“Is this all the closet space you have?”
Creative Staff:
Writer: Andrew Chambliss
Artist: Georges Jeanty
What They Say:
Still seeking normalcy in the midst of zompire-stricken San Francisco, Buffy contemplates a life-changing decision the likes of which few Slayers have ever faced. Meanwhile Spike rushes to the aid of Detective Dowling, who’s in over his head with his recent investigation into the undead bloodsuckers plaguing the city.
The Review:
Our story commences with Buffy’s roommates trying to decide if they intend to let her stay. The exchange is perfect, light-hearted and fun. Jumping right into Buffy and Spike on the cockroach blimp, where she’s planning to move all of her things in, continues to set up an entertaining plot. The real question on everyone’s mind, though, is what Buffy plans to do about her pregnancy, right?
There is a lot to like about this issue. The Phil Noto cover is a real draw. Even if I weren’t committed to this series, the sight of Buffy and Spike hanging out on the couch would cause me to grab it off the shelf. The continued involvement of Detective Dowling is appealing. Buffy needs to reach out to new sources of aid, especially now that Willow has disappeared on her own errand. I also love the sparks that fly between Spike and Buffy. His willingness to be there for her, even now, makes me love him even more. There is a fabulous level of action throughout, with Buffy and Spike jumping in to help the officers with a nest.
Yet the issue is far from perfect. I’m still looking for the return of the big bad guys. Severin and Simone were just getting fleshed out – just starting to get really fascinating- and then we jumped away from them. I find that frustrating. Without spoilers, I can also say I found the way this issue ended to be very unsatisfying. In spite of the fact that I had very serious misgivings about the pregnancy either way, I didn’t expect this ending. Not only didn’t I expect it, I didn’t really like it.
In Summary:
I don’t know why this was the way that the pregnancy storyline was resolved. It felt forced, without really addressing the important issues that the unexpected pregnancy brought up for Buffy. Overall, though, the rest of the comic made up for the ending that I really didn’t like. The interactions with Spike and the presence of the police officers were strong and entertaining. I just hope that the surprise ending leads us back into more contact with some of the larger forces of evil in Buffy’s world. That’s what I really want to see next. That – and the continued presence of Spike.
Grade: B
Readers Rating: [ratings]
Why does Spike look like he has a tan on this cover?