Boom Studios Review: Faith #1
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Jeremy Lambert
Artist: Eleonora Carlini
Colorist: Mattia Lacono
Letterer: Jim Campbell
Reviewer: Tony Farina
Summary
The future of the Buffyverse begins in an all new one-shot revealing the secrets of Faith the Vampire Slayer. With no Watcher, no idea how to harness the power in her and no idea where it came from, Faith has fallen back on old habits -and morals – to guide her. But what happens when those morals don’t line up with the Council’s… or with Buffy’s? The origin of Faith is revealed here for the first time, with a shocking ending to this issue! A perfect jumping on point for new and longtime Buffy fans alike that sets the stage for shocking events to come.
Positives
Faith #1 is a sight to behold. In the hands of artist Eleonora Carlini and colorist Mattia Lacono, this one shot of Faith’s origin and possible future is breathtaking. When the story falls apart (more on that below), Carlini and Lacono pick it right up. There is a lot of timey wimey stuff, a LOT of action and ton of monsters. There are several versions of faith and the members of the Watcher Council sent to check on her. Carlini does just enough so that we always know which version of Faith we are seeing. The art is subtle, but if you pay attention, it is clear. It must have been a lot of work, but she pulled it off and we, as readers, are better off.
Also, did I mention the action and monsters? Well, that happens too.
Negatives
Faith #1 is uneven. I don’t mind a story that just throws us into the deep end. Some of my favorite stories do that. I think it starts really strong, but then it tried way too hard to over explain or under explain. The reason time travel works? Flux Capacitor. The end. Doc Brown doesn’t bother to explain more. We don’t need more. However, when Asimov goes on a 20 page rant explaining the science in his science fiction, I am OK with that. This book needed to pick a lane.
Verdict
Faith #1 is the first in a string of Buffyverse one shots coming our way. It was uneven. I think, like Willow’s brilliant series, this would have worked better in the long form. There is a lot packed into 42 pages and while it is a fun ride, there were a few places where I thought, this is too much and other places where I thought, this is not enough. Still, if you love the character, this is worth checking out.
