Review: Buffy Season 8 (so far)

Sorry, it's up to you top figure out the significance of the above image. As we prepare for issue 11 of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight comic, here's a look back at where the series has taken us so far.

"The Long Way Home" (issues 1-4): The news that Joss Whedon and co. would be continuing the Buffy-verse in comic book form was a welcome surprise. The artwork is by-and-large top-notch, although certain characters do not seem to resemble their television form in the slightest. Jo Chen's cover art tends to be an exceptional highlight. But how about the stories? Joss is no stranger to the world of comics, having already tackled the X-Men, and for the most part, Buffy transitions well from screen-to-page. "The Long Way Home" fills us in on just how the world has changed since the scoobies defeated the first. Most interesting is a new political element is introduced, which potentially ties back to the military plotline of season four. The series holds a few cliffhangers, with the return of some old villains that will either have you shocked, cringing, or calling for a continuity check. That being said, it's a relief to have Buffy back. Whedon has gotten off to a strong start, but you can tell the best is yet to come. Grade: B+

"The Chain" (issue 5): Unfortunately just filler between story arcs. This may be a showcase for the artists, but there is little (or nothing) here in the way of story or character development. Feels like a bit of a re-hash of Tales of the Slayers actually. Grade: C+

"No Future For You" (issues 6-9): Comic book veteran Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex-Machina, Runaways) jumps on board to pen this arc focusing on Faith. Vaughan has the language of the Buffy-verse down - he nails Faith perfectly - translating the dialogue to comic book form even better than Whedon. While Faith goes on a covert op to take on a misguided slayer, we see a reemergence of her darker side, but also several developments in her relationship with Giles. Their relationship reminds me a great deal of the one she formed with Angel during her guest appearances on the show. Maybe it's the fact that I read all four issues in succession, but reading them felt like a very similar experience to watching the show. Grade: A

"Anywhere But Here" (issue 10): All I can say about the series' next arc is ... get ready to enter that really weird, avant garde, dream-like space of the Buffyverse. I'm excited. Grade: A-

Issue 11 ("A Beautiful Sunset") hits stores tomorrow, February 6.