Review: The Vampire Slayer #1 (of 4)

You know the story; into each generation a slayer is born, a chosen one. You also know this story; an alternative universe /world were things are the same yet totally different. The later is an idea that Buffy the Vampire Slayer had played with at times, and of course it is something that seems to be the over-used setting of any number of publishers.

In an effort to save the damaged psyche of his slayer, Buffy, Giles has used chaos magic with unexpected consequences; Buffy has no recollection of who she really is and no recollection of her chosen-ness. Still, this is Sunnydale so there is still a number of vamps and monsters to deal with, so a new slayer must step up!

At first glance, i discarded this as yet another alternative universe book. We have just had Old Woman Buffy and of course Angel has been rebooted. I wonder why writers can’t play with the toys as is? Writer Sarah Gailey looks to establish the new status quo from the outset. All the regulars of the Scooby Gang are there, although roles are reversed. I guess that the charm of this book is the dialogue. Back in the day, Buffy the TV show, was credited as having some of the best dialogue going, a style that can be felt in any number of Marvel books now. This isn’t too surprising with Buffy creator Joss Whedon helping to set the tone for the MCU. Gailey works well in supplanting the readers expectations, laying the new ground rules for this mini-series. If there is a flaw par se in the writing it is that the main reason for the change in the status quo isn’t particularly well hinted at. With the hints that are on show, I do hope that we get to see some sort of absolute power corrupting down the line.

The art is provided by Michael Shelfer, who mixes up some manga style with. a western style, meaning that characters can look a tad weedy in places. There is a nice contrast when the hero of the piece shows up, comparing with now somewhat withered Buffy looks. It’s an interesting look, giving the book a lighters tone than the story perhaps deserves. But isn’t that part of the Buffy charm? The colors are fantastic with Valentina Pinto assisted by Riccardo Giardina, with the inherent darkness making an appearance. There is magic involved, which is well defined throughout the book. Ed Dukeshire drops a fun lively font, which again mirrors the fun element of the show and previous runs of Buffy and her gang.

As stated earlier, when I first looked at this book I was ready to bash it for yet another multi-verse / alternative universe story. I am so glad that I gave the book a second reading. Sure, you could say that the status quo has changed, but it done in a way that intrigues rather than cause an eye roll. Gailey clearly has her beats down well, in well paced fun book.

Writing – 4.5 Stars
Art – 4.5 Stars
Colors – 5 Stars

Overall – 4.5 Stars

Written by; Sarah Gailey
Art by; Michael Shelfer
Colors by; Valentina Pinto with Riccardo Giardina
Letters by; Ed Dukeshire
Published by; BOOM! Studios

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network