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Creative Team
Writer: Casey Gilly
Artist: Oriol Roig
Colored by: Gloria Martinelli
Lettered By: Ed Dukeshire
Cover: Ario Anindito
Variant Covers: Suspiria Vilchez/Francesco Francavilla
RECAP
It appears BOOM! Studios are out to take over the world this year as it appears they have yet another hit on their hands. BUFFY THE LAST VAMPIRE SLAYER is set in an alternative world where Buffy Summers was left alone wandering the streets of London. Until that, is she was called to become the caretaker of Willow and Tara’s daughter Thessaly who has become a slayer herself. With the help of Spike and another wonderful surprise character the Slayerverse is back!
SPOILER FILLED RECAP
The story kicks off after our prelude where we see Thessaly who is now a slayer herself making a fun and cheesy at-home video and showcasing her skills such as the magic abilities she has picked up from Willow’s side of the family. Thessaly, Buffy, and Spike are known as ” The Watchers” according to Thessaly and are the remaining hunters out to defend against the evils of the night.
We see Thessaly at work and she has a girlfriend named Cora and the scene is set for a warm-hearted love story within this messy world. We cut to Buffy and Spike who are preparing for a romantic getaway and yet Buffy is struggling with becoming older and all of her belongings being a relic of her old life. Enter Anya!
Yes, a beloved character has made her return to “watch over” the 21-year-old Thessaly for the next 10 days whilst Buffy and Spike have their getaway. Thessaly proves herself to be a formidable foe as we get scenes of her hunting while Anya is also out hunting before Thessaly meets up with Cora.
The issue wraps up with Cora banging on Anya and Thessaly’s door as Cora thought she had been with someone else. As Cora leaves Anya says that she doesn’t trust Cora as the stage is set for the story ahead as Cora is seen killing her brother and his friends amidst a pentagram drawn on the floor.
HOW DO WE FEEL?
Fans of the beloved Buffy franchise are immediately sent back to the late 90s as the story pays homage to the characters everyone grew up with while telling a fun new imaginative tale.
Seeing Buffy as an older and worn down slayer while Spike shows his more caring side is a relationship that just works in this alternate reality. The fun inclusion of Thessaly, who is a spunky 21-year-old full of life and adventure showcasing her powers and having that fighting attitude encaptures readers from the jump.
The art does more than sell us on this fun new adventure. What Oriol and Gloria do are nothing short of wonders leaving a color palette that catches your eye and inviting action sequences reminiscent of 80’s sci-fi sequences.
All in all, as a reintroduction to the BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER universe, this does a great job of bringing returning fans and new fans in alike.
Ending on a cliff-hanger has me wanting to immediately read the next issue which is a telltale sign of a great comic book. BOOM! STUDIOS hit a home run with Casey and her creative team helping this run. As a fan of the franchise and the supernatural world, I give this book:
