BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER – Issue #7
Dark Horse Comics
Written by Brian K.Vaughn Art by Georges Jeanty
So here’s where Buffy Season 8 scores a touchdown. From cover to finish, it’s what it should be: faithful. I absolutely love how the normal covers are the ones that would normally be the special, $10 special covers. Right there, Dark Horse is treating the Buffy fanbase with extra special care, with my grapes in one hand, and my slayer masseuse in the other. Brian K. Vaughn dazzles as he takes the Whedon foundation of upbeat, smart-alecky characters and finally turns them into comic book stars. Especially Faith, the rogue slayer lost on the show because of Buffy’s demand to do musicals, she lives and breathes tragic hero like she was always meant to be. At least, that’s the vibe I’m getting, but don’t quote me. For her to relate to the bad guy… err…girl… in such a way that she’s all but lost in her head before the confrontation, and then found like a lost key when they speak to one another. It’s a great dynamic, and a splendid character expose. Even the subplot explaining how Dawn got to be such a giant vagina is both revealing and finally… humorous! Willow is much better at picking on her than big Buff sis. Georges pourgy pudding pie. You know what; I’m not going to pick on him this month. He did a good job. Things are finally looking up for Season 8, and who would’ve thunk it… it’s all because they added a little “Faith” to the mix.
GRADE: A CONTINUE READING? Keeps getting better and better!
GENE SIMMONS: HOUSE OF HORRORS – Volume #1
Written by Various Art by Various
IDW Publishing
Simmons Comic Group
Will you kiss it? That’s what I asked myself when I bought this anthology of horror. As a kid, I envied KISS, and stuck my tongue out every chance I could. I’m sure we all did, but hey, it worked wonders for me later on in life. Ha! But this isn’t the make-up anymore. This is Gene Simmons, and he’s here to scare the crap out of you. That is, if the endings will allow you to be scared. Constructed by the template of old-fashioned EC horror stories, this book takes on the mantle of the “scary story with the anti-climatic ending” presentation. Some fit well in this model, and others have readers saying, “Why the @#$% did you end it like that, $#@wipe???” Case in point, the best story of the bunch is called “Circle Seven”, written by Chris Ryall and with creepy but cool artwork by Steph Stamb. From the start, Ryall delivers a unique concept of a portal to hell, and basically all you have to do is climb the ladder down past each level of hell to well, check it out I guess. The build-up is masterful, and it’s hard for me to be really glued to the book, but Ryall and Stamb used Krazy Glue to my eyes. I loved every bit of it… until that last panel. I can’t find the book now because I threw it against the wall, and it’s somewhere in back or under the television. It was like watching Sin City and ending on Marv about to throw down with Kevin. Overall, most of the stories could have used a few more panels to wrap up their stories. Only “Crude” really had a substantial ending to it, and created a funny, but intriguing monster with oil. What I did love about this book was the top notch art. Some great styles mixed together, and they all fit together in this book. “Into the Woods” drawn by Jeffrey Zornow was very pretty to look at, and was written well enough by Leah Moore and John Reppion (Raise the Dead) to lead into a full series if you ask me. I’d love to see more of the pyromaniac and her witchy mom if you ask me. “The Basement” was also very visual with Grant Bond controlling the board with his unique style combining that of traditional animation and Sunday paper comics. For those that are looking for quick scares this Halloween, this is one of the better horror anthologies out there. Top-notch art, some unique storytelling, and unforgettable monsters? Yeah, it’s cool. I think this book will fit your reading pleasure. Or is it pleasures? I don’t know. Ask Gene. He’s right there on the first page. Go on… I dare you!
GRADE: A- CONTINUE READING? Gene says another one is coming out. If so, I’m pretty sure I’ll check it out.
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