BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON 9 #1
Review by Brian Verderosa
Written by Joss Whedon
Pencils by Georges Jeanty
Inks by Dexter Vines
After the roller-coaster ride that was Buffy Season 8 — it spanned over three years and 40 issues — it’s wonderful to see our favorite characters unwinding and hanging out in the superb debut issue by Buffy creator Joss Whedon.
The jam-packed issue offers a great framing device in that of Hungover Buffy. Hungover Buffy is trying to piece together the activities and actions of the night before, which we get dealt to us in the same spotty, incoherent manner that she must assuredly be recalling them in. The gang’s all here, and Spike, Xander and Willow have a few one-liners that elicit real gut-busting laughs. No big bad has been presented yet, nor is there any real fallout from Season 8 discussed. It’s a jumping-on point for sure, though catching up with the previous volume would be a good idea for anyone who wants to pursue the canon fully.
It reads like a classic standalone episode, with action, laughs, and deep character moments that only Joss (& co.) can do.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
As said before, Season 8 doesn’t come into play save for some fleeting references here and there. There ARE some big events at the end of Season 8 that will assuredly be tackled as the series goes on, but you can safely read this installment without getting spoiled.
VERDICT
Buy it. It’s a well-paced, joyful read that you’ll turn back to page one and start all over again once you finish. Buffy Season 9 #1 gets a big thumbs up.
