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Angel: After the Fall (collected editions)
Angel: Immortality For Dummies
Eisner Award-winning writer Bill Willingham's (Fables) first story arc on Angel: Immortality For Dummies, takes us down the dark path of fame, testing old allegiances and new friendships. When Angel goes missing, Connor steps in, and learns pretty quickly that being a hero is a lot harder than dad makes it look.
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2010
3 people are currently reading
636 people want to read
About the author
Bill Willingham
993 books2,818 followersIn the late 1970s to early 1980s he drew fantasy ink pictures for the Dungeons & Dragons Basic and Expert game rulebooks. He first gained attention for his 1980s comic book series Elementals published by Comico, which he both wrote and drew. However, for reasons unknown, the series had trouble maintaining an original schedule, and Willingham's position in the industry remained spotty for many years. He contributed stories to Green Lantern and started his own independent, black-and-white comics series Coventry which lasted only 3 issues. He also produced the pornographic series Ironwood for Eros Comix.
In the late 1990s Willingham reestablished himself as a prolific writer. He produced the 13-issue Pantheon for Lone Star Press and wrote a pair of short novels about the modern adventures of the hero Beowulf, published by the writer's collective, Clockwork Storybook, of which Willingham was a founding member. In the early 2000s he began writing extensively for DC Comics, including the limited series Proposition Player, a pair of limited series about the Greek witch Thessaly from The Sandman, and most notably the popular series Fables
In the late 1990s Willingham reestablished himself as a prolific writer. He produced the 13-issue Pantheon for Lone Star Press and wrote a pair of short novels about the modern adventures of the hero Beowulf, published by the writer's collective, Clockwork Storybook, of which Willingham was a founding member. In the early 2000s he began writing extensively for DC Comics, including the limited series Proposition Player, a pair of limited series about the Greek witch Thessaly from The Sandman, and most notably the popular series Fables
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
April 7, 2015
Great story, which is exactly what I have come to expect from Willingham. I was surprised by Denham's art. It was gorgeous! His depictions of each of the characters was spot on, especially in the cases of Ilyria, Connor and Spike. They were almost as good as photographs, but better because what drawing isn't? It took me a very long time to "read" this because I was enamored with the art.
I could have done without the Eddie story tacked on at the end. I don't care for Eddie and would have preferred more about the characters I do like, but again, the art was amazing. That blue devil was simply mesmerizing.
I haven't read past this, but will definitely be on the look out for the rest of the series. I don't know why I was surprised since the Buffy comics never disappoint and Whedon is very careful about who he allows to touch his darlings. I'm so very glad he is.
I could have done without the Eddie story tacked on at the end. I don't care for Eddie and would have preferred more about the characters I do like, but again, the art was amazing. That blue devil was simply mesmerizing.
I haven't read past this, but will definitely be on the look out for the rest of the series. I don't know why I was surprised since the Buffy comics never disappoint and Whedon is very careful about who he allows to touch his darlings. I'm so very glad he is.
June 13, 2019
This volume looks at how the world (or at least LA) reacts to the knowledge that vampires and demons actually exist! The story focused a little more on Connor, which I really enjoyed. It was kind of refreshing for the other characters to shine a little without Angel around, although I am glad he made his way out of that steel mummy wrap thing! They introduce a new character, a former research sorcerer for the Watchers, Laura Weathermill. I am definitely interested to know how she will fit in with the rest of the characters! Also, now that Connor has assumed a leadership role for Angel and Co., how will he feel now that Angel has come back? Or will he be too busy fending off Illyria's advances? I am so excited to see where this story goes from here!
October 17, 2010
I was surprised to see this in the bookstore. I have yet to finish the Angel TV series (though I have the entire series), so I skipped reading the Angel graphic novels "After the Fall" whenever I saw them in the bookstore. However, when I saw Bill Willingham's name on this graphic novel, I could not resist picking it. I don't care about the spoilers it gave me - I'm a big fan of Bill Willingham and his Fables series. (Not so much Jack of Fables, though.)
I really like this volume, though Spike seems a little more rakish than I remember him to be. Since I'm not that familiar with the other characters, I can't say much about them (not to mention the unfamiliar faces!). I hope I can read the second volume soon!
I really like this volume, though Spike seems a little more rakish than I remember him to be. Since I'm not that familiar with the other characters, I can't say much about them (not to mention the unfamiliar faces!). I hope I can read the second volume soon!
December 18, 2012
New author and still fun to read. The team is a little big for comfort, and, speaking of comfort, the artist has the faces way too close up! Respect my personal space, please.
Small poking fun at celebrity.
Small poking fun at celebrity.
September 27, 2020
I really enjoyed this story! Different and creative. Bill Willingham is an excellent writer. Though he should have read the times and abandoned the term “gypsies”.
And when Illyria talks “moral compass” the implications are far-reaching! Some extremely heavy philosophy and I’m here for it! How do we act as the “moral compass” for other people? That seems wrong - but then Illyria says that’s what parenting is all about. It’s what law is all about. And it’s what everyone in the Buffyverse practices when they decide whether or not to let demons live and thrive. Are they good? Or, do they meet OUR standards for being good?? This has huge implications for life, religion, philosophy, and how we all conduct ourselves as a culture. Do we let each person determine their own morality? We can see in this capitalist colonialist environment, that doesn't work!
And when Eddie says “You have no idea what you’re dealing with…but you will.” it reminds me of Hendrix’s Are You Experienced - “Maybe now you can't hear them, but you will.”
And when Illyria talks “moral compass” the implications are far-reaching! Some extremely heavy philosophy and I’m here for it! How do we act as the “moral compass” for other people? That seems wrong - but then Illyria says that’s what parenting is all about. It’s what law is all about. And it’s what everyone in the Buffyverse practices when they decide whether or not to let demons live and thrive. Are they good? Or, do they meet OUR standards for being good?? This has huge implications for life, religion, philosophy, and how we all conduct ourselves as a culture. Do we let each person determine their own morality? We can see in this capitalist colonialist environment, that doesn't work!
And when Eddie says “You have no idea what you’re dealing with…but you will.” it reminds me of Hendrix’s Are You Experienced - “Maybe now you can't hear them, but you will.”
September 9, 2021
Actual rating 3.5.
This continues After the Fall 1-6 and is actually the 7th one (out of 9) but is called volume 1 for some reason (Angle The End is a collection of volume 7-9).
Overall it was at least much better than After the Fall #6, the story is definitely taken a different turn and you can really tell it's from a different writer.
Not too too much is going on as it is explaining where everyone's been since After the Fall and they are now in the modern world with cellphones and such. Angel is now "popular" for saving the world. There's also a lot more of Connor if you like his character.
Very end they came up with yet another character, not too sure about this Eddie guy... The dialogue was just uninteresting, as if it's suppose to be funny but it is mostly just awkward. Wasn't too into it but I am excited for Gwen to return.
This continues After the Fall 1-6 and is actually the 7th one (out of 9) but is called volume 1 for some reason (Angle The End is a collection of volume 7-9).
Overall it was at least much better than After the Fall #6, the story is definitely taken a different turn and you can really tell it's from a different writer.
Not too too much is going on as it is explaining where everyone's been since After the Fall and they are now in the modern world with cellphones and such. Angel is now "popular" for saving the world. There's also a lot more of Connor if you like his character.
Very end they came up with yet another character, not too sure about this Eddie guy... The dialogue was just uninteresting, as if it's suppose to be funny but it is mostly just awkward. Wasn't too into it but I am excited for Gwen to return.
May 27, 2017
I'm hoping that with the acquirement of Angel by Dark Horse, that the stories get better. Not that this run wasn't good; it was! It just feels unfocused and too reactionary. I don't think there was a coherant unifying plan for the story direction of all the various characters. With After the Fall bringing in all sorts of old and new characters to join Team Angel, it seems like there wasn't a plan for all those characters. So my biggest complaint with this series was their unnecessary introducing and cleaning house (killing off) of characters. So much seemed gratuitous that none of the deaths left any kind of impact. Coming off of reading the comic adaptation of Hole in the World, I admit my being spoiled by good deaths, so there is probably bias.
December 13, 2021
Moving into the new and final Angel series I was enjoying and not enjoying the story at the same time. There were a few funny bits and it was good to see everyone all back together but I'm not the biggest Connor fan and he was very much feint and center the whole time. There were also some weird things that happens that dissent quite match up with the show.
November 5, 2022
I'm not sure how much I like this story line. It's becoming a strange mix of Angel: the Series before Wolfram and Hart and after. I never really liked season 4 of the show. I was really hoping it would go back to being like seasons 1 through 3 cause those are my favorite seasons. Also, some of the art work is just so ridiculous.
June 20, 2018
it was nice to see some of my favorites post- finale, but the whole thing felt relatively incongruent. maybe I need to read more but the first installment left a little to be be desired as far as story arc.
January 14, 2019
Superbly written and illustrated tale after the Aftermath reset. Angel is missing and Connor is in charge, much to the chagrin of Charles Gunn and Spike. Someone is creating a group of Hollywood vampires "with souls." Very highly recommended
July 7, 2017
Good continuation of the story. Not a super fan of Connor but maybe Willingham will get him to grow up.
April 12, 2019
Bill Willington has written great Fables comics, and I was not disappointed with this volume. The recap was especially hilarious.
December 26, 2022
3.5-3.75
November 2, 2024
Some of the best character art in the Buffyverse comics. The story is also very interesting.
March 13, 2024
4.5 stars
January 8, 2017
Goodness, so much better than Aftermath! I still haven't gotten around to Last Angel in Hell, but it has been ordered. While it doesn't have quite the touch of the original four books (because anything touched by Joss Whedon becomes gold) this does have the characterization of the original books and the art goes back to the way it was. The characters once again mostly look like they do in the show. I still can't get behind Kate. She just doesn't look or act like Elizabeth Roth's Kate. I am so excited to get to the final two volumes which are on the way!
I struggled with the Eddie story at the ending until I realized that it was the same universe, just featuring a different character. I did like Eddie and am excited for him to make a further appearance. However, I was very much confused until I saw "when L.A. fell". At first I thought it was a coincidence until Gwen made an appearance, who ends up just as annoying as always.
I struggled with the Eddie story at the ending until I realized that it was the same universe, just featuring a different character. I did like Eddie and am excited for him to make a further appearance. However, I was very much confused until I saw "when L.A. fell". At first I thought it was a coincidence until Gwen made an appearance, who ends up just as annoying as always.
February 23, 2014
Angel goes missing and Connor takes the role of leadership of the group as they try to figure out what has happened to Angel.
This was a nice story that I had no problem picturing this as an episode of the television series. I liked the artwork in the book also. I did think the portrayal of Spike was a little over the top.
Illyria's portrayal was fantastic and she had the best lines in this book (she should have her own spinoff series as I think her storyline is worth exploring). I am still amazed that these comics have turned Connor into a likeable character as I really disliked him on the show. This story also introduced several new characters and hints at new storylines that hopefully will be explored in following books.
All in all, if you are a fan of Buffyverse this is a nice story to once again be acquainted with the characters that we enjoy.
This was a nice story that I had no problem picturing this as an episode of the television series. I liked the artwork in the book also. I did think the portrayal of Spike was a little over the top.
Illyria's portrayal was fantastic and she had the best lines in this book (she should have her own spinoff series as I think her storyline is worth exploring). I am still amazed that these comics have turned Connor into a likeable character as I really disliked him on the show. This story also introduced several new characters and hints at new storylines that hopefully will be explored in following books.
All in all, if you are a fan of Buffyverse this is a nice story to once again be acquainted with the characters that we enjoy.
February 14, 2013
Pure fun, not great but good enough. A stand alone plot that fits into the bigger scope of season 6 and even has a few good character moments. The thing with the Angel continuation in comics is that I could really see all of it on the screen, this is really what the TV show could have continued like (of course, my personal opinion). It really is a shame we never got to see all this. Buffy season 8 failed bitterly on that.
Sure, admitted, once in a while a character acts a bit out of it or some details are not pitched perfectly but the overall vibe is true to the show. The new guys blend in great, the tights to the old ones still hold. As a negative I would say that dialogue here was not the best, nevertheless I will gladly continue!
Sure, admitted, once in a while a character acts a bit out of it or some details are not pitched perfectly but the overall vibe is true to the show. The new guys blend in great, the tights to the old ones still hold. As a negative I would say that dialogue here was not the best, nevertheless I will gladly continue!
March 28, 2014
The best chapter in the "After the Fall" saga. It feels as though the team is back on track and things are making sense again. Questions I had from early in the TV series are now resurfacing and being addressed. I can feel this storyline coming together to wrap up.
In "Angel: Aftermath" I became bored and felt that I might give up on the series, but didn't since I have read Buffy season 8 and season 9 and I want the Angel backstory leading up to the events in those novels. "Immortality for Dummies" completely erases the thought of stopping before the end.
I am truly excited to continue on from here!
In "Angel: Aftermath" I became bored and felt that I might give up on the series, but didn't since I have read Buffy season 8 and season 9 and I want the Angel backstory leading up to the events in those novels. "Immortality for Dummies" completely erases the thought of stopping before the end.
I am truly excited to continue on from here!
August 31, 2010
Love Bill Willingham on Fables, so interesting to see him playing in Joss Whedon's universe. Didn't love his characterization of Spike, who read more like the Jack character from Willingham's Jack of Fables series, but aside from that this was a fun read. I'm looking forward to the next collection of Willingham's work on Angel.
September 2, 2012
I'm a big fan of Willingham's Fables graphic novel series, but this Angel installment didn't even come close to the normal quality of his work. There were still a few fun moments, like but the witty dialogue was mostly absent here. Bring back Bryan Lynch, I say, or someone equally in tune with Joss Whedon's style.
October 13, 2013
This is a lot of fun mainly because Willingham seems to get the characters and storytelling of Angel spot on. The characters all feel authentic, and the focus on Connor is particularly great. Meanwhile the plot of turning rich people into vampires feels like it's right out of the TV show. It may be an "episode" rather than something truly epic, but it's still a fun one! [8/10]
October 18, 2014
Angel has gone missing, Connor has acquired a demon army and Spike is just, well, Spike. A company is selling a product that turns celebrities into vampires with souls. There's some nice twists in this book, but feels like its setting the scene for a bigger story line. I particularly liked the way Ilyria and Spike were handled. A good read.
December 24, 2015
Moving into the new and final Angel series I was enjoying and not enjoying the story at the same time. There were a few funny bits and it was good to see everyone all back together but I'm not the biggest Connor fan and he was very much feint and center the whole time. There were also some weird things that happens that dissent quite match up with the show.
August 17, 2010
Post-After the Fall series. I think Illyria probably has some of the best parts in here, with both discussion about how to live as a good being without understanding morality; and her desires to mate....
March 5, 2012
Life goes on after LA returns from Hell, only things are a lot different now that Angel is a celebrity. Mostly dealing with the fallout from everyone's actions while they were in hell, a reality that was reset as if nothing happened, only the memories remain.
May 2, 2012
No está nada mal... Hasta creo que es el primer comic de Angel que tengo cuyo dibujo no solo no apesta sino que suma bastante. Eso sí, craso error de mi parte habérmelo leído sin saber que era el tomo #7 de Tras la Caída habiendo leído solo el primero. ¡Ahora me cagué todo lo que viene!
August 1, 2016
2 stars. Not as awful as Angel: Aftermath, but also not as funny as Last Angel in Hell. None of the characters really felt like themselves, and I'm not really down for Connor as a main protagonist.
June 7, 2011
Maybe I'll like it more when I go back and read it in one go rather than month-to-month?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews