Being a first issues means that, traditionally at least, there is a lot of set up. Here, with new environs that would mean an awful of of exposition. Thankfully though, that’s not the case, at least for the most part. One of the benefits of being a spin-off book is the idea that you are picking this up because you like the book from which it spins. I guess, you could be just a Willow fan, but with how the characters from the comic version of the Buffy-verse have been subtly altered, I am not sure that there is that much correlation from the show. True she is still a witch and true she is still nerdy and sleight of build. This series then, is part of Willow’s journey to becoming the kind of bad-ass witch that we have seen previously,though with the now obvious, comic universe twists.
Mariko Tamaki is a writer of which (no pun intended), I am kind of on the fence with. I loved her Supergirl book, Being Super, yet didn’t enjoy her Harley Quinn effort, Breaking Glass. Sure, the former is probably the more straight up super-heroine book and the latter tries so hard to be diverse it comes across as stereotype; but I think that there is more to than that. Whilst both are origins of familiar characters, there is a lack of familiarity in the Harley book. With Willow, Mariko is given the opportunity to flex her “not quite the same” muscles by having Willow leave town. This allows for the introduction of new characters, new threats whilst still retaining the charm of the character, or even her essence as Willow looks to find the best of herself. With new adventures, comes some exposition, deftly handled via a running inner monologue. This gives the reader some insight of Willow’s feelings and carefully lays traps as we fall into Willow’s perceptions and opinions. The dialogue itself is fun an keeps the overall vibe of Buffy well, though with tinges of something more personal.
The art by Natacha Bustos fits the bill in meeting the current art trend of cartoon-esque fun, think lines that kind of started with Babs Tarr. It’se style that the Buffy book has used, where as Angel has a more adult feel. As a style, there is no complaint regarding the quality of Bustos work, although as I have said numerous times, it is not really my cup of tea. Part of this, I feel, is my belief that it doesn’t fit the serious witches vibe, instead coming off like Harry Potter, which despite what anyone says is actually a children’s book! The colors are provided by Eleonora Bruni who does well to add nuances to what at times can feel a little to light. The various environments allow Bruni to develop a strong overall scheme. Finally letters are supplied by Jodi Wynne who gets to play around with a couple of fonts. Unfortunately, it looks like there is too much dead space in the word balloons., though this doesn’t hamper the reading.
For Willow fans, this book finally puts their heroine firmly in the limelight. It’s a credit to how BOOM! have gone about putting out a new range of Buffy stories that do not need to hang on the TV show.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art- 3.5 Stars
Colors – 3.5 Stars
Overall – 3.5 Stars
Written by; Mariko Tamaki
Art by; Natacha Bustos
Colors by; Eleonora Bruni
Letters by; Jodi Wynne
Published by; BOOM! Studios
Author Profile
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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
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