One of the series that I have enjoyed over the last few months was the re-imagined Buffy book, which I picked up as part of the crossover with Angel. What surprised me was how the writer, Jordie Bellaire, was able to re-weave the threads of the Buffy-verse. Here, Bellaire maybe doesn’t have the same level of continuity to unravel, which means for large parts, she could be seen as working without a net or at least a decent barometer in which gauge possible reader reaction. Bellaire is trying to utilise a gum shoe approach to dialogue which doesn’t always work, mainly due to Sonja’s lack of understanding. The inner monologue which serves as Sonja’s voice works well enough as contrast. The pacing of the book is also nicely done; staying in the era for two issues is just the right amount of time.
The art is supplied by Drew Moss whose line work falls within the current trend towards cartoon style rather than cheesecake, which came to light after Babs Tarr’s work on Batgirl. I have nothing against this particular style; Moss almost incorporates some B:TAS schemes for the cops. Moss gets a chance to “cheesecake it up” when Vampi’s other night time job becomes apparent. However, things get a little chaotic with the final act of the book. Sure, fight scenes need chaos, I get that, but here the pages feel too rushed, almost hurried. The colors are provided by Rebecca Nalty who does well to give the book a 50’s feel. I also enjoyed the seedy side of the club, which again is a credit to Nalty. The colors on the aforementioned fight scene pale in comparison. Letterer Becca Carey produces a font that seems a little too delicate for the tone of the book. With this being Dynamite, there are several covers to choose from. The Jae Lee cover A and the Jung-Geun Yoon are probably the best art covers, though there is a cosplay one that works as well.
There has been quite a bit of noise about the Harley cartoon, given that Harley and Ivy have recently kissed and consummated their relationship somewhat. Thing is, for all the hype of those two getting together (they have been a couple for years no matter how DC decide to “promote” them), I am more interested in hoping that Vampi and Sonja finally become a couple. It clear, with Bellaire’s deft touches, the pair care about each other. With that carrot hanging somewhat, Bellaire continues to show glimpses of both lead characters world, with some time travelling sleight of hand thrown in for good measure.
Writing – 4.5 Stars
Art – 3 Stars
Colors – 3.5 Stars
Overall – 3.5 Stars
Written by; Jordie Bellaire
Art by; Drew Moss
Colors by; Rebecca Nalty
Letters by; Becca Carey
Covers by; Jae Lee, Jung-Geun Yoon, Leonardo Romero,
Allyson Ochs. Drew Moss and Adam Gorman
Published by; Dynamite Entertainment
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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