Gargoyles Comics and Buffy Season Eight Reviews (Spoilers)
Reposted because Chris asked so politely.
Gargoyles #3
Clan-Building Part Three: Invitation Only:
I REALLY liked this issue. I have to wonder just what the heck is actually up with the Illuminati. Do they want the Gargoyles destroyed or not? What is their ultimate agenda?
Goliath and Elisa broke up? NOOOOOOOO!!!! They'd better get back together next issue or I'm putting my fist through my... comic.
I'm STILL not crazy about the mutates. But the last second reappearance of a well know villain was a NICE surprise. I hope there are more coming in two months. *****.
Gargoyles: "Clan-Building Part Four: Masque"
I liked the story even though the Elisa/ Goliath stuff was a little sappy. The Illuminati stuff was cool. But I had a real objection to the cliffhanger and the gut-splattering violence. I can't tell who they're trying to impress. We know Goliath isn't going to die so I can't help but wonder why they are trying to cater to fanboys who crave gratuitous violence. That isn't what made me a Gargoyles fan originally. ***/2.
Gargoyles: "Clan Building Part Five: Bash"
The Illuminati stuff was REALLY cool as was the cliffhanger but I was turned off by the swearing. I'm sick of comics based on "kids" franchises always thinking gore and swearing is cool and makes something "adult". What makes something adult is clever storytelling and not talking down to your audience. I keep feeling as if the fanboy inside me is supposed to approve. Meh. ***.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer "The Long Way Home: Part 1"
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I had serious misgivings about this comic but it's SO in the spirit of the show. I loved Giant Dawn and would have loved seeing that on television. I also loved the retconning of the Immortal (thank you Joss!) and how it looks like Andrew was playing Angel and Spike. I like Xander's new role as Watcher too. Looks like the government is back and that Amy is going to be the new Big Bad. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I always found Amy's turn to evil on the show kind of forced and I'm quite frankly not sure if she is up to Big Bad standards. We'll see.
I loved the comic and I wish it was part of my personal canon (but because of Fray it isn't). *****.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight #2:
"The Long Way Home: Part Two"
I'm not a Buffy and Xander shipper quite yet. But I think I could easily become one. That dream was one of the most surprising and delightful Buffy twists EVER.
I'm not sure how I feel about the comic's sexualization of Dawn. Yeah, she's grown up a bit but it still makes me a little bit uncomfortable.
Anyone who DIDN'T see the last twist coming a mile away raise your hand? Nobody? I didn't think so. STILL great even of you could tell it was coming.
I wonder who Amy's boyfriend is.
I loved how when Buffy was "speeching" to all of the new Slayers she didn't get as overwrought or condescending as she was in season seven. She acted like herself. Good on Joss.
Andrew's short scene basically explaining the problem of Lando Calrissian was funny too. And I'm glad to see Giles again too. Good issue. ****1/2.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season Eight
"The Long Way Home: Part Three" by Joss Whedon
GREAT cliffhanger and if THAT is the Big Bad this year I'll be VERY happy.
Fun Willow stuff.
I want to know who kissed Buffy (I hope it's Xander).
The three way dream with naked Spike, Angel and Nurse Buffy was funny and I like that Ethan Rayne returned. I also thought Giles holding council with that demon was cool as I like the idea of the humans negotiating for peace rather that fighting.
And like I said that was a COOL cliffhanger. I think Willow may be in a REALLY bad spot.
Excellent issue. ****1/2.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Seasons Eight: The Long Way Home Part Four"
I REALLY dig the idea of Buffy and the Slayers actually having to fight humanity this time out but I think that's the next logical step after the First and Ultimate Evil. I was shocked by Ethan's death and bringing back Warren and explaining how he survived was clever. Although technically if he DIDN'T die does this mean Willow will feel she's off the hook? I hope not because she left him worse than dead and what she did in "Villains" is inexcusable. I really liked this issue and I can't wait for the next one. ****1/2.
Gargoyles #3
Clan-Building Part Three: Invitation Only:
I REALLY liked this issue. I have to wonder just what the heck is actually up with the Illuminati. Do they want the Gargoyles destroyed or not? What is their ultimate agenda?
Goliath and Elisa broke up? NOOOOOOOO!!!! They'd better get back together next issue or I'm putting my fist through my... comic.
I'm STILL not crazy about the mutates. But the last second reappearance of a well know villain was a NICE surprise. I hope there are more coming in two months. *****.
Gargoyles: "Clan-Building Part Four: Masque"
I liked the story even though the Elisa/ Goliath stuff was a little sappy. The Illuminati stuff was cool. But I had a real objection to the cliffhanger and the gut-splattering violence. I can't tell who they're trying to impress. We know Goliath isn't going to die so I can't help but wonder why they are trying to cater to fanboys who crave gratuitous violence. That isn't what made me a Gargoyles fan originally. ***/2.
Gargoyles: "Clan Building Part Five: Bash"
The Illuminati stuff was REALLY cool as was the cliffhanger but I was turned off by the swearing. I'm sick of comics based on "kids" franchises always thinking gore and swearing is cool and makes something "adult". What makes something adult is clever storytelling and not talking down to your audience. I keep feeling as if the fanboy inside me is supposed to approve. Meh. ***.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer "The Long Way Home: Part 1"
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I had serious misgivings about this comic but it's SO in the spirit of the show. I loved Giant Dawn and would have loved seeing that on television. I also loved the retconning of the Immortal (thank you Joss!) and how it looks like Andrew was playing Angel and Spike. I like Xander's new role as Watcher too. Looks like the government is back and that Amy is going to be the new Big Bad. I'm not sure how I feel about that. I always found Amy's turn to evil on the show kind of forced and I'm quite frankly not sure if she is up to Big Bad standards. We'll see.
I loved the comic and I wish it was part of my personal canon (but because of Fray it isn't). *****.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight #2:
"The Long Way Home: Part Two"
I'm not a Buffy and Xander shipper quite yet. But I think I could easily become one. That dream was one of the most surprising and delightful Buffy twists EVER.
I'm not sure how I feel about the comic's sexualization of Dawn. Yeah, she's grown up a bit but it still makes me a little bit uncomfortable.
Anyone who DIDN'T see the last twist coming a mile away raise your hand? Nobody? I didn't think so. STILL great even of you could tell it was coming.
I wonder who Amy's boyfriend is.
I loved how when Buffy was "speeching" to all of the new Slayers she didn't get as overwrought or condescending as she was in season seven. She acted like herself. Good on Joss.
Andrew's short scene basically explaining the problem of Lando Calrissian was funny too. And I'm glad to see Giles again too. Good issue. ****1/2.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season Eight
"The Long Way Home: Part Three" by Joss Whedon
GREAT cliffhanger and if THAT is the Big Bad this year I'll be VERY happy.
Fun Willow stuff.
I want to know who kissed Buffy (I hope it's Xander).
The three way dream with naked Spike, Angel and Nurse Buffy was funny and I like that Ethan Rayne returned. I also thought Giles holding council with that demon was cool as I like the idea of the humans negotiating for peace rather that fighting.
And like I said that was a COOL cliffhanger. I think Willow may be in a REALLY bad spot.
Excellent issue. ****1/2.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Seasons Eight: The Long Way Home Part Four"
I REALLY dig the idea of Buffy and the Slayers actually having to fight humanity this time out but I think that's the next logical step after the First and Ultimate Evil. I was shocked by Ethan's death and bringing back Warren and explaining how he survived was clever. Although technically if he DIDN'T die does this mean Willow will feel she's off the hook? I hope not because she left him worse than dead and what she did in "Villains" is inexcusable. I really liked this issue and I can't wait for the next one. ****1/2.