Review: Buffy the Vampire Slayer #14
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Creator:Â Joss Whedon
Writer:Â Jordie Bellaire
Art: Julian Lopez and Moises Hidalgo
Colors:Â Raul Angulo and Francesco Segala
Letters:Â Ed Dukeshire
Reviewer:Â Tony Farina
Summary
Kendra The Vampire Slayer – and the all-new Scooby gang – must defend Sunnydale from the aftershocks of the Hellmouth and a new threat that feels very familiar! But can they fill the void left behind by Buffy? And will this issue answer the question of what, exactly, happened to Buffy?
Positives
OK, so there is a new artist in Sunnydale. In addition to making one of the most amazing covers recent memory, Julian Lopez just shows off with page one. Check out this 9 panel Buffy facial expression page. Sure. Later in the book Lopez shines along with co-artist Moises Hidalgo, but this page, where we see the OG Buffy, looking like Sarah Michelle is simply stunning. Plus, even without the words, this page is aces. Wow.
The genius of Jordie Bellaire is that she is a dialogue queen. There is no slaying in this issue. In fact, this is like a very special episode of Buffy and yet, I was totally engrossed the whole time because Bellaire makes it feel like I am watching the show or hanging out in Sunnydale with the gang. This 16-year-old, fit throwing, angry, confused, albeit still tardy version of Buffy feels 100 percent of this time. The pages just fly by and when I got to the end (the tease for the upcoming Willow series!), was ready to go back and read it all over again. She has given readers a masterclass in storytelling through dialogue. Bravo!
Negatives
There is zero slaying in Buffy the Vampire Slayer #14, which is a turn off for many. I am just thrilled to have her back, above ground, where she belongs, but the lack of action could be a problem, but it wasn’t for me.
Verdict
I have to say that I LOVE Buffy and so if this issue was 24 pages of oh, I don’t know, Buffy acting like a pain in the ass teenager then I would still love it. Oh. Wait, that is just what this is. Seriously, fans of the original series will love this and new fans, who are teenagers themselves should as well. The new art team is spectacular. I am excited to return to Sunnydale in one month’s time. Won’t you join me?
