Review: Buffy the Vampire Slayer #15
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Creator:Â Joss Whedon
Writer:Â Jordie Bellaire
Art:Â Ramon Bachs
Colors:Â Raul Angulo
Letters:Â Ed Dukeshire
Reviewer:Â Tony Farina
Summary
Buffy the Vampire Slayer #15 finds Robin and Buffy trying to go on a date. There is discussion about what a terrarium is and how quickly one can date after a break up. Kendra and Buffy don’t work well together because, well, you’ll just have to see. Also, there is a monster and more importantly, a new master. Seriously, stuff is bad. The Hellmouth just keeps giving.
Positives
New artist Ramon Bachs and returning colorist Raul Angelo are superstars. I don’t know how to draw at all and I certainly don’t know how to color a comic that takes place mostly in the dark. Bachs and Angelo transport us to Sunnydale perfectly. Their takes on these characters walk that line between familiar and unique. No artist will ever draw any characters the same way, but they need the reader to know who each person is without too much explanation. Mission accomplished here. In the below page, something simple, like lighting up an empty street at night, is perfect. Zoom in on the Sunnydale sign too. Is that blood on the bottom right corner? I submit it is.
Jordie Bellaire is at her best when she is writing Buffy as a character, and luckily for us, Buffy the Vampire Slayer #15 is full of Buffy. The thing that has transcended from the series is that Buffy is still walking smart and book dumb. It isn’t that she is stupid, it is that she is busy saving the world and stuff, so she doesn’t have time to learn what a terrarium is nor does she care. Also, the teen angst that drips off her in this issue is spot on. I just can’t get over how well Bellaire captures Buffy’s voice. The issues without her were weaker. Not bad, but weaker. I am glad she is back.
Negatives
I have to say, this may be the strongest issue so far. I have nothing negative to report.
Verdict
I love the reboot. Buffy the Vampire Slayer #15 is Buffy-centric, which always makes it a winner for me. That last panel is something spectacular. Seriously, what a kick to my brain’s groin. Now I have to wait a month and stew. If ever a book needed to be out twice a month it is Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
