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Firefly (Collected Editions) #8
Firefly: Return to Earth That Was Vol. 1
New Characters, New Enemies and a New Era starts here for Firefly, as the series jumps forward in time after the battle with the Reavers that left Wash & Book dead.
NEW CHARACTERS! NEW ENEMIES! A NEW ERA STARTS HERE! For the FIRST TIME, it’s the most-demanded Firefly story ever, as the series jumps forward in time after the battle with the Reavers that left Wash & Book dead. Serenity soars again, with Kaylee captaining a crew including River, Jayne and the bandit Leonard Chang-Benitez. But they’ll soon find themselves drawn into a shocking conflict that means Zoe - along with her toddler Emma - and old friends must rejoin the crew...except for Mal Reynolds. The superstar creative team of Greg Pak (Star Wars), Pius Bak and Ethan Young send Serenity off on the last mission they ever expected, one that will bring them to the EARTH THAT WAS for the first time in Firefly history! Collects Firefly #25-28.
NEW CHARACTERS! NEW ENEMIES! A NEW ERA STARTS HERE! For the FIRST TIME, it’s the most-demanded Firefly story ever, as the series jumps forward in time after the battle with the Reavers that left Wash & Book dead. Serenity soars again, with Kaylee captaining a crew including River, Jayne and the bandit Leonard Chang-Benitez. But they’ll soon find themselves drawn into a shocking conflict that means Zoe - along with her toddler Emma - and old friends must rejoin the crew...except for Mal Reynolds. The superstar creative team of Greg Pak (Star Wars), Pius Bak and Ethan Young send Serenity off on the last mission they ever expected, one that will bring them to the EARTH THAT WAS for the first time in Firefly history! Collects Firefly #25-28.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2021
About the author
Greg Pak
1,704 books589 followersGreg Pak is an award-winning Korean American comic book writer and filmmaker currently writing "Lawful" for BOOM and "Sam Wilson: Captain America" (with Evan Narcisse) for Marvel. Pak wrote the "Princess Who Saved Herself" children's book and the “Code Monkey Save World” graphic novel based on the songs of Jonathan Coulton and co-wrote (with Fred Van Lente) the acclaimed “Make Comics Like the Pros” how-to book. Pak's other work includes "Planet Hulk," "Darth Vader," "Mech Cadet Yu," "Ronin Island," "Action Comics," and "Magneto Testament."
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 14, 2022
Not bad for a comfy quick read. Like you would expect from the franchise its a quick moving plot that focuses on the characters and relationships. Throw in some light comedy and here we are.
October 4, 2021
So... Maybe three stars is harsh. Maybe it's generous. The writing isn't great and is completely void of the character of the show. Greg Pak tries to put too much in any given spot, instead of pacing it. Like, we have pages of CAPTAIN Kaylee giving a speech to these bad guys, and extremely quick transition to getting the crew back together again to do an attack on a portal. Everyone is pretty stupid, from Kaylee allying with bounty hunters and trusting them especially with Leonard's ex, to Jayne blowing up the portal they just went through. Stupid. But I kinda like what it could be, and they are trying to make it fit a new audience, and if it ends up connecting with the cliff hangar from Dark Horse, that would be awesome. I don't know if it does though. Dark horse was doing a great job, and I feel like Boom is just trying to make a quick buck instead of making this what it could be. I'm divided. Characters changed, but that could be because of events that forced them too - at the end of the day we have the same characters all acting out of character with little reason or development. Greg Pak just isn't a great writer, but he has a big part in this for some reason. I feel like Boom is real proud they have him. The only people who would buy this are serenity fans, but then they are trying to reach a new audience that doesn't really get serenity or comic books, so... It kinda has no audience. Then Wash was brought back for sentimentality, but not really, and it just makes it... unnecessary much like Leonard. Why bring back a dead character if all the old beloved characters have changed. And what about this new series that's coming with Emma? Stupid. The dark horse series ended with them gearing up for another war, this one ended with Mal pulling a 180 and going backwards. Same series or no? Wish they would clarify.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2022
Return to the Earth That Was immediately feels more like Firefly than Blue Sun Rising that came before it. Mal and the gang aren't tackling Amazon and robocops with Mal's face - instead, they're on the run after the events of the Serenity movie. Mal is moping on an ice planet, Kaylee is captaining the Serenity, and Zoe is anxiously running between worlds, apparently tailed by assassins who can use a portal to skip between locations.
The "portal" plays far too key of a role here for how little explanation it gets. And robo-Wash is extremely eh. Fortunately, Return to the Earth That Was is more about resetting the scene and getting the gang back together. In the end, they make a crash landing on Earth in a scene reminiscent of Planet of the Apes. Not sure where the story will go from here (hopefully we'll drop the assassins and portals), but I'm once again intrigued with Firefly comics. Even the art ticked up a notch!
The "portal" plays far too key of a role here for how little explanation it gets. And robo-Wash is extremely eh. Fortunately, Return to the Earth That Was is more about resetting the scene and getting the gang back together. In the end, they make a crash landing on Earth in a scene reminiscent of Planet of the Apes. Not sure where the story will go from here (hopefully we'll drop the assassins and portals), but I'm once again intrigued with Firefly comics. Even the art ticked up a notch!
September 4, 2021
Terrible art and a worse story. Through four issues they don't properly introduce any of the 'new' characters, they steal plot points and gags left and right from better sci-fi works, and end up with a 'shocking' reveal that no one wanted or asked for. The only reason I keep coming back is that A) I'm not spending any of my own money on this dreck, and B) Train-wrecks are morbidly fascinating.
December 27, 2021
I really wish I could like this. Kaylee is captain. Mal is depressed with a beard living with a wolf. And there a bunch of new characters with little to no back stories defined. Throw in a robot Wash, and it's a mess. I forgot. They find Earth that Was, and it is livable again.
On Earth that Was they land in Minneapolis and run into the current Earthlings. There is a fight. There are also these other people. What is going on? Why are they here? How does this advance any of the old story?
I guess the only thing I find believable from the past Firefly story arcs from the show, film, and Dark Horse series is that Kaylee could be captain and Mal leaves. The Mal leaving part has been kicked around the internet for a while as a storyline that could happen if the show was ever brought back to TV. An old disgruntled Mal needs coercing back to Serenity for one last hurrah to fight the good fight. Well Greg Pak must have been made aware of this and that's sort of what is happening here - although it's not done well. So many plot holes and no character development or relationships. A Washbot? Come on.
On Earth that Was they land in Minneapolis and run into the current Earthlings. There is a fight. There are also these other people. What is going on? Why are they here? How does this advance any of the old story?
I guess the only thing I find believable from the past Firefly story arcs from the show, film, and Dark Horse series is that Kaylee could be captain and Mal leaves. The Mal leaving part has been kicked around the internet for a while as a storyline that could happen if the show was ever brought back to TV. An old disgruntled Mal needs coercing back to Serenity for one last hurrah to fight the good fight. Well Greg Pak must have been made aware of this and that's sort of what is happening here - although it's not done well. So many plot holes and no character development or relationships. A Washbot? Come on.
January 25, 2022
Thrilling new chapters in the ongoing Firefly saga, complete with heart wrenching twists and pulse pounding drama. Loved it.
March 16, 2026
Firefly: Return to Earth That Was Vol. 1 — 5/5 ⭐️
Greg Pak — Pius Bak (Illustrator) — Ethan Young (Illustrator)
A bold, time‑jumping reinvention of the Firefly saga that delivers emotional punches, big mysteries, and a crew dynamic that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.
A New Era of Serenity
This volume launches one of the most ambitious arcs in the Firefly comics: a leap forward in time after the Reaver war, after the losses of Wash and Book, and into a ‘Verse that’s shifting under everyone’s feet. Greg Pak and artists Pius Bak and Ethan Young take that challenge and run with it, crafting a story that feels like a natural continuation and a daring evolution.
The hook is irresistible: Wash is back… but how? The creative team doesn’t treat this as a gimmick—they build a mystery that threads through character emotion, political tension, and the legacy of the Serenity crew.
What Makes This Volume Shine
• Kaylee as captain brings a hopeful, stubborn, deeply human center to the story.
• River, Jayne, and Leonard Chang‑Benitez create a chaotic, compelling new crew dynamic.
• Zoe’s return with toddler Emma adds emotional weight and a sense of legacy.
• Earth‑That‑Was finally becomes real, not just a myth.
• Bak and Young’s art delivers grit, motion, and emotional clarity.
Overview
New characters. New enemies. A new era starts here. For the first time, the series jumps forward in time after the battle with the Reavers that left Wash and Book dead. Kaylee captains a new crew—River, Jayne, and Leonard Chang‑Benitez—until a new conflict forces Zoe, toddler Emma, and old friends to rejoin the fold… except for Mal Reynolds. Pak, Bak, and Young send Serenity on a mission that brings them to the Earth That Was for the first time in Firefly history. Collects Firefly #25–28.
Review
Return to Earth That Was Vol. 1 is the kind of story longtime Browncoats have been waiting for: bold enough to shake up the status quo, but grounded in the emotional truth of these characters. The time jump gives the series room to breathe, letting the creators explore grief, legacy, and the cost of survival without retreading old ground.
Kaylee’s leadership is a standout—optimistic, brilliant, and quietly fierce. Zoe’s arc hits hard, especially as she navigates motherhood while still carrying the weight of loss. And the mystery surrounding Wash’s return is handled with just the right mix of shock, tenderness, and unease.
The shift toward Earth‑That‑Was feels monumental. It’s a payoff years in the making, and this volume cracks that door open with purpose and style.
A must‑read for fans and a thrilling new chapter for Serenity.
Happy reading in the verse 🚀🪐📚
Greg Pak — Pius Bak (Illustrator) — Ethan Young (Illustrator)
A bold, time‑jumping reinvention of the Firefly saga that delivers emotional punches, big mysteries, and a crew dynamic that feels both familiar and thrillingly new.
A New Era of Serenity
This volume launches one of the most ambitious arcs in the Firefly comics: a leap forward in time after the Reaver war, after the losses of Wash and Book, and into a ‘Verse that’s shifting under everyone’s feet. Greg Pak and artists Pius Bak and Ethan Young take that challenge and run with it, crafting a story that feels like a natural continuation and a daring evolution.
The hook is irresistible: Wash is back… but how? The creative team doesn’t treat this as a gimmick—they build a mystery that threads through character emotion, political tension, and the legacy of the Serenity crew.
What Makes This Volume Shine
• Kaylee as captain brings a hopeful, stubborn, deeply human center to the story.
• River, Jayne, and Leonard Chang‑Benitez create a chaotic, compelling new crew dynamic.
• Zoe’s return with toddler Emma adds emotional weight and a sense of legacy.
• Earth‑That‑Was finally becomes real, not just a myth.
• Bak and Young’s art delivers grit, motion, and emotional clarity.
Overview
New characters. New enemies. A new era starts here. For the first time, the series jumps forward in time after the battle with the Reavers that left Wash and Book dead. Kaylee captains a new crew—River, Jayne, and Leonard Chang‑Benitez—until a new conflict forces Zoe, toddler Emma, and old friends to rejoin the fold… except for Mal Reynolds. Pak, Bak, and Young send Serenity on a mission that brings them to the Earth That Was for the first time in Firefly history. Collects Firefly #25–28.
Review
Return to Earth That Was Vol. 1 is the kind of story longtime Browncoats have been waiting for: bold enough to shake up the status quo, but grounded in the emotional truth of these characters. The time jump gives the series room to breathe, letting the creators explore grief, legacy, and the cost of survival without retreading old ground.
Kaylee’s leadership is a standout—optimistic, brilliant, and quietly fierce. Zoe’s arc hits hard, especially as she navigates motherhood while still carrying the weight of loss. And the mystery surrounding Wash’s return is handled with just the right mix of shock, tenderness, and unease.
The shift toward Earth‑That‑Was feels monumental. It’s a payoff years in the making, and this volume cracks that door open with purpose and style.
A must‑read for fans and a thrilling new chapter for Serenity.
Happy reading in the verse 🚀🪐📚
October 15, 2021
Greg Pak's "Firefly: Return to Earth That Was, Part One" takes place after the events of the "Serenity" movie. In this story, we find the crew of Serenity, which is now Jayne Cobb and River Tam, being piloted by Kaylee Frye when their ship is overtaken by bounty hunters. Across the 'verse, at the same time, Zoe Washburne's crew, which includes herself, her daughter Emma, and Simon Tam, also come under fire by bounty hunters. From the bounty hunters, the crews of both ships discover that the Alliance has created a tech marvel that can spell their doom.
While I love seeing my favorite characters again, and though I'm thoroughly enjoying this plot, the dialogue of the characters in this story doesn't seem to match the characters from the original TV series or the Serenity movie, which takes away from the authenticity of the story. Also, the exiled former leader trope feels a little tired to me after having watched "The Last Jedi" and "Revenge of the Sith". Going forward, I'd like to see authors really dive into their source material so they can deliver an experience that allows readers to get lost in their favorite worlds.
While I love seeing my favorite characters again, and though I'm thoroughly enjoying this plot, the dialogue of the characters in this story doesn't seem to match the characters from the original TV series or the Serenity movie, which takes away from the authenticity of the story. Also, the exiled former leader trope feels a little tired to me after having watched "The Last Jedi" and "Revenge of the Sith". Going forward, I'd like to see authors really dive into their source material so they can deliver an experience that allows readers to get lost in their favorite worlds.
December 27, 2021
I don't know why this has such a low rating. I thought the story was such a fun way to kick off a new arc! We get to see quite a few characters in new roles and the utilization of that Blue Sun tech that we all knew would make a come back.
To close it out there's even a sneak peek at a new adventure starring our very own grown-up Emma. I'm excited about the future of Firefly!
To close it out there's even a sneak peek at a new adventure starring our very own grown-up Emma. I'm excited about the future of Firefly!
October 27, 2025
2.5 Stars
The cover art led me to keep my expectations low from the get-go. (How well that worked to stave off disappointment, I won't know until I've read all three installments.)
I have complained before about the art style choices in the Firefly graphic novel extensions. But so far, this really has been the worst of it. That problem of not being able to tell most of the female characters apart frame to frame? Still prevalent. (Yes, even Zoe is sometimes hard to distinguish, despite her complexion... and the fact that she spends half of this with a toddler on her hip.)
But let's set aside the art and focus on the story itself. (Lord knows, that's what I tried my darndest to do.) I heard tell they were going to bring back Wash in some shape or form, and that was enough to lure me in. I also don't feel like it's spoilers to divulge that this wasn't Wash himself, but a Blue Sun-funded robot with his likeness and, inexplicably, some of his memories--created for the sole purpose of acting as bait to draw out Zoe. Honestly, the concept intrigued me. Lots of moral/ethical/philosophical quandaries to potentially be explored. So much potential emotional damage... I had to at least give it a shot.
This being the first 1/3rd of the story arch, I'm still ambivalent about the setup. I'd place this about 3 years after the Serenity movie... and half of our favorite characters feel inconsistent with the series--well beyond what could be explained in that developmental gap. Kaylee is now captain of Serenity, commanding respect and displaying leadership skills that were never previously hinted at. (Recalling her tendency to freeze and cower in the midst of violence all through the series, it really just feels forced and wishful.) Mal is an unrecognizable shell of his former self, having run away, grown a beard, and adopted an emotional support coyote. River isn't spouting any of her usual quirky/eerie random exposition, and there doesn't seem to be enough time for Inara to have a personality. Jayne, though, generally hits the nail on the head with his motives and dialogue. And Zoe is largely what I would have expected, given she has a small child to rear.
The pacing yo-yos from dragging to breakneck. It was hard to figure out what exactly was going on in a number of the action sequences, and some of the more newly introduced characters added a busy element that causes more confusion than they (so far) seem to be worth.
The intro of the Wash robot felt pretty rushed. No time to weigh the emotional impact, and no backstory offered as to how he managed to remain or become so burgeoning with free will--despite being apparently built for the sole purpose of luring Zoe into Blue Sun's clutches.
We only just got to Earth-That-Was at the very end of this one, so we'll see how it progresses come next installment.
The cover art led me to keep my expectations low from the get-go. (How well that worked to stave off disappointment, I won't know until I've read all three installments.)
I have complained before about the art style choices in the Firefly graphic novel extensions. But so far, this really has been the worst of it. That problem of not being able to tell most of the female characters apart frame to frame? Still prevalent. (Yes, even Zoe is sometimes hard to distinguish, despite her complexion... and the fact that she spends half of this with a toddler on her hip.)
But let's set aside the art and focus on the story itself. (Lord knows, that's what I tried my darndest to do.) I heard tell they were going to bring back Wash in some shape or form, and that was enough to lure me in. I also don't feel like it's spoilers to divulge that this wasn't Wash himself, but a Blue Sun-funded robot with his likeness and, inexplicably, some of his memories--created for the sole purpose of acting as bait to draw out Zoe. Honestly, the concept intrigued me. Lots of moral/ethical/philosophical quandaries to potentially be explored. So much potential emotional damage... I had to at least give it a shot.
This being the first 1/3rd of the story arch, I'm still ambivalent about the setup. I'd place this about 3 years after the Serenity movie... and half of our favorite characters feel inconsistent with the series--well beyond what could be explained in that developmental gap. Kaylee is now captain of Serenity, commanding respect and displaying leadership skills that were never previously hinted at. (Recalling her tendency to freeze and cower in the midst of violence all through the series, it really just feels forced and wishful.) Mal is an unrecognizable shell of his former self, having run away, grown a beard, and adopted an emotional support coyote. River isn't spouting any of her usual quirky/eerie random exposition, and there doesn't seem to be enough time for Inara to have a personality. Jayne, though, generally hits the nail on the head with his motives and dialogue. And Zoe is largely what I would have expected, given she has a small child to rear.
The pacing yo-yos from dragging to breakneck. It was hard to figure out what exactly was going on in a number of the action sequences, and some of the more newly introduced characters added a busy element that causes more confusion than they (so far) seem to be worth.
The intro of the Wash robot felt pretty rushed. No time to weigh the emotional impact, and no backstory offered as to how he managed to remain or become so burgeoning with free will--despite being apparently built for the sole purpose of luring Zoe into Blue Sun's clutches.
We only just got to Earth-That-Was at the very end of this one, so we'll see how it progresses come next installment.
March 20, 2024
The time jump does this collection favours as it reintroduces tension and unpredictability. Pak's insistence to keep our pack of outlaws apart - again - does not.
I'd rather this was a soft reset rather than a coalescing of the live-action and canon comic continuation too. Back to heists and other such small stake issues of the week rather than epic space fantasy.
Return to the concept that was, you could say...
I'd rather this was a soft reset rather than a coalescing of the live-action and canon comic continuation too. Back to heists and other such small stake issues of the week rather than epic space fantasy.
Return to the concept that was, you could say...
March 9, 2023
Always being chased. Many reunions. Some good scenes and gun fights. It's defnitely a dystopian future.
August 22, 2024
I'm starting to feel like the characters aren't as faithful to those in the show. PTSD and trama aside... Kaylee souldnt have been Captain, and I don't think Mal would act like this. They stepped so far away from source material here, in my opinion.
The story in general is fine, though. If you were to have them completely different characters.
The story in general is fine, though. If you were to have them completely different characters.
August 6, 2022
Well, it was pleasant spending time with those characters I adored. However, there are several new folks, with no explanation of where they came from. The plot is decent. I don’t think any of the graphics look like the people they’re supposed to be.
August 15, 2023
It looks like I'd need to read volume 2 to find out what actually happens on Earth That Was since they only just get there at the end of volume 1. Sadly, I'm not sure I want to bother as I'm not feeling the direction they're taking the characters. I maybe could have been convinced to accept that the Alliance has portals, but a Wash robot is a step too far. I mean, just... why? There are new characters, but I don't care and I doubt anyone else does either since we didn't spend enough time with them to see their personalities shine. The art wasn't so bad, except it mostly didn't match the actors adequately. These last few Firefly graphic novels I've read haven't been doing it for me, so I may give up entirely. Sad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2023
Firefly finally goes the way of the 2000s BSG or Planet of the Apes. Feels like a weird, but arguably within Whedon’s wheelhouse, way to frame an epilogue story though it seems like maybe this is all setting up a future run that’ll focus more on Emma with the remaining crew far more on the periphery. Need to track down the second volume since I have library access to the third, but I’m a little nervous how I’ll feel when I get through all this since people seem particularly thrown by the whole arc of this series.
May 8, 2026
3.0 ⭐️
The story takes place after the movie Serenity and also the comics of the same name. If you haven’t read those and the Holiday Special you might be a little lost especially regarding Zoës and Rivers relationship and how Kaylee is now Captain.
I found the addition of Leonard in the first Firefly comics a little weird since he isn’t in Serenity and we are just supposed to ignore that, but even more so, that they chose to continue with him in comics set after Serenity. It’s all getting a little too muddy.
The story takes place after the movie Serenity and also the comics of the same name. If you haven’t read those and the Holiday Special you might be a little lost especially regarding Zoës and Rivers relationship and how Kaylee is now Captain.
I found the addition of Leonard in the first Firefly comics a little weird since he isn’t in Serenity and we are just supposed to ignore that, but even more so, that they chose to continue with him in comics set after Serenity. It’s all getting a little too muddy.
January 8, 2024
Fun to continue to story of our crew, but I miss seeing them all together (even if we're seeing the separation start to end). More over-the-top sci-fi aspects as opposed to the more grounded, plausible elements the world was built on. Of course I'll continue to read them to get my fix, but there's nothing like the original.
December 31, 2021
It's really cool to get to see what would have happened to the crew years into the future, but sad to see that some of them have grown apart.
February 6, 2022
I really do enjoy the Firefly 'verse :)
June 14, 2022
It is interesting where they are taking these characters, both figuratively and literally. This takes place after the series and movie.
July 17, 2022
Good book
I love the Firefly comics. I wish I read slower so I don't finish them so fast. Oh well, life's not always shiny.
I love the Firefly comics. I wish I read slower so I don't finish them so fast. Oh well, life's not always shiny.
August 7, 2022
Not too hard to follow even though I jumped into the middle of the series.
November 2, 2022
Jeg kan ikke lide den nye tegnestil.
November 14, 2022
New storyline that begins after the show & movie, enjoyable. The typical adventures with our fave crew plus a few new faces - no explaining there, maybe in future episodes?
December 31, 2022
I've been on a Firefly kick lately. This was a pretty satisfying addition! I'll continue reading this series for sure!
February 11, 2023
Pak's work on Firefly continues to be phenomenal
October 15, 2023
read this for Firefly nostalgia but it missed the mark
November 27, 2021
The gang is almost back together...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews