CONTINÚA LA NUEVA ETAPA DE BUFFY CAZAVAMPIROS Y ANGEL La vida de Buffy Summers se complica de nuevo. Tiene que tomar una dura decisión personal que afectará su vida para siempre, pero su naturaleza de cazadora le aportará una sorpresa que lo puede cambiar todo. Zompiros, Spike y un regreso inesperado animarán la nueva vida de Buffy Cazavampiros. Al mismo tiempo, la investigación de Angel para encontrar una forma de revivir a Rupert Giles continúa por las calles de Londres. Las pistas le llevarán a seguir a un peligroso demonio y a encontrarse con una vieja amiga. Mientras, Faith se enfrentará al regreso de su padre, lo que la llevará a tomar una decisión drástica.
Andrew 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.
Actual rating 3.5 stars. Not sure how I felt about the evolution of the story in this one. I really enjoyed the first issue, where Robin showed up and advised what his mother Nikki went through with him to Buffy. Plus Buffy was going through something that regular people actually go through.
Then with the ending of the second issue, things changed for the weirder (as is usual for the Buffyverse) but it kind of felt...cheap? There was so much character growth that could’ve happened with that first plot but then it turned into this weird sci-fi story involving zombie vampires and a kidnapping!
I think a lot of what was happening was only really for the shock value and that’s just disappointing. It’s not really moving the story or characters forward.
I did like how Spike finally confessed his feelings not only to Buffy but to himself as well. He was then able to accept what is and leave to find his own place.
Not sure how I feel about the addition of Detective Dowling. He wasn’t exactly plopped in with no context but the attention he’s getting is a little… too much too soon?
Also, the whole Simone Doffler situation has been dragging on for a while; that really needs to be wrapped up soon!
Well, this took a turn into stupid town. So now, we find out that Buffy has been a robot since the beginning of the season at the party. Such a bad decision. Spike is awesome in this story as always. We end not knowing what and who is Buffy. This issue felt like a complete mess.
Buffy also thinks she’s pregnant in this issue and that was interesting until we find out that she is only a robot. So, it could have been an interesting story and they went in the stupid direction. I’m not happy with this in the least. Oh well. I hope it gets better, but no story can go on forever and maybe this has outlasted it’s story arc.
What the fuck? No. Nononono, if you could do a storyline with subject matter this SERIOUS in a worse way, I don't know if I could think of it.
1) A FUCKING ROBOT?!? REALLY? You're going to bring up the issue of an unwanted pregnancy and abortion and some really deep character stuff, and then throw it out the fucking window with some "I'm-a-robot" cop-out? FUCK YOU.
2) In the situation we were initially presented with, BUFFY WAS RAPED. No seriously, and fuck you, comics letter column, for saying she wasn't. She was blackout drunk. She didn't remember who or even if she'd had sex. She. Could. Not. Consent. It was fucking rape, don't you pull that "Well she knew what she was doing when she put herself in that situation" crap. FUCK YOU.
3) ANDREW MIND SWITCHING HER TO ANOTHER BODY W/O HER CONSENT IS NOT CUTE. It's so far over the line I cannot fucking believe that a) Buffy didn't KNOCK HIM IN TO NEXT WEEK, and b) it was played for LAUGHS. HE ROOFIED HER AND THEN REMOVED HER MIND AND PUT IT IN A ROBOT BODY. WITHOUT TELLING HER OR ASKING FOR HER CONSENT. He then gave her body and ENTIRELY NEW LIFE, away from Buffy, where she did not see or know what was going on with it. There isn't even a fucking WORD for that kind of violation. FUCK THIS BOOK for playing it for laughs, like it was endearing or just LOL AWKWARD or some shit. THIS IS BAD, WRITER, AND YOU SHOULD FEEL BAD. FUCK YOU.
This just fucking needs to stop, they need to let this franchise die.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The first volume that didn't hit a full five stars from me. Buffy deals with some real world problems and calls Spike for support. And then Andrew gets involved. A thought the story meandered throughout this volume and jumped the shark a bit. Hopefully we'll get back on track in volume 3.
I thought this volume was actually pretty deep but also super weird.
And also, hasn’t Buffybot been done? But it isn’t really just a Buffybot... it’s like... I don’t know how to explain it without giving everything away. But this really kind of hurt my soul because Buffy never catches a break. She’s always doing everything she can but it is never enough...
I’m just... going to go over there... and cry... for Buffy...
I really have mixed feelings about this one. The character development in the first part was excellent. The plot however is a different story. In the first part of the book is really well done and tackles a prominent social issue (I'll say no more as I feel this would really spoil the story) and really made my question my stance on this issue. Whedon handles this controversial subject with grace and compassion.
My real problem with this book lies in the second half. The story became a watered down version of itself and made most daytime soap operas look like cinematic masterpieces. Barring Spike, everyone including Buffy became highly immature and selfish. Although in some parts of the TV show Buffy could be immature she did eventually learn her (often harsh) life lessons which lead to her becoming a more evolved person. Here she does a complete 180. Buffy becomes a self-centered whiny brat who is unable to take care of herself, a far cry from the role model we all know and love. This was enough to make me quit the story altogether.
The only redeeming part of this book would be the character development of Spike. Here he is not just trying to f**k Buffy as he did in the show (come people we all know this happened), he actually cares for her and stands with her when she is forced to make what is perhaps one of the toughest choices she may ever have to make (I would estimate that she is around 25 in the book). He does everything he can to offer moral support and provide any kind of guidance. This really shows the reader that even a centuries old vampire can still change, which I think is an encouraging thought.
So overall, I would say avoid this. While it does have redeeming qualities I do not know if the time that you will spent reading this it is really worth it. But hey, we can all make our own decisions to make in life as demonstrated here.
From Goodreads: With the Scooby gang on the skids, Buffy finds herself increasingly alone. When faced with some tough decisions grounded in “real world” problems (i.e., not the slaying of pesky demons), Buffy is determined to make her own choices, but that doesn’t mean she won't need a little handholding along the way. Cue Spike, compelled to stand by his best friend in her moment of need. Together they'll tackle the increasing zompire population and a rogue Slayer out for blood. Collects Buffy Season 9 #6–#10; and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer: In Space No One Can Hear You Slay!” from Free Comic Book Day 2012.
Well, shit. How do I write this review without giving anything away about the real world problem or that fucking ridiculous twist? *keyboard meets forehead, repeatedly* There is a lot of Spike in this volume and that’s the only reason I gave it the rating I did. Because I love me some Spike. Nom nom nom! Otherwise, it’s so damn stupid I can’t…words fail me. Detective Dowling is proving to be interesting. I hope to see more of him. Andrew’s involved in this one, but he’s responsible for the dumbass twist, so he’s on my shit list. And damn, why can’t they kill Simone already?! In a totally inconsequential side note, I wish Buffy had kept the pink streaks in her hair. I liked them. Also, I give the artwork two thumbs up.
Well, that was weird. This volume went directly from a really well-done and actually fairly moving story about Buffy finding herself pregnant to robot!Buffy. Seriously. I have to say that the pregnancy subplot was really great. I loved how it was handled, how Buffy tracked down Robin and was very thoughtful about the impact her choices would have on her own life and on the life of her unborn baby. Possibly the best thing that's been in Buffyverse comics to date. And then suddenly it turns out she's not pregnant, because she was a robot all along. What the hell? The robot story wasn't completely horrible, but it was such a jarring change from what came before that I couldn't help but dislike it. Even in the middle of that, there were still a few good character moments. But it could have been even better, if they hadn't decided to resolve the actually compelling pregnancy storyline with a robot.
These are always more entertaining when Andrew's part of the plot, even if he does seem to have the abilities of a super-scientist. The plot went from serious to silly very quickly, but it all still had the essence of Buffy and was enjoyable to read. The flashbacks with Nikki were a nice addition.
I have to say, I was interested in where Chambliss was going with the plot at the beginning,
Recommended for diehard Buffy fans who have been following along since the series went to comics.
The Good: A lot of well loved characters show up in this volume - Spike! Andrew! Robin! And a lot of heavy issues mixed with wacky situations. This volume is very close to the show, in that it has some great stuff going on, some weird stuff going on, and some what-drugs-where-the-writers-on kind of stuff thrown in for good measure. We don't get a lot of plot progression, but we do get a deeper look at where the characters are now and what the driving force is that's motivating their choices.
The Bad: Glossed over too-drunk-to-consent rape. An inexcusable choice in any form, but especially offensive coming from a series known for female empowerment.
Buffy keeps chugging along in season 9 with good tales that could be great.
So this time we have a situation we've seen so many times, someone is pregnant! Yep, this is a good way to stir the drama. However, it is building towards a interesting side of things and what to do with the pregnancy. Before Buffy could decide what to do we have a huge reveal that kind of changes everything about the storyline. By the we resulted in a "will I ever be happy" feel and going towards maybe a new idea of what Buffy should do.
Good: I actually thought the drama with the baby was good, and asked a great question. Spike worked well here and I liked him a lot for once. With the art getting better (not sure if new artist) the fight scenes look better too.
Bad: The twist kind of threw the more emotional and down to earth story right out the window. I also thought the villain feels so weak in compared to what this series usually has to offer.
Overall, enjoyable, but middle of the road stuff. As expected with season 9, least it's better than the 2nd half of season 8. A 3 out of 5.
This was the arch that made me quit Buffy comics for a while. I'm trying to give them another go. It wasn't as bad the second time - the Nikki Wood stuff was good, but is still my least favorite storyline of any Buffy media ever. Not necessarily out of character, but handled with the sensitivity of a teaspoon. Ugh.
This was great! It totally felt like I was back watching the show at its best. The Buffy bot! Spuffy feels! Nikki, 70s NYC Slayer! Buffy fighting herself! Real world problems mixed with paranormal Slayer problems! There was nothing about this I did not love, except 1) some hints of Xander being a jackass to Dawn?? 2) continuing art that could be better (although to be fair I didn't have trouble telling anyone apart this volume).
Pretty classic Buffy form, including personal life scares, androids, and a scary nutso chick with lots of time on her hands. Stepford Buffy was kinda nostalgic, too.
I feel like neither one of the stories in this really worked that great together. Both sort of felt like cop-outs when you put them together? I dunno. I'mma keep reading.
I think the first issue or two of this volume is some of the strongest storytelling in Buffy comics, period! A highlight. But then the other three issues happen, and it’s just such a mess. I appreciate what the narrative is going for, but it’s just disjointed and not executed as well as it could have been. Both Xander and Andrew are pretty unlikable in this volume, although I understand we’re exploring their flaws— but still unlikable! The villain(s) are also just not good; Simone is still boring and feels like a C list baddie, and the brainwashed Buffy ends up feeling like a theme that couldn’t be properly conveyed into a character. I laughed at how easily she was swayed back and forth between the two sides. The art change in between stories also added to the disconnect, with the second style not really being as strong as the first; and let’s be real, this is one ongoing story, so it didn’t feel natural to have a different style halfway. The Dowling plot line is also a snorfest and borderline copaganda. But besides all that? I enjoyed this volume. I can’t overstate how excellent the first half of this volume is. And the second half may only be okay, but it’s still trying and the themes are interesting. And let’s be honest, it’s 10000 x’s better than anything BOOM! has put out for Buffy in years. The Buffy/Spike content in this volume is also top tier and really interesting and mature, and that stays true even when the rest of the story is feeling a bit mid. Overall, it’s a good volume, but has some heavy flaws in its second half. 4/5 stars.
Ah geez, this is some tough shit. Fuck you Andrew, that is not something you just do without concent, not even to keep someone alive. And I know in reality it was so the plot twist could happen, because why wouldn't Andrew tell Buffy? I mean, I don't see the point in him NOT running the plan by her. It makes little to no sense when you really think about it.
As for Buffy, poor girl. Not only is the world out to get her because she made a decision that needed to be made, but to have someone mess with your mind so thoroughly and go through the decision you went through... It must have been tough, specially with the little support she has lately. Spike of course came through like a champ, even going so far as to let himself be vulnerable and express his true feelings to Buffy. I always thought she wouldn't let herself fall completely for Spike, because she knew there was no "curse" that would really keep them apart, no "moment of happiness" that is somehow keeping her from trying out a long term honest to god relationship. If she went for it with Spike, someone who has proved time and time again he is so completely on her side, and he is there to catch her, it might actually work out. And that shit is the scariest for her level of independence.
I truly hope they work it out, she never forgives Andrew (because FUCK YOU BOY), and that Spike gets back soon. Also Willow needs to make her way back from Wonderland, and she needs to stop being so cold and distant. Shit happens wiccan girl, and she did it to save you all. Xander and Dawn (eew still) are in their own little world, going through relationship issues that have yet to be revealed, but I am sure will play a crucial part at some point.
I find it particularly idiotic that all the slayers went their own way. There are still Vampires, and Zompires, and bad demons around. A squad of trained slayers could really turn the tide, instead of training normal humans to do the dirty. Everybody needs to get over themselves and unite!
On the bright side? No Angel waltzing in to screw shit up. He is just not good when added to the Buffy side of things.
On the other hand I picked this up directly after rewatching "Surprise" from season two and it still amazes me how they really do manage to transport little things and ways of speaking that truly make these characters reminiscent of the ones played by the cast on the show. I was especially impressed with the artwork in this volume. It was beautiful and filled with color. I also really liked the moments of Buffy's growth and that they continue to touch on her struggle to be normal as it applies to her at the age she is now. The artwork with Buffy's face surrounded by her insecurities was great.
I would give parts of this story five stars but I'm too pissed off about the storyline (1 star! -500 stars!) so I'll rate in the middle.
AUGH. So frustrating. The ending of Season 9 #1, Freefall, made me extremely excited to read this volume. The idea of Buffy being pregnant was, I thought, a great direction to take the character in. When Buffy was speaking with Robin and puzzling over her options and trying to decide what was best for both her and a child, I was fascinated. "Finally," I thought, "for the first time in a long time I feel as though there are some actual stakes here, some real drama and something that will actually affect all of the characters!"
Then.
Then she's a robot.
Ha ha, all that dramatic stuff, the possible abortion, the emotional and mental fallout from this very difficult decision, the stuff that could make Buffy somewhat relatable and remind the audience, "Oh yeah, she's human too" -- undone. Completely.
After that, the rest of the book is just pointless. The conflict with Simone is resolved far too easily (how long was she supposed to have been holding Buffy's body if she had enough time to dye her hair and completely convince her that Buffybot is right?), and the rest is needless Spuffy drama, and stuff with Detective Downing of Useless Squad.
Don't even get me started on how apparently the xenomorphs are vampire -- excuse me, 'zompire' (blargh) -- bugs.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Volume 2 of Season 9. So (spoiler for Volume 1), Buffy is preggers. Whoops. And she doesn't know who the father is 'cause she got blind drunk at a party and.... Nice, Whedon. THIS IS WHY NOBODY LIKES YOU ANYMORE.
Of course there is a big (big) twist, but much of this volume deals with Buffy trying to deal with a potential Slayer-spawn. She goes to talk to Robin, the only child of a Slayer she knows, so there are some flashbacks to our groovy jive 70s Slayer, Nikki. Andrew features prominently in this volume as well, as does Spike and his crew of intelligent termites crewing a space dirigible. Yeah, there's still a bit of the over-the-top zaniness from Season 8 hanging around. But there are some Dramatic Developments and Significant Confrontations and a lot of stuff that reminded me of why Buffy was great, back in the day. This volume does not quite achieve greatness, but it has its moments.
I went into this hating the beginning of this arc. Just loathing it to the point where I didn't pick it up for two days.
The final four or five issues in this arc, though? Some of my favorite stories in the comic series since the canon transfer. Completely out of left field, and I absolutely loved it.
It's continually surprising how good the storytelling still is in these arcs overall. Glad to see it continuing.
This arc was incredibly refreshing compared to the previous ones in the Buffy comic series continuations. Rather than a bunch of continuous epic battling, this one touched base on what made most of us fall in love with the show in the first place. I'm hoping the ones after this keep this up.