While I am somewhat ambivalent about Buffy's sexual
"experimentation" in this issue, this was another excellent issue in
what is turning out to be a superlative media-tie-in comic book series.
After, Cloverfield's less than inspiring script, I was worried that one of my
favourite writers from Buffy's and Angel's final years had lost it and, along
with his inexperience with the comic book medium, I was afraid that this might
be the arc that would finally derail the series. Well, if his first issue is
any indication, I had absolutely nothing to worry about.
Being the first part of a four-part arc, it's not too surprising that most of
the issue concentrates on character interactions. Despite what Cloverfield may
suggest, Drew Goddard is a guy who has clearly shown a knack in the past for
note-perfect characterization and sharp, witty dialog and these strengths are
very much in evidence here. He captures the voices of the old favourites
from the show every bit as perfectly as Brian Vaughan and Joss Whedon did with their past work on the title and his work with the new characters is
no less impressive.
I’m tempted to write off Buffy’s actions in this issue as
gimmicky and slightly out of character but Mr Goddard handles the scene
brilliantly and it actually doesn’t come so far out of left field when you
consider how often the theme of Buffy’s loneliness has come up over the last eleven
issues. As for the reveal at the end, as a big fan of the Buffy vs Dracula
episode from season 5, I’m very much looking forward to seeing how this all
pans out, especially for Xander who, incidentally, had an abundance of great
scenes this issue.
Georges
Jeanty continues to provide some solid art with dynamic layouts and convincing
action sequences but I do wish his ability to draw faces was as impressive as
his storytelling abilities.
Story: 5 - Excellent
Art: 3 - Good
I’m tempted to write off Buffy’s actions in this issue as gimmicky and slightly out of character but Mr Goddard handles the scene brilliantly and it actually doesn’t come so far out of left field when you consider how often the theme of Buffy’s loneliness has come up over the last eleven issues.
Exactly. If you strip away the hype and just look at the story Goddard is telling, it works really well. I can understand the ambivalence, but it's not a cheap gimmick. It works with the character. One thing I liked about the scene is that I don't think it would have been written much differently if Buffy had hooked up with a guy in similar circumstances. I feel like the story is really getting at the issue of how Buffy deals with someone she knows is in love with her (in this case, I'd say, badly); and there really aren't any male characters in this book, aside from Xander, and messing up their long standing friendly dynamic would, I think, be much more of a departure than what Buffy does in this issue.
Also, I thought I was the only one who liked that 'Buffy v. Dracula' episode! Poor Xander, though.
Posted by ohcaroline on 03/09/08 at 12:13 AM