Raul Angulo

In this new series of Buffy comics, the writers reboot the series taking the characters we know and love and shifts the starting point of the show to the present day (2019). While the characters are familiar, details change and Buffy's storylines change with them. The writing hangs on to the witty repartee that was a trademark of the original show but also takes its own twist in fun ways. Buffy is still new to Sunnydale when she befriends Willow and Xander after saving them from a vampire, but Willow has a girlfriend and Xander has secrets of his own. Plus several familiar villainous faces turn up in the first few issues with nefarious plots of their own. Recommended for fans of the series who are intrigued by the concept.… (meer)

I'd seen this book around a bunch of places and was curious, but cautious, so I decided to check it out at the library. For the most part, I really loved this reboot. Most of the character voices felt so spot on, even when some significant changes had been made. With two notable exceptions. I had always loved Dru's poetic madness -- it's what made her such a delicious and terrifying villain. But here she is just another vampire (though I guess a bit more intelligent and ambitious than the rest.)

Then there's Xander, who had a tendency toward problematic awfulness TO BE SURE, but also had some moments of strength and greatness? But this is clearly a sad Xander episode, and the ending takes things in a direction I am apprehensive about.

I will probably check out the next collection to see where it goes? But I'm not ready to buy in.… (meer)

I liked it, but it wasn't as good as the original. The 90's show had so many funny quips and sass that these comics lack. Also, I actually don't like that Drusilla isn't crazy. I prefer her that way, though I understand why they changed it. I'm not loving Spike in this one either - he's not really punk rock, "Big Bad" anymore and is totally subservient to Drusilla, and more in a "She's my boss" kind of way, rather than an "I love her, I'll put her on a pedestal," kind of way. And that (Spike's ability to love) defined him. Since he's my absolute favorite Buffy character (and vampire from any show or book), that's a big let down. But I enjoyed the story for what it is: a remake, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.… (meer)