The Long Way Home by Joss Whedon
Paperback, 136 Pages
2007, Dark Horse Comics
ISBN: 1593078226
Series: Book 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8
Synopsis
Since the destruction of the Hellmouth, the Slayers - newly legion - have gotten organized and are kicking some serious undead butt. But not everything's fun and firearms, as an old enemy reappears and Dawn experiences some serious growing pains. Meanwhile, one of the "Buffy" decoy slayers is going through major pain of her own. Buffy creator Joss Whedon brings Buffy back to Dark Horse in this direct follow-up to season seven of the smash-hit TV series. The bestselling and critically acclaimed issues #1-5 are collected here for the first time, as are their covers by Jo Chen and Georges Jeanty.
Review
The Long Way Home starts off with a reference from the last television season of Angel, immediately bringing the reader back into the action. Visually, the book is perfect, capturing every minor detail in clear and recognizable depictions of the characters. In a way, the comics are actually better than the original because you get the chance to really know what's going on in the character's heads and there are no budget restrictions impeding Joss's creative ideas.
There are now 1800 slayers in the world, all connected and many "enlisted" to fight alongside Buffy and the rest of the Scooby Gang. Situations have changed and there seems to have been a lot of growing up for some of the characters. Our old friends (and any long-time Buffy fan knows that's what they truly are) still use the zany pop-culture laden humor that has always lightened up the darker subject matter. But, with Joss at the wheel, could you expect any less?
This first volume of Season 8 is simply amazing. I proudly confess to being a huge raving Buffy fangirl, but still this book blew my mind. This is Buffy on a grander scale - Buffy taken one step further. You completely forget you are reading and lose yourself in the pictures. You become so fully immersed in the story that you feel as though you have become a part of it.
Rating
I love Buffy. I still watch the repeats. It never gets old. I don't normally read graphic novels but I'm interested in this one because it's Buffy. I'm just a little scared stepping out of my comfort zone. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI. NEED. THIS. NOW!
ReplyDelete1800 Slayers! That is hard to imagine! I'm interested in seeing what kind of storyline this would make for because with that many slayers, seems like vamps and bad guys would be very reluctant to cause any type of trouble.
I'd love nothing more that to lose myself in Buffyverse again. I really miss it. I've been a bad fangirl of late. I even let go of my club membership.
Now seems like the perfect time to rejoin the Scoobies!
Thanks for the great review!
Oh I have to have this! I'm not a graphic novel fan at all but I am a dedicated Buffy/Whedon fan. I still dvr the re-runs on LOGO!
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE BUFFY and ANGEL! I will definately be getting this ... Do you watch Supernatural? The new screenwriter is going to be Joss Whedon and the new season begins next month, EEK I am really looking forward to season 6
ReplyDeleteOh and... You have an award waiting
http://idsoratherbereading.blogspot.com/2010/08/one-lovely-blog-award.html
I have been really enjoying the new series for the most part. Some has been a bit iffy, but overall it's just great to be spending time with the Scoobies again :) I hope you like volume two as much.
ReplyDelete@Marq - I constantly rewatch my Buffy and Angel DVDs. I've even managed to get my husband excited about watching. Graphic novels are not something I'm fully comfortable with, but Buffy seemed to translate very easily to the format. Maybe because I'm so used to watching her as opposed to reading her.
ReplyDelete@Missie - It is a great time! Dark Horse has put out 6 (I believe) volumes so far, so there's a lot of Buffy waiting for you :)
@Jenn - I totally understand. My DVDs are starting to get worn out. I'm thinking I'm going to have to replace them with Blu Ray soon.
@Natalie - I only saw the first few episodes of Supernatural and it wasn't my thing. But, if Joss is involved, I may have to check it out again. Thanks for the award!
@Rhinoa - I did and have a review coming up soon. Although, Faith - eh, not my favorite character.
I've never read a graphic novel or comic and I think that is what has kept me from picking these up. I think I should probably give them a try. I'm really glad you reviewed this. Thanks!
ReplyDelete@Tara SG - I actually read the first two a while back, but figured there wouldn't be much interest in my reviews here. I only decided to reread and review when Dark Horse contacted me and I agreed to review some of the later books. It's wonderful to see so many Buffy fans interested and willing to give them a try.
ReplyDelete