Review: Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Willow #1
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Mariko Tamaki
Artist: Natacha Bastos
Colorist: Eleonora Bruno
Letterer: Jodi Wynne
Reviewer: Tony Farina
Summary
After everything – and everyone – she lost to the Hellmouth, Willow is leaving Sunnydale behind for a new school that promises “to help you prioritize your true self.”But Willow soon learns that all is not as it seems, and if your true self isn’t what the school thinks it should be…well, don’t worry, they’ll help you get there. By any means necessary.
Now, truly alone for the first time in her life, Willow must rely only on her instincts – and her magic – to save herself from a different kind of threat than Buffy ever prepared her to face!
Positives
Willow #1 has a dream team behind it. I dare you to read something by Mario Tamaki and hate it. I dare you. I would even bet you money that you won’t hate it. Do you want to know why? It’s because she is freaking amazing. I mean, award winning level of awesome. She is bringing her A game here. Be happy.
Natasha Bustos’ take on everyone’s favorite witch is lovely. She is fierce and venerable. She is adorable and funny. She is quizzical and self-assured. All of this comes through in Bustos’ face work and body language. Bravo to you.
Negatives
I have some issues with the pacing here and the epistolary style. I am not a huge fan of that in general. It works occasionally to tell a story, but we know who gets the letter. The fact that Willow is writing a letter to…whomever, for some reason, doesn’t fit her personality. If it were a journal that would work better. I know that the letter is a plot point, so I understand, I just don’t think it works.
Verdict
Willow #1 is a start. I believe in starts. However, it could have been a bit tighter. I don’t know that we needed as much time in England with Willow. I think that could have been cut down. In the ever increasing world of Trade Paperbacks and collected works, this feels like chapter one instead of book one. That is OK. I like it a lot. It has just opened a door and invited me in. I’m coming to be sure, but I’m walking, not running.
