of it is that this doesn't offer much closure - it's very much a piece of a larger plot and the end point here isn't enough to have sent it off on its own. But that's the way comic collections go, I guess.
October 22, 2013
Despite the higher stakes in this arc of Season 9, the Back To Basics idea really hammers home here as Buffy and co. find themselves at the centre of a lot of converging plotlines from Season 8 and beyond. The drama between the characters is excellent, and I like the focus on Xander and other newer supporting characters like Anaheed and Billy. The artwork is consistent as usual, and the end of the volume sets up the final arc nicely. Interested to see how it'll all end now.
October 30, 2013
To date, Season 9 has had some individual good moments, but it's too often felt directionless. That finally changes here in book 4, when we get an appropriately epic story that feels like it blooming into some big. And, just in time, as this is the penultimate volume!
May 24, 2014
I hope Dawn will be okay. Can't wait to read the next comic!
September 23, 2015
Illyria!! Willow! This was a great issue! Super exciting.
Full review here: http://tinyurl.com/oqqhxjp
Full review here: http://tinyurl.com/oqqhxjp
January 16, 2024
3.5.
something i enjoyed about this is them finally playing with the idea that dawn is just a mystical energy ball at the end of the day. it’s interesting to see that even she is affected by the loss of magic, a repercussion that buffy would literally never have destroyed the seed if she would have known it would happen. am sure she will be fine but enjoying the journey including Xander being annoying again about Buffy’s choices as always.
illyrias return was a nice touch. hoping she will continue to be a player and we can understand what it means that she’s still alive even without her power gone.
something i enjoyed about this is them finally playing with the idea that dawn is just a mystical energy ball at the end of the day. it’s interesting to see that even she is affected by the loss of magic, a repercussion that buffy would literally never have destroyed the seed if she would have known it would happen. am sure she will be fine but enjoying the journey including Xander being annoying again about Buffy’s choices as always.
illyrias return was a nice touch. hoping she will continue to be a player and we can understand what it means that she’s still alive even without her power gone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2020
Meh. Illyria's cameo was fun, and Dawn's illness intriguing, but the rest just felt tired. The plot with Simone could be cool, but it's too jerky (as always). Too much is going on for any of the plotlines to breathe. I still don't give a crap about Billy or Dowling, though Anaheed's reveal was all right.
Xander stays backstabbing, though, so there's that old staple. 😒
Xander stays backstabbing, though, so there's that old staple. 😒
March 23, 2023
god, I hate xander so much
January 19, 2019
Illyria!!!!
Is it me or is the artwork slowly improving?!
Loving Billy the VS :)
Not so sure about Xander’s character arc but I’m waiting to see where it goes...
Is it me or is the artwork slowly improving?!
Loving Billy the VS :)
Not so sure about Xander’s character arc but I’m waiting to see where it goes...
January 3, 2019
Uh oh set up for bad Xander, and we all thought it would be evil Willow. I love hate this entire graphic novel series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2014
Review for Season 9 of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, Angel & Faith, and Spike.
Last year, I read the craziness that was Buffy: The Vampire Slayer Season Eight. The story got a wee bit out of control and got a bit too epic. The story also suffered from wanting to follow about fifteen characters. Luckily, Joss Whedon learned from his mistakes.
My favorite change to Season Nine was that several characters received their own books. Buffy had five books, Angel and Faith had five books, and Spike and Willow each had one book too. Breaking up the Buffy-verse make each book tighter and more focused. Season Eight felt a bit scattered with random standalone stories that came out of nowhere. With different characters having their own books, I felt more guaranteed that my Buffy comic was going to have Buffy in it.
In addition to appreciating breaking up the characters, I loved that Buffy: The Vampire Slayer Season Nine (and the other series) returned to basics. The story focused on how the aftermath of the showdown in the final arc of Season Nine affected Buffy and her Scoobies. Season Nine didn't take us around the world or into different dimensions but that was okay, because the Scooby gang was doing what it does best: fighting vampires and dealing with age-relevant crises. Unlike in Season Eight in which I felt like I was missing important details, because I had forgotten plot lines from the Buffy television show and never finished watching Angel, Season Nine felt more manageable. In Season Nine, I recognized all of the characters immediately, and I understood why events were happening (for the most part). Also, I found these plots to be more relate-able. Buffy and the gang were not only dealing with vampires but also being adults and managing grown-up life stressors. I will admit that I was a bit disappointed that the creative team wimped out on a particular storyline that could have been really fascinating. Besides this one issue though, I did enjoy all of the stories.
I know I keep focusing on the Buffy comic; however, my praise goes out to all of the Season Nine books. I am much more of a Buffy fan than an Angel fan, so I did enjoy Buffy more than Angel & Faith. Spike was good as well; however, his tale was only a standalone book. I didn't feel like I got too much out of it besides a fun ride.
Overall, I enjoyed Season Nine much more than Season Eight. The writing was tighter and stronger. The characters returned to their inner-Scoobies. I liked seeing my beloved characters stretched and pulled in new ways and meeting new and fun characters (like a new slayer!).
Last year, I read the craziness that was Buffy: The Vampire Slayer Season Eight. The story got a wee bit out of control and got a bit too epic. The story also suffered from wanting to follow about fifteen characters. Luckily, Joss Whedon learned from his mistakes.
My favorite change to Season Nine was that several characters received their own books. Buffy had five books, Angel and Faith had five books, and Spike and Willow each had one book too. Breaking up the Buffy-verse make each book tighter and more focused. Season Eight felt a bit scattered with random standalone stories that came out of nowhere. With different characters having their own books, I felt more guaranteed that my Buffy comic was going to have Buffy in it.
In addition to appreciating breaking up the characters, I loved that Buffy: The Vampire Slayer Season Nine (and the other series) returned to basics. The story focused on how the aftermath of the showdown in the final arc of Season Nine affected Buffy and her Scoobies. Season Nine didn't take us around the world or into different dimensions but that was okay, because the Scooby gang was doing what it does best: fighting vampires and dealing with age-relevant crises. Unlike in Season Eight in which I felt like I was missing important details, because I had forgotten plot lines from the Buffy television show and never finished watching Angel, Season Nine felt more manageable. In Season Nine, I recognized all of the characters immediately, and I understood why events were happening (for the most part). Also, I found these plots to be more relate-able. Buffy and the gang were not only dealing with vampires but also being adults and managing grown-up life stressors. I will admit that I was a bit disappointed that the creative team wimped out on a particular storyline that could have been really fascinating. Besides this one issue though, I did enjoy all of the stories.
I know I keep focusing on the Buffy comic; however, my praise goes out to all of the Season Nine books. I am much more of a Buffy fan than an Angel fan, so I did enjoy Buffy more than Angel & Faith. Spike was good as well; however, his tale was only a standalone book. I didn't feel like I got too much out of it besides a fun ride.
Overall, I enjoyed Season Nine much more than Season Eight. The writing was tighter and stronger. The characters returned to their inner-Scoobies. I liked seeing my beloved characters stretched and pulled in new ways and meeting new and fun characters (like a new slayer!).
August 21, 2014
It's only when I went back and looked at the start that I realised how well this edition was framed. As an ongoing theme to this season, slayer Doffler is trying to beef herself up great enough to take on and defeat Buffy -- something that she came close to achieving in the earlier season, and thankfully hadn't given up on yet.
I'm very satisfied with the continuity of this season so far. I get the feeling that everything that happens is for a reason. As for example, Dawn's illness... which is shown to be not simply a cold in this edition. In something that I didn't even consider the consequences of, this paperback shows what's starting to happen to Dawn's magical key existence now that there is no magic in the world.
Also Xander, whose contribution so far this season has been random explosions that have been reminiscent of both the flash-forward sequence in the episode where he would have married Anya, and of course the relationship that we see between his parents prior to that. The last story of this collection was told almost solely from Xander's point of view and gave a very real idea of where a lot of that angst and anger has been coming from.
It was quite possibly my favourite piece of writing that this season has given us so far.
Buffy, meanwhile, was zapped away by some space mojo controlled by Illyria. It wasn't really as cool as I had hoped to see Buffy and Illyria together in the comics. It's always worked incredibly well when Willow crosses over into the cast of Angel characters, or when Angel crosses back in with Buffy's cast. Having Illyria and Buffy was actually disappointing, when considering that we could have had more character time between Buffy and Dowling.
In terms of crossovers and me still trying to get my head around which stories to read in which order for season 9, this is the last book that can be read in the Buffy series this season before reading Willow: Wonderland. Not only the conversation about Dowling between Buffy, Xander and Dawn had here, that also happens when Willow looks in on them from Wonderland, Willow herself also shows up at the end of this book.
Unfortunately, Willow also showed up at the end of the last book I read in the Angel and Faith series, which makes me pause and wonder which happens first, so I know which one I should keep reading next...
I'm very satisfied with the continuity of this season so far. I get the feeling that everything that happens is for a reason. As for example, Dawn's illness... which is shown to be not simply a cold in this edition. In something that I didn't even consider the consequences of, this paperback shows what's starting to happen to Dawn's magical key existence now that there is no magic in the world.
Also Xander, whose contribution so far this season has been random explosions that have been reminiscent of both the flash-forward sequence in the episode where he would have married Anya, and of course the relationship that we see between his parents prior to that. The last story of this collection was told almost solely from Xander's point of view and gave a very real idea of where a lot of that angst and anger has been coming from.
It was quite possibly my favourite piece of writing that this season has given us so far.
Buffy, meanwhile, was zapped away by some space mojo controlled by Illyria. It wasn't really as cool as I had hoped to see Buffy and Illyria together in the comics. It's always worked incredibly well when Willow crosses over into the cast of Angel characters, or when Angel crosses back in with Buffy's cast. Having Illyria and Buffy was actually disappointing, when considering that we could have had more character time between Buffy and Dowling.
In terms of crossovers and me still trying to get my head around which stories to read in which order for season 9, this is the last book that can be read in the Buffy series this season before reading Willow: Wonderland. Not only the conversation about Dowling between Buffy, Xander and Dawn had here, that also happens when Willow looks in on them from Wonderland, Willow herself also shows up at the end of this book.
Unfortunately, Willow also showed up at the end of the last book I read in the Angel and Faith series, which makes me pause and wonder which happens first, so I know which one I should keep reading next...
September 13, 2016
It really is back to basics with this installment of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy is no longer attached to the business operation that Kennedy has created (which I was not a fan of, mostly because I hate Kennedy) and is back on the streets doing what she does best, fight vampires (technically zompires) and trying to save the world.
This is the Buffy I've been missing, and I'm so glad to have her back. Even though the gang is not back together by the end of this volume it would seem that things may be heading in that direction. That, and the guys at comic-con said that is. There were a lot of surprises in this volume, and I'm excited to see where this takes the series.
I am a fan of the new addition to the group, Billy, who despite being without special slayer abilities, is doing pretty well for himself and can certainly keep his own in a fight. Despite this, he continues to believe that he is worthless and should quit until his boyfriend, Devon, reassures him that he is an integral part of the team. He still has some growing up to do, and I'm excited to watch him go through all the motions as I do like him.
I'm still a little iffy on Dowling, the cop that now helps Buffy slay the zompires. He still has a little bit of character building to go, especially since it looks like he is a potential love interest for Buffy. I feel about Dowling how I feel about my friends new dating partners. I have to meet them and approve before I allow it to happen. Maybe allow is the wrong word, but you get what I mean.
The art is still of the highest caliber, and I'm looking forward to seeing more from Georges Jeanty. I feel that he really stays true to the characters, not just with their looks, but their expressions are believable and often affecting.
Overall, I was quite impressed with this volume and can't wait to go buy the next one. Probably in the next couple of days. I was a little weary of where it was heading for the last couple of volumes, but now I'm feeling better. I firmly believe that it's now back on track since I had the feeling it was kind of losing its way. A great addition to the growing Buffyverse.
This is the Buffy I've been missing, and I'm so glad to have her back. Even though the gang is not back together by the end of this volume it would seem that things may be heading in that direction. That, and the guys at comic-con said that is. There were a lot of surprises in this volume, and I'm excited to see where this takes the series.
I am a fan of the new addition to the group, Billy, who despite being without special slayer abilities, is doing pretty well for himself and can certainly keep his own in a fight. Despite this, he continues to believe that he is worthless and should quit until his boyfriend, Devon, reassures him that he is an integral part of the team. He still has some growing up to do, and I'm excited to watch him go through all the motions as I do like him.
I'm still a little iffy on Dowling, the cop that now helps Buffy slay the zompires. He still has a little bit of character building to go, especially since it looks like he is a potential love interest for Buffy. I feel about Dowling how I feel about my friends new dating partners. I have to meet them and approve before I allow it to happen. Maybe allow is the wrong word, but you get what I mean.
The art is still of the highest caliber, and I'm looking forward to seeing more from Georges Jeanty. I feel that he really stays true to the characters, not just with their looks, but their expressions are believable and often affecting.
Overall, I was quite impressed with this volume and can't wait to go buy the next one. Probably in the next couple of days. I was a little weary of where it was heading for the last couple of volumes, but now I'm feeling better. I firmly believe that it's now back on track since I had the feeling it was kind of losing its way. A great addition to the growing Buffyverse.
October 20, 2016
What I'm enjoying most about his season is how invested I still feel for these characters. Granted, see them on the TV screen would be much more satisfying, but the voices and tone are still in line with the layered storytelling I grew up with.
Plus, there's the added bonus of having crossovers that would be almost logistically impossible back in the TV days. Illyria from "Angel" is added to the make-shift team this time around to stop Severin from turning back time to save his girlfriend from being zompired (i.e. feral and then slayed). The trouble for me is that when the issues start jumping between too many worlds and dimensions, I get disconnected from the characters and their motivations because I'm trying to acclimate myself to the environment. This other-worldly arc is just enough to keep the dialog, the action, and universe-building tight.
Finally, the repercussions of destroying the seed is playing out just as Willow warned. The ramifications aren't just at a dimensional level (which is the macro perspective explored in the previous volumes), it is hitting close to home as well. Specifically, Dawn - formerly know as The Key - is fading away because there is no magic left. The final issue of this volume is what drives things home. Xander showed bursts of explosive anger in the past, and we never really knew why. That last issue through his eyes - or rather, eye - taught us that he's literally a watcher. This is not to be confused with a Watcher. A Watcher is helpful, needed, and has a defined role. Xander is a watcher who feels helpless and that's even more raw with Dawn's life hanging in the balance. It's incredibly satisfying to see Xander and Buffy argue the morality of her decisions/actions. Both are right. Both are wrong. It's real.
Plus, there's the added bonus of having crossovers that would be almost logistically impossible back in the TV days. Illyria from "Angel" is added to the make-shift team this time around to stop Severin from turning back time to save his girlfriend from being zompired (i.e. feral and then slayed). The trouble for me is that when the issues start jumping between too many worlds and dimensions, I get disconnected from the characters and their motivations because I'm trying to acclimate myself to the environment. This other-worldly arc is just enough to keep the dialog, the action, and universe-building tight.
Finally, the repercussions of destroying the seed is playing out just as Willow warned. The ramifications aren't just at a dimensional level (which is the macro perspective explored in the previous volumes), it is hitting close to home as well. Specifically, Dawn - formerly know as The Key - is fading away because there is no magic left. The final issue of this volume is what drives things home. Xander showed bursts of explosive anger in the past, and we never really knew why. That last issue through his eyes - or rather, eye - taught us that he's literally a watcher. This is not to be confused with a Watcher. A Watcher is helpful, needed, and has a defined role. Xander is a watcher who feels helpless and that's even more raw with Dawn's life hanging in the balance. It's incredibly satisfying to see Xander and Buffy argue the morality of her decisions/actions. Both are right. Both are wrong. It's real.
December 16, 2013
Buffy Season 9 rolls on in this latest volume. After having been able to put together a solid Scoobie crew of stand-ins - including Officer Dowling and Billy the Vampire Slayer - Buffy is getting back to her slaying roots. However, the energy-draining Siphon is putting a strain on the demon world, causing the remaining high council to pluck the Slayer for a new fight. Alongside former Team Angel member Illyria and her demon ally Koh, Buffy's new team must try to end the Siphon's drain on all things magical once and for all. Naturally, things do not go as planned; it may take some metaphysical assistance from a returned Willow to fix the mess they are all in. Topping it off, Xander has decided to throw in with the Siphon and rogue Slayer Simone in order to possibly restore magic - and save Dawn. Team-bulding is the name of the game(literally) for this volume, which sees newer and classical Buffyverse characters begin to interact. While the inclusion of Illyria feels somewhat forced, the collection does not suffer as a result. Xander's possible turn also may throw readers for a loop, but hold judgement until the conclusion of arc. The team is built - add yourself to their adventures with a read.
January 11, 2014
BOOM! ILLYRIA! That's most of what I have to say. It covers a lot, but I do like Buffy getting a higher powered team-up.
I'm not loving Billy. I wish I could say more, but that's the extent of my feelings. Well, it feels like a Politically correct tag on, and a sop to the fact that everyone else is leaving her. It's not an equal power relationship and not the family support she has had from her true family. The pressure of Matriarch-hood is something I feel Buffyu could use some respite from. Then again, maybe that's what she wants, no respite. Some things just feel right to people. Buffy might not be avoiding decisions, she is, perhaps, having the forward motion she desires.
Either way, this was a good sequel to "Apart, of Me." I miss Spike, but it's a good time for him to give both of them space. I think Buffy and Spike compliment one another, and I am kind of glad that Buffy met Illyria, but also glad that Spike wasn't their focus at any time. Yay, Series, keep making me happy in tiny ways.
Speaking of those things: the Council was great! I have always loved the little glimpses into demon society. Reluctantly "contacting" Buffy was fun and interesting
I'm not loving Billy. I wish I could say more, but that's the extent of my feelings. Well, it feels like a Politically correct tag on, and a sop to the fact that everyone else is leaving her. It's not an equal power relationship and not the family support she has had from her true family. The pressure of Matriarch-hood is something I feel Buffyu could use some respite from. Then again, maybe that's what she wants, no respite. Some things just feel right to people. Buffy might not be avoiding decisions, she is, perhaps, having the forward motion she desires.
Either way, this was a good sequel to "Apart, of Me." I miss Spike, but it's a good time for him to give both of them space. I think Buffy and Spike compliment one another, and I am kind of glad that Buffy met Illyria, but also glad that Spike wasn't their focus at any time. Yay, Series, keep making me happy in tiny ways.
Speaking of those things: the Council was great! I have always loved the little glimpses into demon society. Reluctantly "contacting" Buffy was fun and interesting
October 26, 2018
ILLYRIA!
I have some feels about the demon smurf, so seeing her show up in this storyline and literally hijack Buffy is pretty fantastic. I'm really enjoying all the magical fallout and seeing how other mystical beings are coping with the lack of magic in the land. "The Council" being associated with something other than "Watchers" was also a nice change of pace. (Though why Buffy didn't make a joke about how demons are totally unoriginal in their naming conventions, I don't know.)
I do have one question: How did it take this long for anyone to put together that Dawn is made of magic? I mean, as soon as Buffy smashed the seed, I thought about Dawn. I'm just saying!
And with that… I really did not appreciate the way Xander's storyline turned. Like, a lot. I did not appreciate it a lot.
I have some feels about the demon smurf, so seeing her show up in this storyline and literally hijack Buffy is pretty fantastic. I'm really enjoying all the magical fallout and seeing how other mystical beings are coping with the lack of magic in the land. "The Council" being associated with something other than "Watchers" was also a nice change of pace. (Though why Buffy didn't make a joke about how demons are totally unoriginal in their naming conventions, I don't know.)
I do have one question: How did it take this long for anyone to put together that Dawn is made of magic? I mean, as soon as Buffy smashed the seed, I thought about Dawn. I'm just saying!
And with that… I really did not appreciate the way Xander's storyline turned. Like, a lot. I did not appreciate it a lot.
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