Boom! Studios Review: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow #3
Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Mariko Tamaki
Artist: Natacha Bastos
Colorist: Eleonora Bruno
Letterer: Jodi Wynne
Reviewer: Tony Farina
Summary
Willow investigates the town of Abhainn and it’s magical residents. As she begins to learn magic from other witches, it only proves how perfect the town is. So perfect that no one seems to want to leave. No one ever wants to leave..
Positives
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow #3 is mysterious, beautifully drawn, expertly crafted and just a joy. I could end it there, but shall wax poetic for a while longer. When Boom! hired Mariko Tamaki to write this series, I knew we were going to be in for a treat. She is hands down one of the best comic writers working today. Giving her the chance to tell Willow’s story was brilliant. She captures the voice of the character we all love from the original series AND gives her the voice we’ve learned to love in the reboot. So far, Jordie has been the only one giving Willow anything to say, and while I am a fan and will continue to be one, Tamaki brings a different gear. The epistolary  story telling is working now. It was a bit hard to get into at first, but three issues in and I love it. Willow is an academic first, so it makes perfect sense she would document her travels.
Natacha Bustos is knocking this book out of the park as well. She captures all of the things we love about Willow. There is a joy to the art that is always there in the character. Bruni’s coloring shines here as well. There is a lot of magic, of course as Willow is a witch and Bruni’s colors tell us if the magic is good or bad. It really is a beautifully done issue.
Negatives
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow #3Â has no flaws that I can see. The pacing is perfect. The art is on point. If you want to complain, go elsewhere.
Verdict
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow #3 sets a perfect pace for this mini-series. Whereas the first issue had little happening and drifted and the second issue had more happening and got readers totally interested, issue three really locks the reader in and doesn’t let go. Normally, short series drift in the middle, but this one is laser focused and is, like Willow and other witch, practically perfect in every way.
