Comics n34
As usual nothing earth shattering, just some little thoughts coming from having read the reviews.
A Rorschach test at the beginning of the comics; a very interesting choice that works at several levels at once:
- it's probably a call back to Alan Moore's character, with whom Angel shares not only his mask but also some character traits (Rorschach is the son of a prostitute (Darla) and is traumatized by his past as a mistreated child (Liam's relationships with his father are one of the key to understand Angel's character). There're probably others. And the sumaries I've read about Rorschach on Wikipedia are not without resonnances with Angel's story past and actual. I'm curious to see if Whedon will go further in the parallels.
- what you see in the Rorschach test is what you bring in it, or to paraphrase a short extract of Wikipedia, your own demons. It's valid for the reader of course (and what a nice and self aware acknowledgment of the polysemy of the text) but for the characters too.
So it's with this in mind that we have to consider the new piece of mythology Giles's is giving. His reading of the situation and of the events is at great risk of being the result of his own fears as a Watcher. The same with Willow. And we are once more reminded that our characters are not to be considered as trustful narrators. And if the Rorschach wasn't a sufficient signal, there's also the incredibly ironic title of this comics (They are f*&..ing. And the true story of the Universe).
This is why I love Whedon.
As an aside note, the story tearing apart all the incredibly silly romance novel tropes is a joy. I'm even asking myself if all the porn included in this number isn't part of the parody as it seems the introduction (sorry for the pun) of some porn in romance novels was a remarked evolution in this literature genre some years ago. And I also understand why Angel had to be Twilight as his story with Buffy is partly built on these very tropes. Yet I feel for the people who love Angel as a character (even though I balance between indifference and dislike about him), because the charge is rough. But in the end I'm sure Whedon will rescue the character. And there could also be some meat for him in the end, character development wise.
Spike's announced arrival makes me very happy too, though wary. I cross fingers very hard for him not to be dropped into the midst of Whedon's little "explanation" with romance tropes, because, wow, is this bloody! I also see the possibility of some interaction between him and Giles, knowing the latter has been looking for a way to kill God-Buffy.