Buffy issue 14 review

[moscow_watcher]

Summary:

Buffy brings Aiko, the dead slayer to their Japanese "base" - another big castle with international slayer crew. Newly arrived Dracula contributes significantly on Scoobies' plans by recommending some spell with obscure objective. He also asks if he could feed on the dead Slayer and is jealous when Xander kisses Renee.

Vampires prepare to go online (obviously, to strip Slayers off their power). Scoobies catch a Random Vampire who happens to know everything about the Scythe - who has stolen it, why, as well as when and where the ritual should happen.

Buffy doesn't want to use local girls in her operation against local vampires. According to her, they're too shaken up by Aiko's death. The explanation is lame and I wonder if she trusts them at all. Or maybe she needs justification for bringing her own troops. She wants Satsu to stay at the castle, but the latter flatly refuses.

So, Buffy, Satsu, Xander, Willow, Renee, Dracula, Lea and, inexplainably, Andrew penetrate the vampire headquarters. Willow teleports Giant!Dawn as a distraction. "Hi! I mean - ROOAAARR!" Buffy's group locates Raidon with the Scythe, but turns out it's a trap. Buffy sees a hologram of Raidon while the real vampire impales Renee, obviously, killing her.

Analysis:

When I was writing about the previous issue I was tempted to mention that instead of "shoe sale noise" Goddard could write at least one line about Buffy's slayer intuition telling her about the importance of the Scythe. Because Buffy's decision to organize a very expensive international operation to retrieve a piece of metal looked weird. I didn't mention it because I wrote it off as a genre convention. The story looked silly and fluffy, Austin-Poweresque romp about dating and travels.

But this issue has different mood. It starts and ends with the death of a slayer. Yet the writer often uses jokes to escape serious issues. For example, when Satsu refuses to obey to Buffy, it ends with a joke. The mourning for Aiko is diluted by Dracula's line about "finishing eating her".

Now, I can appreciate black humor but I find it pretty hard to switch from drama to black comedy and back in every other panel. Should we take everything at face value or should we suspense our disbelief?

Did Buffy leave her castle unprotected and bring her own people to Japan where she also has a castle and a squad of slayers because she doesn't trust them or because writer wanted her to have a quarrel with Satsu pronto? Does Buffy's line "I find it sexy when she calls me "ma'am" written to highlight her fascination with power or just as a "lol" moment?

I believe the second option is more probable, but who knows? - maybe in the next issue we'll find out that the theme of the issue was Buffy's irresponsibility: she risked Xander's life sending him to Dracula's castle, her lack of proper planning caused Renee's death...

I wonder if Renee is dead. Given that "terrible loss" is mentioned in the synopsis of the next issue, I suppose she's gone. But in Jossverse the fatality of any wound always depends on its dramatic purpose. So, knowing Joss' love of twists, it's pretty possible that it's his way of raising the stakes: if Renee is just wounded then her survival depends on keeping her slayer healing powers. This way Buffy &Co get another, more urgent cause to prevent Kumiko's spell: to save Renee's life. In that case, the major casualty should be Satsu. Her eagerness to join the battle may be her swan song.

Though formally it's a Xander arc, it looks like he has nothing much to do here. I read theories that this may be a set-up for the seasonal arc and that Twilight is Future!Xander, changed by grief over Renee. So far, the most sensible objection against "Xander = Twilight" was the fact that in the first issue Xander worked at Slayer Central while Twilight was spying on Buffy. But after the cover with two scythes it looks like objects from different timeframes can co-exist (Buffy's scythe and Fray's scythe is the same one), so theoretically Future!Xander could meet current! Xander.

I don't think writers may go this way and can't see him as a bad guy. But I'd love to see anything significant happening to him.

The art looks OK (or maybe I just got used to it), although Dracula's transformation from Sam Shepard to John Travolta on the same page is quite hilarious.

Comments

[flake-sake.livejournal.com]

I find it pretty hard to switch from drama to black comedy and back in every other panel.
Yes, I too found that a bit irritating. It worked nicely on the tv-show, because it was more fluent and you could see more little gestures. Especially Buffy often just hardened her face and cracked a joke, while you could still see how shaken/moved/whatever she was. This is much harder to do in the comic and the transition ends up far less smooth.

OMG, he really does look like John Travolta, now that's really scary...

I always love to read your thoughts on the comics!

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

OMG, he really does look like John Travolta, now that's really scary...

I practically jumped on my seat when I saw this panel! :))

[aycheb.livejournal.com]

Buffy hardly needs Slayer intuition to figure out that retrieving the “piece of metal” that made the Slayer activation possible is important. Her first words when it was stolen were to the effect that the vampires must have known about the spell. And how is not forcing girls still shaken and demoralized by their friend’s death into battle lame as opposed to compassionate and strategically wise? And isn’t laughing in the face of tragedy the very definition of black humour? Maybe it's a British thing but I found the timing of the switches from pathos to bathos almost perfect. Drew got rhythm.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Her first words when it was stolen were to the effect that the vampires must have known about the spell.

How could they *not* know about it? It changed the world. Their world.

And how is not forcing girls still shaken and demoralized by their friend’s death into battle lame as opposed to compassionate and strategically wise?

I think "forcing" means making people doing something against their will. In our case Buffy even didn't ask if there are volunteers. Instead she took girls who just arrived, don't know the place, the customs, the language. Frankly, I was much surprised to discover that there is a big Slayer base in Japan. Buffy's decision to take everybody to Japan convinced me that Aiko was working alone.

And isn’t laughing in the face of tragedy the very definition of black humour?

Sure, but I have to repeat beer_good_foamy's question down the thread: again, which parts are we supposed to be taking seriously?

[beer-good-foamy.livejournal.com]

I should probably qualify that question: I have no problem with mixing comedy and serious bits. It's part of why I love the show. But if they build an entire arc-heavy storyline on an idea that's as cracky (and, IMO, unbelievable) as the Antique one, without trying to offer a better explanation - then no matter how serious and intriguing the storyline is, it's still built on sand.

[aycheb.livejournal.com]

How could they *not* know about it? It changed the world. Their world.
Given that she brings it up in the context of the Scythe being stolen I assumed it was obvious she meant that these vampires not only knew that all the potentials had been activated but that that the activation depended on the Scythe.

Instead she took girls who just arrived, don't know the place, the customs, the language.
None of which helped Aiko since these weren't your typical local vampires but ones with powers previously only faced by the Slayer who beat Dracula. Buffy taking everyone means she sees a potential army of superpowered, unstakeable, transmogrifying vampires as a possible world ending threat that needs addressing with full force before it gets any bigger. But she needs girls at the top of their game.

which parts are we supposed to be taking seriously?
All of it, comedy doesn't change the characters it uses exaggeration to highlights their essential characteristics. Xander has always been prepared to give demons he hasn't seen killing a pass - like Anya said "You always see what you want to see." Also on the evidence of this story he's seen through Dracula, recognised him for the Norma Desmondesque poseur he is and pities him enough to play the comfortador.

Did you find it distasteful when Spike made cracks about drinking from bleeding disaster victims in Triangle?

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Given that she brings it up in the context of the Scythe being stolen I assumed it was obvious she meant that these vampires not only knew that all the potentials had been activated but that that the activation depended on the Scythe.

Still, there wasn't any indication that the scythe could be used for any other spells. Would Buffy organize similar operation if some thief would steal her shoes collection? :)

I'm exaggerating, of course, but I think it would be nice if Goddard somehow addressed the strategical importance of the Scythe when Buffy decides to move all her troops to Japan.

Buffy taking everyone means she sees a potential army of superpowered, unstakeable, transmogrifying vampires as a possible world ending threat that needs addressing with full force before it gets any bigger.

Yet when she goes to retrieve the scythe, she takes exactly 7 people with her, and one of them is Dracula.

All of it, comedy doesn't change the characters it uses exaggeration to highlights their essential characteristics.

Sorry, but I just can't take Buffy's alliance with Dracula seriously. Although, if I don't think much about it, it's fun. Like 2 teenagers stealing a rocket launcher in Innocence. Like a bunch of medieval knights chasing a Winnebago.

Did you find it distasteful when Spike made cracks about drinking from bleeding disaster victims in Triangle?

Spike doesn't make cracks about drinking from bleeding disaster victims in Triangle. He is proud he doesn't feed on them. Different angle.

BUFFY
What are you doing?

SPIKE
Making this woman more comfortable.
I'm not sampling, I'll have you note.
I mean, look at all these lovely
blood-covered people, I could... but
not a taste for Spike. Not a lick.
Knew you wouldn't like it.

BUFFY
You want credit for not feeding off
bleeding disaster victims?

SPIKE
Well... yeah.

BUFFY
You're disgusting.ooks after her disbelievingly.

SPIKE
What does it take?

[aycheb.livejournal.com]

Still, there wasn't any indication that the scythe could be used for any other spells.
This *is* the same spell just in the reverse direction. Half the internet seemed to get it immediately.

Yet when she goes to retrieve the scythe, she takes exactly 7 people with her, and one of them is Dracula.
While the army and Dawn are busy dealing with the vampire army outside.

Sorry, but I just can't take Buffy's alliance with Dracula seriously.
In what sense not seriously? It is funny but it's not the first time she's made an unconventional alliance on an 'enemy of my enemy' basis. S2 Spike for one. Or is your problem that exposing Dracula as all talk and no trousers pokes fun at Vampyres?

Spike doesn't make cracks about drinking from bleeding disaster victims in Triangle.
He refers to them as lovely blood covered people and makes a crack about licking them while they're lying right there. It's not exactly sensitive to use the wounded for a pick-up line.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

This *is* the same spell just in the reverse direction. Half the internet seemed to get it immediately.

While "half of Internet" got it Buffy didn't. Maybe because it isn't the same spell. Willow's ritual in Chosen proceeded differently and worked globally without a special lense.

While the army and Dawn are busy dealing with the vampire army outside.

Dawn - yes. Slayer army - no. At least there is no slayers fighting vampires at the streets on the panels.

It is funny but it's not the first time she's made an unconventional alliance on an 'enemy of my enemy' basis. S2 Spike for one. Or is your problem that exposing Dracula as all talk and no trousers pokes fun at Vampyres?

My problem is that previously we never had a comedic episode that featured death of a major character. And I feel a bit disoriented by the turn of the events. Maybe it's just me. Or maybe we'll find out that Renee's slayer healing powers saved her. After all Buffy was stabbed in Chosen and she recovered in 2 minutes.

He refers to them as lovely blood covered people and makes a crack about licking them while they're lying right there. It's not exactly sensitive to use the wounded for a pick-up line.

Yes, it was insensitive.

[lusciousxander.livejournal.com]

One thing I enjoy about Buffy -show and comics- is the black humor and the way it shifts from serious to funny or the opposite (probably why I enjoy Buffy more than Angel) Dracula is obvious the comic relief guy of the arc and when he arrived the tragic scene switched into comedy, I thought it moved smoothly.

she risked Xander's life sending him to Dracula's castle

I think she knows that there's a buddy-buddy relationship between Xander and Dracula, which is why she tursted Xander to go there, and he wasn't alone, he had a slayer with him. Besides, no one will get Dracula to help but Xander, which was why he was the chosen man for the job.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Most likely you're right. Xander's visit to Dracula's castle should be regarded as a funny whimsical interlude.

I wonder if Xander and Dracula will stay in touch after their adventure. :)

[mrs-underhill.livejournal.com]

I wonder if Xander and Dracula will stay in touch after their adventure. :)
They should! And they bloody better be! Otherwise poor Renee would've died for nothing. :)

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Otherwise poor Renee would've died for nothing. :)

You are evil! :)

[stormwreath.livejournal.com]

Nice review. I had less of a problem with the shifts in mood; to me, it just makes it classic Buffy when we switch from silly jokes to horrible tragedy in the course of a few minutes. For example:

WILLOW: Hey. Clothes.
TARA: Don't get too used to them.
WILLOW: Yes, ma'am
(They kiss)
TARA: Mmmm... Xander.
WILLOW: Okay, not quite the response I was fishing for.
TARA: No, he's here.
WILLOW: Think they're making up?
TARA: I hope so. That's the best part.
(Bang!)
TARA: Your shirt...
WILLOW: Tara? Tara? Come, on baby. Get up. Please. Tara... No... no... no...


As for Buffy's "lack of proper planning", I'm not seeing what she should have done differently. Like I said in my own journal, she concentrated her forces, did recon, arranged a diversion, hit the enemy from behind, made straight for the key objective... it even looks like Renee is supposed to be checking behind them, although clearly she was distracted. It would have been a perfect plan if it hadn't gone wrong... (and it might still succeed now).

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

I had less of a problem with the shifts in mood; to me, it just makes it classic Buffy when we switch from silly jokes to horrible tragedy in the course of a few minutes.

There are jokes and jokes. Imagine Buffy using Dracula's help to fight Warren or Willow; and Dracula asking her if he could "finish eating" Tara.

Maybe I'm overreacting, I don't know. But it was unpleasant to me.

As for Buffy's "lack of proper planning", I'm not seeing what she should have done differently.

She could arrive there together with Willow by regular flight, make recon, use Willow's ability to teleport into the place where scythe is held, get it and teleport back.

I know that Willow's teleporting abilities, like her mind-reading abilities change from issue to issue, but... do you really think that we're supposed to believe that Buffy does everything right? Her decision to leave her castle unprotected was presented as dubious at least. Her quarrel with Satsu wasn't only about their private disagreements; it was also about Buffy's inability to make people obey her.

[elisi]

Maybe I'm overreacting, I don't know. But it was unpleasant to me.
It very much depend if it is a funny moment suddenly undercut with tragedy, or joking in a tragic situation - this issue mostly has the latter, and whilst dark humour is certainly not unheard of in this 'verse, it is (as someone said) much easier to appreciate when spoken out loud. I too found a lot of this confusing, because the moods were so hard to judge.

(Yes Dracula's line was funny - but it also made me wonder WHY ON EARTH ARE THEY WORKING WITH HIM? They worked with Spike in S4/5, despite the attitude, because he was *chipped*. Dracula is freerange evil. And I'm also confused re. Buffy/Satsu. What was Buffy trying to do?)

Anyway, must run!

[stormwreath.livejournal.com]

Dracula has a soul. He said so himself. :-)

(Not sure if I believe him, but it's there in black and whie on the page).

[elisi]

Of course! How could I have forgotten?

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Tricky moment. mrs_underhill suggested that he meant his soul when he was human. Count Dracula was studying magics when he was still a man and he risked his very soul to attain the ability to turn into mist.

Then again, who knows. He may have a soul and still be a bastard.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

WHY ON EARTH ARE THEY WORKING WITH HIM?

Obviously because Spike and Angel are gone and writers need a substitution.

But, really, they could write a great story about Buffy and Dracula - two legendary warriors, two superstars who grudgingly learn to appreciate each other. Pity they didn't follow that route.

And I'm also confused re. Buffy/Satsu. What was Buffy trying to do?

I also wondered if Buffy tried to protect Satsu or wanted to keep her in the castle because previously she criticised her plans.

[elisi]

Obviously because Spike and Angel are gone and writers need a substitution.
Also, he's famous! *nods wisely*

Pity they didn't follow that route.
Yes.

I also wondered if Buffy tried to protect Satsu or wanted to keep her in the castle because previously she criticised her plans.
Or she was promoting her to lead her own Squad... *throws hands up in frustration* This thing makes no sense!

ETA: I should point out that I can suspend disbelief to a *ridiculous* degree plot-wise, as long as the character stuff is good (see my love of Doctor Who & Torchwood!). Here it is the character stuff that comes right out of the left field, and thus I am lost.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

I should point out that I can suspend disbelief to a *ridiculous* degree plot-wise, as long as the character stuff is good (see my love of Doctor Who & Torchwood!). Here it is the character stuff that comes right out of the left field, and thus I am lost.

I'n not an expert on DW and Torchwood, but random episodes I watched gave me the impression that these shows had been originally conceived as sci-fi spoof. There was something Monty-Pythonesque in them in the first place. Hence, the implausibilities and over-the-top situations are part of the game. But Buffy very rarely spoofed itself (although there are elements of spoof in Storyteller and TGIQ). Maybe that's why it's difficult to me to adjust to the new mood.

[stormwreath.livejournal.com]

do you really think that we're supposed to believe that Buffy does everything right?

no, of course not. Nobody's perfect, and there wouldn't be much of a show if Buffy never made mistakes.

What I'm reacting against is the opposite idea that seems to be surfacing these days: that Buffy is always making mistakes, that she's hopeless as a tactician, that she's a dreadful leader. That's simply not true (IMO) and when someone points out one of her mistakes, and especially if they then generalise to imply that it's a habit of hers, then I kind of feel compelled to point out all the things she got right. The attack on Toru's fortress was very well-planned.

As for teleporting, it would be pretty cheesy if they relied on that all the time, and anyway it's been made clear already, both here and in 'No Future For You', that teleportation is a tricky and inexact sort of magic. At least Willow got Dawn and not a pair of marmosets or a Norwegian truck driver this time...

[beer-good-foamy.livejournal.com]

Nice review! This, however -

Though formally it's a Xander arc, it looks like he has nothing much to do here. I read theories that this may be a set-up for the seasonal arc and that Twilight is Future!Xander, changed by grief over Renee.

- I think would be even less credible than having "our" Xander be a traitor. For one thing, too much time travel will mess things up badly. For another... they'd been officially dating for, what, 20 minutes? While I'm not saying Xander is going to be happy about her (probable) death, I'd be very surprised if he took it that much worse than he (presumably) took losing Anya.

she risked Xander's life sending him to Dracula's castle

But Xander and Dracula are the bestest of buddies! :-) Dracula even promised Xander he would never hurt him (in Antique, which is as much canon as this is). But again, so much of that storyline basically requires us to forget everything about Xander's personality, so... again, which parts are we supposed to be taking seriously?

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Nice review!

Thanks!

I think would be even less credible than having "our" Xander be a traitor. For one thing, too much time travel will mess things up badly. For another... they'd been officially dating for, what, 20 minutes?

You're right, but in the last issues we were supposed to suspend our disbelief so many times it becomes a bad habit. :)

[elisi]

For one thing, too much time travel will mess things up badly.
Bring it on, I say! To quote an expert:

"People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint, it's more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff."

;)

[shapinglight]

Good review. I pretty much agree. Was so vastly disappointed with this issue that I don't think I can be bothered writing a review myself.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Pity you won't write a review - I love reading your thoughts.

[shapinglight]

I might have a bash later. We'll see.

[rowanda380.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, you have definitely given me some things to think about. I can understand the Xander is Twilight theory, Xander has been through a lot of loss...I mean...he can't seem to have a relationship with a woman without her dying, that must be tough.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Like I already said, I highly doubt that Twilight is Xander. I'm 90% sure Twilight is Caleb and leave the rest 10% for other options. But if the arc is about him losing a girl he fell in love with... I don't know. It's a bit underwhelming to me. And, unlike Buffy' poor Xan doesn't even need sex to trigger badness - simple kiss is enough. :(

[rowanda380.livejournal.com]

oh I don't think it is Xander either, I just think he is disserving of some pay back on Karma...I mean if anyone has forever been good and never been bad...it is Xander. Yet all these bad things keep happening to him.
You think Twilight is Caleb? hm. I think it is Doyle from Angel, I don't think it actually is...but I want it to be, it would be sweet.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

You think Twilight is Caleb?

Well, he tells her he knows her move (The scythe's slicing the opponent from beneath). This is how she killed Caleb, who then returned as The First. (Well, presumably Spike saw the movement too but he's hardly in the running. Angel was unconscious at this particular moment).

[rowanda380.livejournal.com]

hmmm, that is a good point. It makes sense...I just want it to be juicer than that. Why would Caleb want to get rid of all magic though...

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Why would Caleb want to get rid of all magic though...

I think he was lying to general Voll about his plans. A guy who flies wants to end magic? Hardly.

[mrs-underhill.livejournal.com]

It became pretty simple for me: I love every issue with Dracula in it. :) And any cracks he might be having - bring them on. :) So his "is someone going to eat that" worked for me, as classic black humour of the Buffyverse. Dracula there is like Season 4 Spike. He is not chipped, but for some reason he is not considered a threat, and he hasn't done anything bad except tasteless quips - which Spike's also had aplenty.

But I wonder if Buffy could kill him now: he gave away the secret of his own destruction when he told her and Willow how to contain vampires with his powers. So he's now vulnerable!

As for Buffy's plan: I think it was a good plan, and that Buffy cannot be blamed for every casualty in war. When there is fight, casualties might happen despite the best plans ever. So I wouldn't blame Renee on Buffy - I blame her on the Japanese vamps. Who are great villains, by the way, the best in a long while.
And I thought Japanese Slayers also went to this battle, except those personally close to Aiko. That's what Buffy meant.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

I love every issue with Dracula in it.

Enjoy while it lasts! And then we may start a campaign to bring him back! :)

Dracula there is like Season 4 Spike. He is not chipped, but for some reason he is not considered a threat, and he hasn't done anything bad except tasteless quips - which Spike's also had aplenty.

I pretty much agree - except I don't remember comedic episodes in which a major character dies.

As for Buffy's plan: I think it was a good plan, and that Buffy cannot be blamed for every casualty in war. When there is fight, casualties might happen despite the best plans ever.

Again, I agree. I don't blame Buffy. And I could hardly blame Goddard: in the first issues Joss gave Willow enormous powers that make Buffy's army just a pawn in the game and now the writers has to deal with it. So Willow could teleport Dan but couldn't teleport the scythe.

[ennui-blue-lite.livejournal.com]

I pretty much agree - except I don't remember comedic episodes in which a major character dies.

I Was Made to Love You.

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Good point. Except that I don't see IWMTLY as a comedic episode. To me it is a very dark, unsettling story, a harbinger of season 6 darkness. Then again, I know many people who regard IWMTLY as strictly comedic ep, so I'm in the minority here.

[pen-romantic.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't liek Evil Xander ... although it makes sense he wants to end all magic .. all his love life has been affected by it.... But I know how loyal he is to his friends speccially Willow and Buffy and how much magic means to tehm


Love ur reviews


I wouldn't like to see a revived Renne I would prefer a Anya... but you all know my love to Anya.... I just hate that they haven't mention her at all...


The art I liked at first but it becomes quite boring I think all looks very cartboardy for my taste ... but THE COVERS ARE REETY!


And I wanna see airplanes attacking Dawn next issue

[moscow-watcher.livejournal.com]

Well, theoretically Renee's death could manifest Anya's return, but I doubt we'll see her. I miss Anya a lot, she was a great character.

And I wanna see airplanes attacking Dawn next issue

Bwahaha! Actually, vampires mention their "robotics division" so I suppose she'll be fighting giant robots... :)

[pen-romantic.livejournal.com]

Ooohhhhhh Like Mazinger Z or some of taht big robot anime ... against poor dawn........ That could be so cool well more funny than cool but yeah LOL


maybe with this xander will remember Anya.... wouldn't it be cool (only if xander really is twilight) that Anya be the one to stop him... or willow but anya .. I need anya .. sigh....