Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight

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Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight
Image:Long way home tpb.jpg
Trade paperback cover of Buffy: The Long Way Home. Art by Jo Chen.
Publisher Dark Horse Comics
Schedule Monthly
Publication date March 14 2007–
Number of issues 40 (14 to date)
Main character(s) Scooby Gang
Creative team
Writer(s) Joss Whedon (first arc)
Brian K. Vaughan (second arc)
Drew Goddard (third arc)
and others
Penciller(s) Georges Jeanty
Inker(s) Andy Owens
Colorist(s) Dave Stewart
Creator(s) Joss Whedon

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight is a comic book series published by Dark Horse Comics. The series serves as a canonical continuation of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and follows the events of that show's final televised season.[1] It is produced by Joss Whedon, who wrote the first arc, "The Long Way Home".[2] The first issue was released on March 14, 2007.[3]

The series was originally supposed to consist of about 25 issues[4], but series editor Scott Allie stated that they were already "up to about 50, could go a little higher",[5][6] before it was finally decided that the series would have a 40-issue run. At present, some plans for a spin-off miniseries are in discussion[7] where side-stories too far outside of Season Eight's narrative would be played out. The success of the series has prompted IDW Publishing and Joss Whedon to announce a concurring continuation of the Angel television series, entitled Angel: After the Fall.[8]

Contents

[edit] Premise

The story takes place "at least a year and a half" after the events of "Chosen",[9] placing it at its earliest in the latter half of 2004 and after the events of "Not Fade Away". Buffy and Xander now lead command-central, which is situated at a citadel in Scotland. At their disposal are a wide array of psychics, seers, witches, and Slayers, along with a vast amount of technology. There are 1,800 Slayers worldwide according to Buffy, almost 500 of whom are working with the Scoobies, separated into 10 squads, with Andrew in charge of several in Southern Italy, and Giles in charge of a contingent of Slayers in England. For Buffy's protection and because her name is feared worldwide, two decoys are put in place: one partying in Rome and one on a mission in demonic underground caverns.

In the wake of Sunnydale's destruction, elements within the U.S. government view them as an army akin to terrorist cells and characterize Buffy as a "charismatic, uncompromising and completely destructive" leader. General Voll, a member of a mystically aware Initiative-like government project, describes fear of their resources, power and ideology. The government has teamed with Sunnydale survivor/powerful witch Amy Madison and Season 6 villain Warren Mears. Simulatenously, an evil British socialite Slayer called Lady Genevieve Savidge plots to usurp Buffy's place in the Slayer hierarchy, and a shrewd cabal of Japanese vampires scheme to reverse the global activation of Potential Slayers in "Chosen". The appearances of these villains so far appear connected to "Twilight", the enigmatic Big Bad of the season, a masked person who plans to destroy all of the Slayers and bring an end to the era of magic.

A subplot involves the repercussions of Dawn growing to giant proportions. This appears to have been the result of losing her virginity to a boy named Kenny, described as a "thricewise", but was later found out to be caused by Dawn's having sex with Kenny's roommate. Among the core group, Buffy is for a time romantically drawn to a female Slayer named Satsu, and Xander to Slayer Renee; Willow's relationship with the core group is more estranged, while she protectively witholds Kennedy from her friends. Giles and Buffy, at odds, have fallen from speaking terms with one another.

[edit] Announced writers and story arcs

Joss Whedon serves as "executive producer" for the series across every issue, giving his other writers notes on characterization, continuity and his overall concept in mind as he would when overseeing Buffy as a television series. Joss wrote the first story arc, "The Long Way Home" (#1-4) as well as several one-shot stories (#5, #10, and #11), and is set to write the series' fourth (#16-19) and final (#36-40) story arcs himself as well.

Comic and television writer Brian K. Vaughan became the first guest writer on the series, writing the second story arc "No Future for You" (#6-9). While Vaughan was not a "Buffyverse" staff member, he was a fan of both series (particularly the character of Faith) and Joss Whedon himself was a fan of Vaughan's Marvel Comics series Runaways, on which he served as writer during the period Vaughan wrote "No Future for You."

Former Buffy and Angel writer Drew Goddard writes the series' third arc, "Wolves at the Gate." Goddard first became a Buffy writer in its final season, starting with the episode "Selfless" and finishing with the Angel episode "The Girl in Question", which itself obliquely hints at the life of Buffy post-Season Seven. Goddard went onto become a writer for the movie Cloverfield and acclaimed American dramas Lost and Alias (all working alongside producer J. J. Abrams) whilst also penning the story "Antique" for canonical Buffy comic book Tales of the Vampires, which he goes onto reference in "Wolves at the Gate".

Film, comics and television writer-producer Jeph Loeb is set to write issue #20 of the series. Loeb had previously been involved with Joss in the conception of Buffy the Animated Series, which never came to be. Following Loeb are Buffyverse alumni Jane Espenson, Doug Petrie,[10] Drew Greenberg, Jim Krueger and Steven S. DeKnight who between them are set to tell the story between issues #21 and #29. One set of issues between those writers will serve to comprise one story arc told from a number of different perspectives. Issue #29 will be written by an as-yet unannounced writer, before Brad Meltzer, author of several New York Times best-selling books and later both Identity Crisis and Justice League of America for DC Comics is set to write the penultimate story arc of Season Eight, issues #31-35. Whedon himself resumes authorship for the final five issues of the series, bringing Season Eight to an end.[11]

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[edit] Publication

[edit] Issues

Title Issue # Release Date
"The Long Way Home, Part I" 1 March 14, 2007
Writer: Joss Whedon Penciller: Georges Jeanty
Buffy Summers leads a squad of Slayers in Scotland with the help of her friend Xander Harris and her giant sister Dawn. Meanwhile, a government installation investigates the demolished town of Sunnydale.
"The Long Way Home, Part II" 2 April 4, 2007
Writer: Joss Whedon Penciller: Georges Jeanty
The government recruits Amy Madison as their operative to dispatch Buffy. She travels to Scotland, unleashes an army of zombies on the castle, and binds Buffy in a sleep that can only be broken by a true love's kiss.
"The Long Way Home, Part III" 3 May 2, 2007
Writer: Joss Whedon Penciller: Georges Jeanty
Still bound in a sleep, Buffy explores her dreamspace with Ethan Rayne. Willow Rosenberg comes to the Slayers' aid in a battle against Amy and her army of zombies.
"The Long Way Home, Part IV" 4 June 6, 2007
Writer: Joss Whedon Penciller: Georges Jeanty
Amy kidnaps Willow and presents her to a skinless Warren Mears. Xander and some practicing witches attempt to create a portal to send Buffy and Satsu to Willow's rescue. A US government general warns Buffy of "twilight": the end of magic.
"The Chain" 5 July 25, 2007
Writer: Joss Whedon Penciller: Paul Lee
A young woman reveals how she went from being a high school student to being Buffy’s decoy.
"No Future for You, Part I" 6 September 5, 2007
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan Penciller: Georges Jeanty
In Cleveland, Rupert Giles recruits Faith to assassinate Genevieve Savidge: a rogue Slayer who threatens to destroy the world. Meanwhile in Scotland, Buffy admits to Xander her worry of "twilight."
"No Future for You, Part II" 7 October 3, 2007
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan Penciller: Georges Jeanty
Faith infiltrates Lady Genevieve Savidge's estate only to discover an amicable connection with her. Willow questions Dawn on her newly giant stature.
"No Future for You, Part III" 8 November 7, 2007
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan Penciller: Georges Jeanty
Faith finds herself torn when Lady Genevieve reveals her plan to kill Buffy. Matters get worse, when Genevieve's mentor Roden kidnaps Buffy and brings her face to face with Faith.
"No Future for You, Part IV" 9 December 5, 2007
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan Penciller: Georges Jeanty
Faith and Lady Genevieve engage in battle to the death. Buffy and Giles' relationship is further strained when she questions him about Faith's mission. Meanwhile, a mysterious character named Twilight meets with a US government agent to discuss the events with Faith and Genevieve.
"Anywhere but Here" 10 January 2, 2008
Writer: Joss Whedon Penciller: Cliff Richards
A Minder named Robin welcomes Buffy and Willow to Tichajt who presents to them the past, present and future, revealing kept secrets between the best friends. Dawn embarrassingly reveals to Xander that she did not sleep with her boyfriend like most suspect: she slept with his college roommate.
"A Beautiful Sunset" 11 February 6, 2008
Writer: Joss Whedon Penciller: Georges Jeanty
Buffy invites Satsu to dust a group of vampires at a graveyard. There, Buffy declares to her that she knows Satsu planted the true love's kiss on her when she was bound in sleep. Suddenly, Twilight attacks both of the girls and introduces to Buffy his malicious plan to destroy all of the Slayers.
"Wolves at the Gate, Part I" 12 March 5, 2008
Writer: Drew Goddard Penciller: Georges Jeanty
Just when Xander, Renee, Andrew, Willow and Dawn all walk in on Buffy and Satsu naked in bed, a group of Japanese vampires breach the castle walls and successfully steal the Scythe. In need for assistance to defeat the vampires, Xander seeks an old friend: Dracula.
"Wolves at the Gate, Part II" 13 April 2, 2008
Writer: Drew Goddard Penciller: Georges Jeanty
When confronted by Xander about the Japanese vampires, Dracula realizes the group has stolen his unique powers, and commits to help out of pride. Meanwhile, Buffy is preparing an all-out assault against the vampires, who have been spotted in Tokyo by the slayer Aiko. The vampires spot Aiko's surveillance and set an ambush: the female vampire Kumiko uses the Scythe to magically revert Aiko into a regular, helpless girl, and the vampire leader Toru then kills her.
"Wolves at the Gate, Part III" 14 May 7, 2008
Writer: Drew Goddard Penciller: Georges Jeanty
Buffy and her team arrive in Japan to find Aiko's corpse strung up with a welcome message written in her blood. They meet up with Xander, Renee, and Dracula, who teaches Willow a spell to contain the desolidifying vampires. With Giant Dawn as a distraction, the team assaults the vampires lair, only to discover that it's a trap as Toru appears behind them and impales Renee on the scythe.
"Wolves at the Gate, Part IV" 15 June 4, 2008
Writer: Drew Goddard Penciller: Georges Jeanty
As Xander holds a dying Renee, Dracula sends Buffy for Willow, who in turn is locked in combat with Kumiko. Buffy jumps from the penthouse to stab Kumiko midair, and then she and an unconscious Willow continue falling. Dawn is confronted by a mecha version of herself. As Toru is beginning the incantion to de-Slayer Buffy and her army, Dracula tackles Toru, sending the scythe flying, and Satsu jumps off the building to catch the falling scythe. Willow and Buffy consider the situation from the ground (Willow had turned the sidewalk into water to cushion their fall) before catching Satsu. Dracula gives Willow his sword and tells her how to use it to remove the vampires' special powers, which she does. Andrew coaches Dawn how to beat the mecha, and Dracula cuts off Toru's hands before handing his sword to Xander for the killing blow. Satsu asks Buffy to leave her in Japan to give them some distance, while Xander buries Renee and Dracula leaves via ship.
"Time of Your Life, Part I" 16 July 2, 2008
Writer: Joss Whedon Penciller: Karl Moline
An announced crossover with Whedon's 2001-2003 Buffyverse comic book series Fray will feature in this arc, in issues #16-19. Fray, set in the future, is the story of the latest Slayer in the lineage and following an event in the 21st century which took magic from the world. The cover by Jo Chen and preview pages by artist Karl Moline can be seen by following the links here. On a hot tip, Buffy and Willow head to Manhattan hoping to unlock the secrets of Buffy's mysterious scythe, but something goes terribly awry when Buffy suddenly finds herself transported to an unknown world, and into the path of future Slayer Fray. Kennedy and Vi are set to re-appear in this arc. [12]
"Time of Your Life, Part II" 17 August 6, 2008
Writer: Joss Whedon Penciller: Karl Moline
After a shaky introduction, Buffy and Fray must join forces in order to discover the purpose of their meeting, and its impact on the world at large.
""Time of Your Life, Part III" " 18 September 3, 2008
Writer: Joss Whedon Penciller: Karl Moline
A powerful enemy from Buffy's past confronts the Slayer and Fray in the future, having allied with Fray's greatest foe. Meanwhile, Dawn's gone through another bizarre change."[13]
""Time of Your Life, Part IV" " 19 October 1, 2008
Writer: Joss Whedon Penciller: Karl Moline
""Untitled Jeph Loeb Project" "[14] 20 November 2008
Writer: Jeph Loeb Penciller: Georges Jeanty
Scott Allie spoke out about this issue at Comic-Con: The Fray arc will be followed by an issue by Jeph Loeb, who will revisit the Buffy animated series that never happened. "It's Buffy sort of revisiting her high school life, but drawn in the style of the animated series that never happened."

[edit] Collections

The issues are being collected together into trade paperbacks:

[edit] Reception

Initial reaction to Season Eight was generally positive, despite the switch in medium leading to comparison between the television series and the comic. Mathew Springer of The Comicbloc described the series as "very good … and slightly strange." He praised Whedon's writing in the opening issue, claiming "The humor, pop culture references and spot-on quirky characterizations are all on vibrant display", and looked forward to the direction the book was going in. However, he admitted that it was hard for him to accept the comic as canon, claiming "there’s something subtly undermining this effort simply because it’s a comic book and not on television".[17] Mark Stoddard of Comix Nexus also approached the series "with some trepidation, unsure of whether there would be more great stories that really needed to be told, and wondering whether the magic of TV could be replicated in the medium of comics".[18] TV Squad's Keith McDuffee felt that reading Buffy as a comic book after seeing it on television for seven years was strange,[19] but the new format was a good thing because "You don't have ugly casting problems and the special effects budget isn't a concern at all".[20] In a later review, he reaffirmed this opinion, stating "Thank God for a medium that lets creativity go completely wild without budget worries".[21]

Georges Jeanty's artwork received praise for being dynamic and true to the characters, rather than trying to appear photo-realistic. According to Mathew Springer, "He brings these people to life not as drawings of actors and actresses, but as fully-realized comic book characters in their own right."[17] Mark Stoddard understood why Whedon chose Jeanty for the book, claiming "his layouts and storytelling are clear, he handles the action sequences pretty well, and the character likenesses are excellent, retaining a sense of artistic individuality, rather than simply generating portraits or rehashing television stills".[18] However, Keith McDuffee criticized Jeanty's work, feeling "The cover images...are amazingly detailed and truly capture what we remember of the characters, but the inside pages have a bit to be desired".[21] Richard George of IGN described Jeanty's work as bringing "a mixture of real life practicality and zany cartoons", but warned readers not to compare it to the "immaculate" covers by Jo Chen, explaining, "Do not expect the art inside to be what it is on the outside, and don't hold one against the other. Both styles have their place".[22]

[edit] Reaction from original cast

Multiple cast members have commented on the appearances of the characters they originated for the TV series in the Season 8 comics:

  • Nicholas Brendon (who portrayed Xander) mentioned the events of issue #12 in the Paley Center for Media Buffy cast reunion held March 24, 2008, to the obvious surprise of James Marsters (Spike) and Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy).[23]
  • Brendon later commented more extensively on Xander's depiction in Season 8: "He's looking good, rocking the eye patch in charge of 500 chicks. That is the one thing that Xander would be completely blown away about - being in charge of 500 slayers. Xander wasn't in charge of himself in the show!"[24]
  • Anthony Stewart Head, who played Rupert Giles in the television series is quoted as saying: "I've seen bits of it and I'd love to see more because it's so cool. It's Joss – and I love Joss's writing. I haven’t had a lot of time but I must get the whole season and check it out."[25]
  • Elizabeth Anne Allen, who portrayed Amy in the television series commented favourably on the first story arc, describing it as "awesome" and commenting that "[Season Six/Seven] was fun.... but I really would have loved to play Amy in Season 8. She is much darker."[26]

[edit] Awards

  • 2007:
    • Won Diamond's Gem Award for "Comic Book of the Year, under $3.00."
    • Won Diamond's Gem Award for "Licensed Comic of the Year."[27]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Jennifer Vineyard. "Re-Buffed: New Comic Book Series Resurrects Vampire Slayer", MTV, 2007-02-01. Retrieved on 2007-02-15. 
  2. ^ Rickey A. Purdin. "Buffy Season 8", Wizard Entertainment, 2006-12-20. Retrieved on 2007-02-15. 
  3. ^ "Dark Horse Comics > Preview > Buffy the Vampire Slayer #1", Dark Horse Comics. Retrieved on 2007-02-28. 
  4. ^ News > Interviews > Interview with Buffy creator Joss Whedon 3/26/07
  5. ^ "Scott Allie discusses Buffy #1 and the future of Season 8". 
  6. ^ Gustines, George. "Adopting the Hollywood Model for Comic Books, Producers and All", The New York Times, 2007-05-26. Retrieved on 2007-05-27. 
  7. ^ Interview with Scott Allie, Stakes and Salvation, Scott Allie. May 16, 2007.
  8. ^ SDCC '07: Brian Lynch on Angel: After the Fall. Newsarama.com. Retrieved on 2007-07-30.
  9. ^ Edward Gross. "Joss Whedon - Season Eight: Part 2", GeekMonthly.com, 2007-02-07. Retrieved on 2007-02-15. 
  10. ^ Joss Whedon. "Post from Joss at Whedonesque", Whedonesque.com, 2006-12-20. Retrieved on 2007-02-15. 
  11. ^ Scott Allie Breaks Down Buffy’s Big Day (Or Night?), Comic Book Resources, March 6, 2008
  12. ^ SlayAlive: A Buffy Forum - Season 8 - Time of Your Life: Issue 17
  13. ^ http://www.slayalive.com/index.cgi?board=buffyseason8&action=display&thread=2563
  14. ^ http://www.darkhorse.com/zones/buffy/editor.php
  15. ^ Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight, Volume One: The Long Way Home trade review, Comics Bulletin, November 7, 2007
  16. ^ Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight, Volume 2: No Future for You, Dark Horse
  17. ^ a b Mathew Springer. "Review: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8 #1", Comic Bloc, 2007-03-22. Retrieved on 2007-11-21. 
  18. ^ a b Mark Stoddard. "Review: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8 #8", Comics Nexus, 2007-11-09. Retrieved on 2007-11-21. 
  19. ^ Keith McDuffee. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8 comic - An early look", TV Squad, 2007-02-19. Retrieved on 2007-11-21. 
  20. ^ Keith McDuffee. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Long Way Home, Part 1 (season premiere)", TV Squad, 2007-03-16. Retrieved on 2007-11-21. 
  21. ^ a b Keith McDuffee. "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Long Way Home, Part 3", TV Squad, 2007-05-03. Retrieved on 2007-11-21. 
  22. ^ Richard George. "Advance Review: Buffy #1", IGN, 2007-03-13. Retrieved on 2007-11-21. 
  23. ^ Goldman, Eric (2008-03-24). Whedon, Gellar and More at the Buffy Reunion. IGN. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
  24. ^ Rawson-Jones, Ben (2008-05-24). Nicholas Brendon laps up 'Buffy' comics. Digital Spy. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
  25. ^ Rawson-Jones, Ben (2008-04-28). Anthony Head ('The Invisibles'). Retrieved on 2008-05-24.
  26. ^ SlayAlive Interview: Elizabeth Anne Allen, SlayAlive.com.
  27. ^ DC, IDW and Viz win top Diamond Gem Awards, Newsarama, April 8, 2008
  28. ^ 2008 Eisner Award Nominees Named (press release), Newsarama, April 14, 2008
  29. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (2008-02-07). Host, noms revealed for Kids Choice. Retrieved on 2008-05-24.

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