What do you think?
Rate this book
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 10
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 10, Vol. 3: Love Dares You
The romantic scene for Buffy and friends amps up in unexpected ways. But personal lives are soon put aside to deal with demons, both real and intangible. Spike struggles with vivid dreams of murder, and Buffy journeys into his mind, discovering the terrifying new face of evil...
Collects Buffy Season 10 #11–#15.
Collects Buffy Season 10 #11–#15.
136 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2015
5 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 20, 2019
The art work is not the same, but this was a fantastic volume in the Buffy verse I thought. All the gang is together, Spike and Buffy and trying out this dating thing again and a very big, very new big bad has been introduced. It's nothing earth shattering, but it's been some good storytelling.
The characters have shown a little bit of growth and nothing completely stupid happened in this one. I am enjoying this. I think they have finally gotten this right. Buffy even takes a walk inside Spike's mind, talk about trust and scariness. Would anyone really want their loved one to see everything in their head they have done or thought?? I don't know. I think that could be very difficult.
I'm in for some more.
The characters have shown a little bit of growth and nothing completely stupid happened in this one. I am enjoying this. I think they have finally gotten this right. Buffy even takes a walk inside Spike's mind, talk about trust and scariness. Would anyone really want their loved one to see everything in their head they have done or thought?? I don't know. I think that could be very difficult.
I'm in for some more.
June 3, 2019
In this arc, Gage focuses on the romance. Some relationships begin while others end, even Giles's raging hormones come into play. I really enjoyed all the character moments in this book. Megan Levens fills in for the first three issues. Her art is infuriating to me. Certain panels look fantastic while others look way too cartoony and with elongated necks. I much preferred Rebekah Isaacs return for the last two issues.
January 28, 2016
5 stars
Yay!!! Glad Buffy and Spike got together again. Hope their relationship works the second time around. Nice to finally see Archaeus. Hope they will be able to defeat him. Nice to see everyone dealing with their relationship issues. Can't wait to read Old Demons!!!
Yay!!! Glad Buffy and Spike got together again. Hope their relationship works the second time around. Nice to finally see Archaeus. Hope they will be able to defeat him. Nice to see everyone dealing with their relationship issues. Can't wait to read Old Demons!!!
March 22, 2019
Story: Spike and Buffy go out hunting some vampires. As they do Buffy goes in to kiss Spike, but after the kiss, Spike doesn't think it's a good idea. Maybe that since he's not looking for her now, she wants him, since she always wants what she can't have. Also have Xavier and Dawn trying to figure out their feelings but not going well. Giles is dealing with being in a kids body while being horny. All this is happening and then a demon also takes control of one of our heroes. This isn't going to be pretty!
Art: For the most part it is solid. Everyone has their own look and style which is a plus. I also think the fights work well and flow good enough. The covers are still amazing and almost umatched in style to look like the show.
Enjoyment: Very enjoyable in the sense it's character driven verses a big end of the world story. I also think the relationships are always key to the series and it's no different here. The Spike ordeal and ending actually worked in its favor and remained entertaining. I also enjoyed the stuff with Dawn and Xavier.
What Didn't Work: Some of the art feels odd, like the characters feel crooked at times. I also think the love relationships sometimes become to fluffy and over-dramatic.
Overall, a 3.5 out of 5. While this season isn't blowing my mind it's staying very fun and interesting. I'll bump it to a 4 for rating system.
Art: For the most part it is solid. Everyone has their own look and style which is a plus. I also think the fights work well and flow good enough. The covers are still amazing and almost umatched in style to look like the show.
Enjoyment: Very enjoyable in the sense it's character driven verses a big end of the world story. I also think the relationships are always key to the series and it's no different here. The Spike ordeal and ending actually worked in its favor and remained entertaining. I also enjoyed the stuff with Dawn and Xavier.
What Didn't Work: Some of the art feels odd, like the characters feel crooked at times. I also think the love relationships sometimes become to fluffy and over-dramatic.
Overall, a 3.5 out of 5. While this season isn't blowing my mind it's staying very fun and interesting. I'll bump it to a 4 for rating system.
September 27, 2015
I've been less than thrilled by the rewriting-the-rules-of-magic arc that's filled Buffy Season Ten. Fortunately, this volume takes a righthand turn and instead is all about character. Really, it's all about romance — for every one of the main characters. And, it's totally wonderful. Gage nails all of the main characters and manages to intermix their romantic trials with lots of humor.
A lot of this story builds on the various relationships that have been developing in recent comics, but the heart of it (and the really good stuff) goes back to unresolved threads from the TV show itself. And the story it reveals is really wonderful.
The result is one of the best volumes of BtVS since the show ended — not because of the demon fighting, but because of the people at the heart of it.
A lot of this story builds on the various relationships that have been developing in recent comics, but the heart of it (and the really good stuff) goes back to unresolved threads from the TV show itself. And the story it reveals is really wonderful.
The result is one of the best volumes of BtVS since the show ended — not because of the demon fighting, but because of the people at the heart of it.
May 11, 2017
There seems to be a heavier emphasis on relationships than action in this volume, but several of the characters make real progress in their dealings with the ones around them. Spike also serves as an introduction to the new big bad, and the action sequences included are actually pretty good. It really does feel like a strong continuation of the series, confidently tying itself back to the original series, and previous issues. The art has changed, going a little more cartoonish but still effective at catching the characters. It's still a pretty strong series.
February 4, 2016
Ladies and gentlemen we have normal, healthy, fully informed consummation of a romantic relationship!!!!!! Which I'm sure will last for all of five seconds. Also Spike's nose is not that frickin' big gang...but anyway CONSUMMATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 2, 2017
*Book source ~ Library
From Goodreads:
The romantic scene for Buffy and friends amps up in unexpected ways. But personal lives are soon put aside to deal with demons, both real and intangible. Spike struggles with vivid dreams of murder, and Buffy journeys into his mind, discovering the terrifying new face of evil...
This. Just, this. I’ve been waiting a long time for this scenario to take place. Oh, and there’s a new Big Bad that’s really creepy, powerful, and linked to Spike and Angel. But who cares about that? Buffy and Spike. Mmm...mmmmm…mmmmm. Finally they go beyond friendship and are back to being lovers. In some ways it’s an easy adjustment for them to make, but in other ways it is not. They have baggage and a new Big Bad to deal with, but the important thing is, they are dealing with it all. Together. Like grownups. Who would have thought? Still loving the way this season is heading.
Also, the artwork is gorgeous. 'Nuff said.
From Goodreads:
The romantic scene for Buffy and friends amps up in unexpected ways. But personal lives are soon put aside to deal with demons, both real and intangible. Spike struggles with vivid dreams of murder, and Buffy journeys into his mind, discovering the terrifying new face of evil...
This. Just, this. I’ve been waiting a long time for this scenario to take place. Oh, and there’s a new Big Bad that’s really creepy, powerful, and linked to Spike and Angel. But who cares about that? Buffy and Spike. Mmm...mmmmm…mmmmm. Finally they go beyond friendship and are back to being lovers. In some ways it’s an easy adjustment for them to make, but in other ways it is not. They have baggage and a new Big Bad to deal with, but the important thing is, they are dealing with it all. Together. Like grownups. Who would have thought? Still loving the way this season is heading.
Also, the artwork is gorgeous. 'Nuff said.
May 4, 2016
Oh goody, let's sit and talk about our feelings the whole damn book! Even buffy and spike gettong together was too straightforward and talky. One major league flop with the buffy comics is the explanation of feelings instead of impulse drawings. Is it so hard to find an artist to draw a truely emotional moment without words?
Three stars was for the story and however recycled is developing nicely. we will see...
Three stars was for the story and however recycled is developing nicely. we will see...
November 10, 2015
Still holding out for Spuffy!
September 30, 2022
One of my favorites so far!
October 9, 2017
Disclaimer 1: Spoilers
Disclaimer 2: I have always been 100% Team Spike, and therefore my review is entirely biased and colored by my ridiculous fan girl emotions.
F***KING FINALLY.
Love Dares You explores the Scooby Gang's budding, failing, or lack of relationships. The volume is extremely character-focused, as each relationship (or lack thereof) reveals the characters' deeper emotions, insecurities, and how they have grown over the season. I felt like each situation was realistic, true to character, and addressed larger issues within the series.
But, of course, the jewel of the volume is that Buffy and Spike are finally back together. Or, should I say, together in a healthy, mature relationship for the first time. We've all seen this coming, and the way the writers handled it was perfect. On Spike's part, he shows through his cautiousness and consideration that his affection for Buffy is more than lust, danger, and desire for what he can never have. On Buffy's part, she accepts Spike's horrible past, forgives him for what he did without a soul, finally understands the gravity of Spike regaining his soul (and makes the arguments I've been repeating to my husband, who is forever Team Angel), and learns to trust him. Seriously, PERFECT.
The core conflict comes when Spike starts having nightmares about killing people ... and then discovers that his dream victims are in fact real murder victims. The team puts him through a series of tests to determine his innocence, which further prove his trustworthiness and character. An intense, nail-biting battle with the new "big bad" sets up the conflict for the next volume, as well as promises an action-packed (and deliciously awkward) team up with Angel.
TL;DR: Love (or lack thereof) dared each character to take a deep look at themselves, their circumstances, and their goals. Spuffy fans will be thrilled. A new big bad comes to town and promises an action-packed team-up in future volumes.
Disclaimer 2: I have always been 100% Team Spike, and therefore my review is entirely biased and colored by my ridiculous fan girl emotions.
F***KING FINALLY.
Love Dares You explores the Scooby Gang's budding, failing, or lack of relationships. The volume is extremely character-focused, as each relationship (or lack thereof) reveals the characters' deeper emotions, insecurities, and how they have grown over the season. I felt like each situation was realistic, true to character, and addressed larger issues within the series.
But, of course, the jewel of the volume is that Buffy and Spike are finally back together. Or, should I say, together in a healthy, mature relationship for the first time. We've all seen this coming, and the way the writers handled it was perfect. On Spike's part, he shows through his cautiousness and consideration that his affection for Buffy is more than lust, danger, and desire for what he can never have. On Buffy's part, she accepts Spike's horrible past, forgives him for what he did without a soul, finally understands the gravity of Spike regaining his soul (and makes the arguments I've been repeating to my husband, who is forever Team Angel), and learns to trust him. Seriously, PERFECT.
The core conflict comes when Spike starts having nightmares about killing people ... and then discovers that his dream victims are in fact real murder victims. The team puts him through a series of tests to determine his innocence, which further prove his trustworthiness and character. An intense, nail-biting battle with the new "big bad" sets up the conflict for the next volume, as well as promises an action-packed (and deliciously awkward) team up with Angel.
TL;DR: Love (or lack thereof) dared each character to take a deep look at themselves, their circumstances, and their goals. Spuffy fans will be thrilled. A new big bad comes to town and promises an action-packed team-up in future volumes.
October 5, 2015
The more I read of season 10, the more I think Christos Gage is the perfect successor to Joss Whedon for writing Buffy books. It doesn't hurt that Spike and Andrew, both favorites of mine, are featured heavily this season. I was excited to see that Xander himself, Nicholas Brendan,co-wrote the first 3 chapters.
There was a lot of therapy in this volume, which I'm pretty sure I complained about when reviewing a different Buffy comic, but darned if these guys don't need to be knocked over the head with some relationship therapy, and maybe, just maybe, some happiness will come out of it.
One of the villains was super gross. I'm hoping his little stint is over.
This may just be my favorite season yet, since they moved from TV to comic.
There was a lot of therapy in this volume, which I'm pretty sure I complained about when reviewing a different Buffy comic, but darned if these guys don't need to be knocked over the head with some relationship therapy, and maybe, just maybe, some happiness will come out of it.
One of the villains was super gross. I'm hoping his little stint is over.
This may just be my favorite season yet, since they moved from TV to comic.
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 ★★★★☆
spike/buffy! yes! giles angst! yes! all was well until angel popped up at the end.
#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 ★★★★☆
spike/buffy! yes! giles angst! yes! all was well until angel popped up at the end.
June 7, 2016
I am so pleased with this. Season 10 as a whole is shaping up to be pretty much what I hoped it would be - what I hoped seasons 8 and 9 would be as well. It's all good fun, with just enough continuing arcs to keep the story going, but not so much that it's stifling everything else.
Probably my biggest complaint is there there are perhaps too many individual arcs going at once - just a little too much to be handled in this format, methinks. It's all good reading, and I enjoy every arc, it's just that sometimes there is a huge gap of time in which some of those arcs are tossed aside in favor of other arcs.
Probably my biggest complaint is there there are perhaps too many individual arcs going at once - just a little too much to be handled in this format, methinks. It's all good reading, and I enjoy every arc, it's just that sometimes there is a huge gap of time in which some of those arcs are tossed aside in favor of other arcs.
March 11, 2016
Romantic entanglements and demons, usual day.
July 17, 2019
Yay, Spuffy is back! Also some much needed development on Andrew that makes him more likeable (what? that can happen?), Giles starting to make progress in his new life, and more make this a solid Buffy GN. It would have made for a fun arc on the show too.
November 30, 2020
I loved this volume and couldn't put it down until I finished it. The journey into Spike's mind and memories is exquisitely drawn! A modern-day Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
February 26, 2022
season 10 is easily the best season of comics so far
December 29, 2024
HELL YEAH BABY, BACK ON THE ROMANCE TRAIN
loved this so so much. but i am also afraid of the future ughhhh
loved this so so much. but i am also afraid of the future ughhhh
March 14, 2019
Unfortunately Megan Levens cannot draw Buffy to look like Sarah Michelle Geller, but otherwise there was a lot to like in this collection. So much positive character growth it almost felt like they were all in a therapy session. Some of the affirmations made me teary; I bet a lot of people can relate to the doubt and relationship fears. (I would love to see myself as my spouse sees me—read this comic to see what great scene I’m talking about.)
February 8, 2018
This volume was all about love, so of course I was super into it. I mean, these few sets of panels where Buffy and Spike FINALLY get it on get five out of five from me on their own. SPUFFY!! But every other love storyline was also great: Andrew finally realizes he's gay!! Xander and Dawn officially go to just being friends. Willow breaks up with her demon girlfriend. Giles's adult girlfriend rightly refuses to date him as a twelve-year-old. Oh yeah, and there's also a nasty new monster.
January 30, 2018
I gave this one five stars because, even though the plots weren't the strongest, my favorite couple finally gets together, AND one of the most vexing questions about the mythology of the Buffyverse is answered, very much to my satisfaction. I'm impressed the writers are still able to surprise me, at this point, so they deserve the stars for that alone.
June 12, 2018
Oh, man, Buffy & Spike are so damn cute together. Happy they are happy. Really don't like the art for this arc. Way too simplistic, and the characters don't look much like themselves (reminds me of Archie comics, which I love, but it's just not very Buffy-verse to me). Buffy's hair & clothing are way too out of date and frumpy.
May 19, 2017
A great break from the ongoing battle against evil to something scarier-love and relationships!
July 10, 2017
Great book. All the main characters come to terms with their current relationships and find solutions that may or may not work out in the end. We'll see.
September 3, 2017
Unfortunately, it's the same ol' stuff all over again on this one. No actual inspiration.
December 2, 2017
One of the best arcs of the Buffy comics. (And matches the tone of the show in a way that the comics team has not always managed.)
July 13, 2018
This is proving to be my favorite season out of all the comic book seasons so far. I can't wait to get to the next volume. But also I shall finish that one tomorrow.
November 29, 2020
ZOMG the way this collection began was actually quite funny. If, by funny, one could mean going through every single character who is part of the comic series at this point and showing a failed romantic interaction.
But it wasn't just for the sake of humour. This is a really great set up for a big amount of personal growth that comes across. First of all, Andrew is at this party where he ends up taking an elixir that turns him into his perfect self: A superhero! A superhero who... is actually gay.
There's a meltdown immediately afterwards where it becomes quite clear that Andrew never really considered this a relevant part of his own self awareness.
At the same time, Buffy and Spike finally share a kiss after her admission of feelings for him--post soul him--this time with her whole friendship group's approval. Even Xander's! Of course that means that everything has to go wrong immediately after and, true to form, Spike ends up with dreams where he is killing people. Wakes up in bed beside Buffy and doesn't quite know what to do with himself. Especially when he finds out that those people he dreamed about? They are actually dead in real life.
Buffy and Xander end up being part of a pep talk with Andrew where Xander shows how far he's come as a character (this is a really good collection for Xander, honestly), where he apologises if he's been a bit too effusive about Andrew's burgeoning sexuality. In the midst of it, Buffy realises that she doesn't want to be dependant on some kind of elixir to help her be honest with what she really wants. She wants to be honest with what she wants on her own. And that is Spike.
Only then does she find out about the dreams and the dead people, which sends her on an astral walk through of Spike's memories. Including, and perhaps most momentously for her, to the moment when he received his soul... for her.
The only disappointment I have about this book is that the bad guy, Archaeus, is meant to be big in the family line of Spike and Angel, but we've never heard of him before? We've heard of the Order of Aurelius, but this is a completely new name to us. It's not really explained, because the family line goes directly from the Master back to Archaeus.
Anyway, the end of this meets nicely with some wise words from Giles about Spike being the bigger man when he calls Angel to advise him of what's going on, which ties into the end of Angel & Faith: United.
But it wasn't just for the sake of humour. This is a really great set up for a big amount of personal growth that comes across. First of all, Andrew is at this party where he ends up taking an elixir that turns him into his perfect self: A superhero! A superhero who... is actually gay.
There's a meltdown immediately afterwards where it becomes quite clear that Andrew never really considered this a relevant part of his own self awareness.
At the same time, Buffy and Spike finally share a kiss after her admission of feelings for him--post soul him--this time with her whole friendship group's approval. Even Xander's! Of course that means that everything has to go wrong immediately after and, true to form, Spike ends up with dreams where he is killing people. Wakes up in bed beside Buffy and doesn't quite know what to do with himself. Especially when he finds out that those people he dreamed about? They are actually dead in real life.
Buffy and Xander end up being part of a pep talk with Andrew where Xander shows how far he's come as a character (this is a really good collection for Xander, honestly), where he apologises if he's been a bit too effusive about Andrew's burgeoning sexuality. In the midst of it, Buffy realises that she doesn't want to be dependant on some kind of elixir to help her be honest with what she really wants. She wants to be honest with what she wants on her own. And that is Spike.
Only then does she find out about the dreams and the dead people, which sends her on an astral walk through of Spike's memories. Including, and perhaps most momentously for her, to the moment when he received his soul... for her.
The only disappointment I have about this book is that the bad guy, Archaeus, is meant to be big in the family line of Spike and Angel, but we've never heard of him before? We've heard of the Order of Aurelius, but this is a completely new name to us. It's not really explained, because the family line goes directly from the Master back to Archaeus.
Anyway, the end of this meets nicely with some wise words from Giles about Spike being the bigger man when he calls Angel to advise him of what's going on, which ties into the end of Angel & Faith: United.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews