Joss Whedon, creator
Jordie Bellaire, writer
Jeremy Lambert, writer
Eleonora Carlini, artist
Chris Peter, colorist
Recap
This issue hits the ground running as the opening sequence pictures large demonic creatures towering over the city of Sunnydale, which is bathed. The visual is cool and a nice launching point for the Buffy the Vampire Slayer story. The villain is identified as Drusilla who is plotting to find access to “The Hellmouth,” a large tentacled demon. The dilemma is straightforward enough: The winner of a race to gain access to Hellmouth wins and gains possession of the city and possibly the world.
Meanwhile, the good guys, Giles, Anya, Robin, and Buffy, meet to determine how to confront this massive new threat. The exchange between these characters serves as a brief introduction for new readers and a reminder to longtime Buffy fans. In addition, it serves to educate the reader what must happen to unleash The Hellmouth – Drusilla must kill a member of her team and another and use their blood to open a portal. As a new reader, I found this part a little confusing because it was difficult to track. Especially when Buffy leaves the group to confront Drusilla. I couldn’t tell who was the male character who joins her.
What’s very clear is Buffy’s role as the leader and her empathetic connection to her team. During the pursuit she discovers the bodies of casualties of Drusilla’s initiative. Buffy is heartbroken and determined to not let this loss of life be in vain. It will be interesting to see what twists and perils will follow as Buffy must confront a formidable opponent with the city of Sunnydale hanging in the balance. Overall = 9/10.
