"Go show them how long a slayer can live." ( )

I have a soft spot for the Buffy comics for two reasons: 1) I like the show to an embarrassing degree and 2) I was an assistant editor on the comics (in fact, I'm credited with that in this volume though I don't think I actually worked on any of the issues in this collection -- they all came before or after my time on the title).

Anyway, I liked this collection. They are good comics. Not great, but good. They capture something of the spirit of the show even if they can't quite capture the show's economy of action, dialog, characterization, etc. The best issues are those written Joe Casey and Fabian Nicieza. That's a good thing since they wrote most of the stories here. Cliff Richards handles the art on the bulk of the stories and I always found his art workman-like, if somewhat uninspired. He captures the likenesses of the actors very well.

If you're a fan of comics and of the Buffy TV show, you should probably check out this collection. If you're not a fan of those two things, then you should probably stay away. ( )

Worth reading for the comic version of the original movie screenplay, which has some interesting differences from the movie. That makes this a must-have for any Joss fan, but much of the rest is somewhat uneven. ( )

How exciting to read about Buffy's origins, and Giles' assignment! This collection gives insight into Buffy's days before she was chosen, her first days as a Slayer (without a Watcher), and an attempt at rebellion, before finally accepting her destiny.

Joss Whedon is a fantastic writer. As a fan of both the Buffy series, and the spinoff Angel, I am excited to read more of the comics! ( )

4.5

*Book source ~ Home library

This graphic novel starts before Buffy goes to Sunnydale and contains her life in L.A. after Merrick, her Watcher, tells her that’s she’s the new Slayer. There are some Sunnydale scenes interspersed here and there and it flips back and forth between the stories and, after Origin, Giles being tested to see if he’s worthy of being the Slayer’s new Watcher.

All’s Fair ~ A Spike and Dru story set at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair. Man, I love these two crazy vamps.

The Origin ~ The story of how Buffy became the Chosen One.

Viva Las Buffy ~ Buffy and her friend Pike follow a lead about a vampire casino all the way to Vegas. Seeing Buffy in that coat check girl outfit, it’s hard to remember she’s still only 15. Woah.

Dawn & Hoopy the Bear ~ Not bad, but it’s about Dawn who shouldn’t even be included in the past stories because she doesn’t show up until Season 5. So…blerg.

Slayer, Interrupted ~ Ah, nice to get the skinny on when Buffy spent time in a mental institution since she mentions it in Season 6.

The artwork is fantastic and the stories kept my attention. Even though the Dawn story irritated me, it was still a decent read. I am so looking forward to continuing with the omnibus books and any other Buffyverse material I can get my greedy mitts on. ( )