Art by: Rebekah Isaacs
Colours by: Dan Jackson
Letters by: Richard Starkings
Published by: Dark Horse Comics
Dark Horse Comics are here again with a delightful take on Buffy the Vampire Slayer – well, a comic based on that classic show. The gang are all in attendance, with the brooding duo of Spike and Angel smoldering in the background. Issue 17 is written by Christos Gage and the book reads really well. The comic manages pays homage to the characters from the show, their personalities are well represented and their interactions feel natural.
The plot of this issue is centered around a new Big Bad: Archaeus.
Adding to the typical background drama we have the awkward situation of Buddy’s former love Angel sharing space with her present love Spike.
On art duties we have Rebekah Isaacs, and she does a commendable job of capturing the likeness of the characters while maintaining the energy of the story. The style of Rebekah’s art suits the book, in situations where many characters are in the same panels they don’t look cramped or forced. There are two main aspects in this book, primarily we have narrative sections: chat between the characters. We also have the dynamic aspects of the story too – the bloody axes, swords and suchlike. Both elements are handled well by Rebekah. As a villain, Archaeus doesn’t look overly evil – indeed, the demon won’t win any beauty pageants but equally they don’t have an imposing stature.
In terms of the writing for the issue, while Christos has done a good job on translating the characters from the show, the pace is a little slow in getting started. While it is necessary to lay the groundwork for the issue the book would have benefited from having a little more of an injection of pace early on. However, that part aside, the story has been well presented – the final section of the book skips along nicely. While the close of the issue is suitably effective in terms of tension and menace. This issue gives you exactly what you want from the franchise – the story is fitting, the characters are nicely represented and the action does the necessary job of lifting the pace. An enjoyable read.
