[comic fan]

2nd advanced Buffy # 30 review.Spoiler heavy

Comic Review: Buffy the Vampire Slayer #30 - Wicked Horror

Comic Review: Buffy the Vampire Slayer #30

By Nat Brehmer
August 23, 2016



Another comic book season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer has officially ended—although the blow is somewhat lessened by the fact that we only have to wait until November for the new season to start. Even still, this feels as much like a finale as the closers to any given season of the television show. It wraps up all of the major themes that have been present throughout Season 10. Most character arcs are resolved, while at the same time a new direction for each character is made quite clear.

Again, this is important, with Season 11 being right around the corner. The issue also opens in the middle of a major dramatic sequence, as the previous issue ended on a huge cliffhanger with Buffy and crew facing off against D’Hoffryn and his magic clone of Anya, who had apparently just killed Xander.

I’ve heard from several people who stopped reading the comic right then. They simply would not take a single step forward if Xander was dead. And I tried to explain that they should really wait until the finale to see if he was really dead or not. But so many fans were so sure. They had already made up their minds. Well, buckle up, folks. It’s spoiler alert time.



Of course, Xander’s not dead. I knew this even when I was trying to tell readers that they should give the comic the benefit of the doubt, because if you’re going to kill a character as beloved as Xander, you’re not going to do it on a cliffhanger like that. It’s going to be emotional and it’s going to be earned. In fact, not only is Xander not dead, this is the happiest Buffy finale we’ve ever had.

I was cheering at the moment when Buffy subtly states that she wishes she never allowed D’Hoffryn to gain so much power, because that was all the slayer needed to turn the tables on the lord of wish-granting vengeance demons. It’s one of the only action beats in the issue, but is probably one of my favorite moments from the entire run of the comics so far.

They didn’t kill a single member of the main cast, which is something all fans have come to expect from the title. In fact, not only did none of the Scoobies die, but they didn’t even break up Buffy and Spike—something that all fans of that relationship were dreading.



I think it was the right move to keep those two together. Their relationship is still evolving. They have fears and doubts and they’re expressing those to each other in a healthy way. They’ve been maturing for a long time and while they’re not quite there yet, they’ve made a ton of progress and I’m glad none of that was undone. At this point, it’s kind of a win-win because even if they break up, they’d just go back to that season four-era chemistry. That was gold.

More importantly, the season ends with the gang taking on a lot of new responsibilities. At the beginning, they couldn’t trust themselves to write the rules of magic, but now they’ve learned that they can’t trust anyone else, either. This has led them—Buffy, Willow and Giles in particular—to take positions at the head of the Magic Council. It’s going to be a totally new dynamic for them. This is essentially Buffy becoming a stateswoman—no wonder they gave her Hillary Clinton’s hair—and I can’t wait to see how it plays out.

WICKED RATING: 8.5/10

[comic fan]

Buffy # 30 Slayalive Q/A with Christos Gage has started.

Spoilers Q&A with Christos Gage for Buffy Season 10 finale

Buffy # 30 Slayalive Q/A with Rebekah Isaacs has started.

Spoilers Q&A with Rebekah Isaacs for Buffy Season 10 finale

[BlackWhiteRose]

Thanks for the news.

[comic fan]

The Full Christos Gage Slayalive Q/A for Buffy # 30 is up.

Spoilers *COMPLETE* Q&A with Christos Gage for Buffy Season 10 finale

[comic fan]

Full Rebekah Isaacs Slayalive Q/A for Buffy # 30.

Spoilers *COMPLETE* Q&A with Rebekah Isaacs for Buffy Season 10 finale

[BlackWhiteRose]

Thanks for sharing.

[comic fan]

I ended up not being able to get to the comic shop last week.I tried over the weekend but was tied up.I did get there today though.This week's new comic day was light for me(one DC book and three Marvel) so it worked out.So I have Buffy # 30 finally and will post some thoughts in the next day or so.

However I wanted to pass along that in the new Previews out today are two preview pages for Buffy Season 11 # 1.

I don't think they are online so I'll describe them.

We see the gang on the roof of their building with Xander preparing a barbecue.Buffy is talking to Dawn

Buffy:But you might have a point.For a girl who wasn't supposed to last much longer than a pack of Pop Tarts...I've got it pretty good,don't I?

Dawn:You're just restless cause things have been quiet lately.My advice?Enjoy it while it lasts.Cause it never does.

We see a terrible storm suddenly brewing in the distance.

Xander:Oh Snap!Quick.Save the buns!

We see the storm raging around the Golden Gate Bridge as a large dragon/Serpent nears the bridge.

Xander,Dawn,Willow,Buffy,Spike and Giles look on in shock/horror.

ETA

I'm pretty sure the dragon/serpent in the preview is the same as on the main cover of the issue.

[comic fan]

As mentioned when I posted my description of the Buffy S11 # 1 preview pages in the new Previews,I also finally got my copy of Buffy # 30 yesterday."Own It" Part V of V and the conclusion of season 10.

I don't really have much to say.Things played out as I musch suspected.

I have a confession to make.I alluded to this in my thoughts on issue 29.I've pretty much knew Xander and Dawn would get back together for over a year and half.And as consequence figured Xander would be fine(I know most suspected he would be fine too based on it being a cliffhanger end to issue 29 but I figured based on info I had from over a year and a half ago).

Back when issue 12 was coming out,I emailed Scott Allie to wish him well since he was being promoted to Editor and Chief of Dark Horse and issue 12 was his last issue as editor of the Buffyverse.In his response he made mention that,"The plan we had for Xander and Dawn is really beautiful. I hope they don’t change it, I hope they pull it off."

At the time,that to me pretty much indicated that Xander and Dawn would re-connect and get back together by the end of the season.And that played out with there adventure in the other dimension and them getting back together in this issue.

And I am glad to see them back together and they even got around "killing" Xander and bringing another character back by revealing he wasn't killed ut Ghosted for a bit.

As for the rest,I really liked how D'Hoffryn finally got taken out.And I do like the setup of the gang now taking charge of the book of magic.

Probably the only thing I didn't care for was the continuation of spuffy but I already knew it would be so nothing unexpected there.

So it was a pat happy ending but I enjoyed it.

Overall,despite the spuffy(which for me admitly is a big demerit),I thought season 10 of Buffy was way better then season 9.My opinion of season 9 and 10 is basically,The Angel & Faith side of season 9 ran rings around of the Buffy side and it was vice versa for season 10 although I did like Angel & Faith this season,it was nowhere near as strong as season 9.

[comic fan]

New Christos Gage interview.The interview includes one of the preview pages that I described last week.

Christos Gauges The Impact of Buffy The Vampire Slayer - Previews World

Christos Gauges The Impact of Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Sep 09, 2016



by Vince Brusio

When characters are congenial, we want to have a beer with them at the bar. Or, maybe hang out with them at a cookout. That way, when the end of the world comes, we can at least say we were lucky enough to know the people that were cool. It’s that kind of camaraderie that have endeared fans to Buffy The Vampire Slayer for years, and writer Christos Gage who starts his writing arc on Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 11 #1 (SEP160020 ) says that the tenure of the title at Dark Horse Comics is testament to how Joss Whedon did something that will far outlive his time here on planet Earth. Read what Christos has to say about his upcoming work on the book in this PREVIEWSworld Exclusive interview.

PREVIEWSworld: What do you think is the appeal of Buffy? The series is now moving into Season 11, and there's a special 30th anniversary variant cover coming from Fray artist Karl Moline for the start of this series. Why do you think the stories of Buffy's adventures have held up over the years, and continues to make them popular with comics fans?

Christos Gage: It's really the characters Joss and his collaborators have created. They feel real and human. We can relate to them. We want to spend more time with them. It was clever to tell stories about life stages we all go through using the supernatural as a device, but if the characters hadn't been compelling, no one would care about the vampires and demons. The fact that people still care about Buffy, the Scoobies, and even such characters as Harmony and Clem all these years later means they were done right.

PREVIEWSworld: Without spoiling the series, what can you tell us about Season 11? Imagine we're on an interstate highway, and that highway is this series. What billboard advertising might we pass outside the car window?

Christos Gage: I've said before that while most seasons have a looming apocalypse threatening at the end, we're kind of flipping the game by having a disaster happen in the first issue that drives everything that happens after. It's a look at how Buffy, her friends and the world around them react to their failure to prevent a crisis. I guess if there were a poster tag line it would be something like, "Your job is to protect humanity. You failed. Now what?"

PREVIEWSworld: Do you ever put any of your own personal experiences or thoughts into any of the subplots or characterizations in this series? Any Easter Eggs that, when opened, might reveal a clue as to how Christos Gage sees people, or approaches life?

Christos Gage: I'm sure a psychiatrist could find plenty, but it's hard for me to tell objectively. I have promised that Xander and Spike's cats will never be hurt or killed, while making no such promises for any human characters, which is definitely reflective of my priorities. And it probably says something about me, and how much I love writing narcissistic, self-centered characters like Harmony. Yeah, it's probably best for me not to go too far into this can of worms.

PREVIEWSworld: How did things fall into place so that you and Rebekah Isaacs got to work together for this book? What levers of power were pulled to have everything come together? And what were your initial thoughts on seeing Rebekah's advance artwork for this project?

Christos Gage: Rebekah had some other projects lined up for just after Season 10, so it was a matter of making sure the schedule allowed for her to complete those and jump onto BTVS. We all wanted to try to make that happen, as Rebekah and I have been working together on Buffyverse comics for five years now, and everyone seems to like the result...me more than anyone! As I often say, her strengths are many, but her skill with character "acting" and creature design are so crucial to the book working. As for her advance Season 11 artwork, all I've seen so far is a couple of covers, but they are typically awesome. The first one combines a horrible monster and humor effortlessly.

PREVIEWSworld: If you could geek unhinged about one or two of your favorite scenes in the upcoming issues, what would they be?

Christos Gage: Hmm...trying not to spoil anything...let's just say one of them involves a dragon. And another involves Willow being pretty badass. I'll leave it there.

[comic fan]

Covers and solicitation for Buffy S11 # 2.

Dark Horse December 2016 Solicits: Alien vs Predator, Death Inside & More - CBR

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 11 #2

Christos Gage (W), Rebekah Isaacs (A/Variant cover), Dan Jackson (C), and Steve Morris (Cover)

On sale Dec 21

FC, 32 pages

$3.99

Ongoing

Following the magic-related disaster in San Francisco, Buffy and her friends are trying to help put the city back together, while their own lives are also still in chaos. When the government begins introducing some special rules and regulations for folks with magical connections, Buffy may have to face being divided from the people for whom she cares the most.

[comic fan]

Angel Season 11 title announced.Includes first covers,preview pages and interview with the new writer.Like Buffy,it will be 12 issues.

http://www.bleedingcool.com/2016/09/...11-dark-horse/

Exclusive: Corinna Bechko To Write Angel Season 11 For Dark Horse

Posted September 26, 2016 by Dan Wickline





Turns our one of the big announcements coming up for Dark Horse at NYCC October 6th-9th is that writer Corinna Bechko (Laura Croft) will be taking on Angel Season 11 for the publisher. She will be joined by Deadpool and Ghost artist Geraldo Borges and Buffy Season 9 colorist Michelle Madsen on the series.

Angel goes solo in the new series as he is tormented by memories of his past and they link to a big bad coming in the future. The goddess Illyria intervenes and assists Angel as he discovers that it might be possible to change the future by traveling back in time to change the past.

The first issue of Angel Season 11 goes on sale January 18, 2017 and will have twelve issues total. Scott Fischer (Angel & Faith Season 10) and Jeff Dekal (Journey into Mystery) both created covers.

I got a chance to talk with Corinna about the new project.

DAN WICKLINE: A good place to start would be to ask, how did you get involved in Angel Season 11? Were you a fan of the TV series or Buffy when they were on?

CORINNA BECHKO: I was approached by Dark Horse about penning this season. I love writing supernatural adventure and horror, so of course I was excited. Between the show and the comics, there’s quite a rich history, so I threw myself into reviewing everything before starting to write the first issue.

DW: The first thing fans will notice is that this is Angel season 11 and not Angel & Faith Season 11. Why is he on his own now and how does that change the series tonal wise from the wrap up of season 10?

CB: This season does follow on fairly closely from Season 10, but we’re going some very different places, and I mean that literally. It might be giving something away to say more.

DW: Here is the tough question. There are some fans who will be picking this up for the first time with only the knowledge of where the TV series left off. What do those fans need to know before opening up the first issue?

CB: With any continuing story as rich and varied as Angel’s has been, there will be a bit of catch-up to do if fans haven’t read the intervening issues. That said, I think they’ll recognize and relate to all of the main characters right away, and there might even be a few Easter eggs for close viewers of the show.

DW: You’re working with Deadpool and Ghost artist Geraldo Borges on the new season. What is your working relationship like with him? How much do you collaborate and what about his art do you think made him the right choice for the project?

CB: Geraldo’s work is so detailed and nuanced! We’re going some pretty crazy places during Season 11, so I feel lucky to be working with someone who can really bring a sense of place to fantastical realms and entities. His work is very grounded, but never lacks for action and suspense. It’s a good feeling to collaborate with someone who brings those qualities to the table.



DW: At the end of the day, this is a licensed character owned by a very creative person. How much does Joss Whedon play into the decision making and plot for a series like this?

CB: He keeps a hand in and drives the direction the story goes, but there’s still a lot of freedom for me as a writer to adjust course and explore on my own. I’ve found it to be a rewarding experience.

DW: Angel’s big difference from the other vampire’s in the Buffyverse was he still had his soul. Is that what makes him a compelling character to you? Why? Or if not, then what is it about him that you think makes fans love him?



CB: Angel’s constant wrestling with his darker side is something I think almost everyone can relate to. Maybe most of us don’t have a literal demon inside us, but we certainly all have a darker side. In my opinion this makes Angel a lot more interesting than a flawless hero who automatically does the right thing. Angel knows that doing good is a choice, and often that choice isn’t very clear cut. As a writer there’s nothing better than a character like that. And as a fan that makes for a much more interesting read.

DW: What can fans expect going through the eleventh season? Any hints you can give us to get the readers excited?

CB: Season 11 is all about going places, and some of those places will be quite unexpected. There will be divided loyalties, dangerous meetings, and of course an assortment of demons and untrustworthy creatures. I’m having a lot of fun writing it, and I hope fans will have fun reading it!

[comic fan]

January 2017 solicictations for Buffy Season 11.

Dark Horse Comics' January 2017 Solicitations - CBR

It will take an Angel and a goddess to save the world!

Angel Season 11 #1

Corinna Bechko (W), Geraldo Borges (A), Michelle Madsen (C), Scott Fischer (Cover), Jeff Dekal (Variant cover), and Bilquis Evely (Ultravariant cover)

On sale Jan 18

FC, 32 pages

$3.99

Ongoing

Vampire Angel is tormented by a vision linking his shameful past to something very big—and very bad—that is coming. The goddess Illyria gives Angel some insight and incentive. Then she really gets involved, and Angel discovers that it might be possible to change the future by changing the past.

• Writer Corinna Bechko (Tomb Raider, Star Wars) brings you the vampire Angel in his own series!

• Featuring Fred and Illyria!







Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 11 #3

Christos Gage (W), Rebekah Isaacs (A/Variant cover), Dan Jackson (C), and Steve Morris (Cover)

On sale Jan 18

FC, 32 pages

$3.99

Ongoing

With the magical folk in the US being cataloged and relocated to a “safe” place, Buffy and her friends will have to decide if they will be divided . . . Or if they will try to run. With Slayers being recruited to help police the magical folk, escaping might not be so easy.

“Mandated reading for anyone who hungers to see their favorite shows continue after cancelation. Never read a Buffy book before? Here’s your opportunity to jump in and hold on for the ride of your life!”—SciFiPulse






A couple of things.

1)According to this both Buffy and Angel will be coming out on the same day with new issues(Jan.18).

2)There is a third Angel # 1 cover.I wonder if they are doing deleted scene covers like Buffy this season?This cover feels like it.

3)What's going on in Buffy sounds a little like the Superhero Registration Act from Marvel's Civil War and The Sokovia Accords in the MCU as seen in Captain America Civil War and currently on Agents Of Shield(last night's episode was heavy on this issue and sounds like a big part of this season)

[BlackWhiteRose]

Thanks for the news.

[comic fan]

Interview with Angel Season 11 writer.

Angel Ascends To The Goddess’ Sandals - Previews World

Angel Ascends To The Goddess’ Sandals

Nov 11, 2016



by Vince Brusio

He is a tragic figure to follow over at Dark Horse Comics. For years, Angel has been a vampire who has tried to turn his treachery of the past into a lesson for how to lend a hand to the living. This time, his good intentions has him brush shoulders with a goddess, and in Angel Season 11 #1 (NOV160015) from writer Corinna Bechko and artist Geraldo Borges, Angel learns that to make a better future sometimes you have to go back to the past, and find a way to fix what was broken.

PREVIEWSworld: For those readers who may be new to the Buffy mythos, Angel's past may be a little murky. Can you give us your interpretation of his dire events as they happened? What transpired long ago that has made Angel carry such a heavy weight on his shoulders?

Corinna Bechko: Angel has lived a very long “life,” much longer than a human lifetime, so he’s got a lot of past. That said, you don’t need to know all the ins and outs to enjoy this arc. The important point is that Angel is a vampire who was once human. As a vampire he had no soul, and so he did very, very bad things. But over 100 years ago he was cursed with the return of his soul, so that now, although he is still a vampire, he remembers every horrible thing he ever did. His response to this is to try to do some good in the world, but he still carries guilt for the pain and suffering he once so gleefully perpetrated.

PREVIEWSworld: How does Angel's guilt motivate him to face what is "very bad"? Does his shame make him stronger? Does it have him rely on others to be a sounding board for his conscience?

Corinna Bechko: Angel is at heart a good person, but the fact that he was once a literal monster gives him a unique perspective on evil. I think his guilt sometimes drive him to want to live a solitary existence, but he recognizes that there is more than one kind of extreme, and that makes it important that he have companions who can act as his mirror, warning him when he’s gone too far.

PREVIEWSworld: Who are the players in this new drama? What characters can we expect to see on the stage alongside Angel, and how does this help him or hurt him?

Corinna Bechko: We’re time traveling this season, so many of Angel’s current friends will be far in the background. That said, we will be meeting up with quite a few characters from his past, including some that are a bit too close to him for his comfort. And then there’s the complication of having a mercurial goddess as a travel companion.

PREVIEWSworld: Geraldo Borges is the artist for this book. Tell us about his work. If you had to give a few adjectives to describe his style, what would they be?

Corinna Bechko: I’m so lucky to be working with Geraldo! He’s got a real eye for detail but can also deliver a knock-out action sequence. I think fans are going to love the look of this arc!

PREVIEWSworld: If you could "geek out" over some facet of this new story arc — something that would make for a headline that fans would gobble up like Halloween candy — what would what would you throw out to the hungry crowd? Would it be Illyria? How does Angel's involvement with the goddess raise the temperature in the room?

Corinna Bechko: Illyria’s an interesting character to write since her perspective is so unlike Angel’s, or that of any human. We’ll be spending some time getting to know why that is, and as a result sparks both literal and figurative will fly.

[comic fan]

Dark Horse Comics February 2017 Solicitations

Dark Horse Comics’ February 2017 Solicitations - CBR

Angel Season 11 #2

•Corinna Bechko (W), Geraldo Borges (A), Michelle Madsen (C), Scott Fischer (Cover), and Jeff Dekal (Variant cover)

•On sale Feb 15

•FC, 32 pages

•$3.99

•Ongoing

•Having seen a terrible vision with connections to his past, Angel is taken back in time by the goddess Illyria and finds himself in Illyria’s ancient past—by mistake. When she discovers when they are—in the middle of a battle between her past self and another god—Illyria’s not ready to leave without attempting to change what had been . . .

•Writer Corinna Bechko (Lara Croft, Star Wars) brings you the vampire Angel in his own series!





Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 11 #4

•Christos Gage (W), Georges Jeanty (P/Variant cover), Dexter Vines (I), Dan Jackson (C), and Steve Morris (Cover)

•On sale Feb 15

•FC, 32 pages

•$3.99

•Ongoing

•Now living in the Safe Zone, Buffy, Willow, and Spike are making do while sharing space with so many other magical folk. Unfortunately, with natural enemies living together and low blood rations for the vampires, time will tell how safe things will remain in the “Safe” Zone . . .

•Special guest artist Georges Jeanty (Buffy Seasons 8–9) returns for Season 11!

•Catch “deleted scenes” on the variant covers!