The old one was getting too long.

SMS Wrote:

The Master was resurrected in some fashion so that he could guard the seed in season 8. I forget when/how we know his name is Heinrich - probably in some kind of flashback or reminiscing on Angel's part (or Darla's) Could even have been in a Watcher's Diary that discussed the Aurelian line. Don't really know, but as far as I know that was his name when he was human. (tried to find it on Wikki, but there were too many places to look) It's possible that's fanon, rather than canon, but if it is, it's pretty weird that the comics used that name for the mysterious neighbor...  Unless I'm missing something from the end of season 8 and Buffy smashed his bones to dust again, but I don't think so.

ETA - Found it in several places on Wikki - Heinrich Joseph Nest is his full name.

D'oh. I forgot about the Master being reincarnated. He was Buffy's first ever (and most feared) nemesis. He killed her. She killed him. He becomes the guardian of the seed of magic, no doubt for evil motives. It ensures the integrity of his universe as much as hers. And his name is Heinrich. Now there's a guy named Heinrich that lives next door to Buffy but never comes out (during the day presumably). Buffy finally meets him at night.  Then we have the reference to vampires having babies when Buffy mentions being alone with Spike at the party. Then we have Joss saying that in Season 9 he wants to go back to the roots of what made the show great. (Anyone hearing the Masters words in Season 7 to Spike? "Back to the beginning...not the bang, not the word". And that's where it all started - the second Slayer line. Buffy drowns in Season 1 and Kendra is called. Buffy was never supposed to live.

Okay, I'm convinced. (It's not hard to convince me!) Heinrich is the Master. lol  Why else bring him back?

Interestingly, we've been going through the men on the show in reverse. Frist we had Riley in the comic, then Twilight/Angel, and now the Master. Okay, we had Andrew first, and then Riley and then Warren and then Angel. But still. We're covering everyone here except Parker. And don't we just love that only Spike is the one that is good and true?  

This new theory is now getting me excited, I must confess. The question is, what is Buffy pregnant with? The Master would not want to create a new Slayer line. Faith is continuing that. It must be a new seed of magic. Or a really powerful vampSlayer. 

Neat.

[quote] Look, I agree with you entirely, but his "moving on" could include their being the best of friends, provided he has a life that involves more than that. I didn't read the Spike comic, but presumably he was being a bad ass in it, having interesting adventures on his own. It looks like they're trying to make Spike and the cop friends - they already have a fairly easy and open relationship. I suspect we'll hear again about the possibility of Buffy and the cop dating... It wouldn't hurt for Spike to be introduced to a woman himself to mix things up and get Buffy thinking about who she takes for granted. [quote]

I didn't read his comic either, but I guess my main point is okay Buffy has a life outside of Spike. A romantic life. But when that romantic life goes belly up as it normally does she goes running to Spike. Now that is all well and good if they are just friends. Spike being someone she can talk to. But if he is harboring romantic feelings of his own towards her then it is just cruel. I would love them together romantically, but I can live with them being just friends. But only if they give Spike someone to be involved with romantically too. If they are going to have Buffy moving on (with the cop or anyone else for that matter) then Spike shouldn't be left behind. It just makes him a sad shadown of himself. Him pining for Buffy and her knowing it (cause let's face it she has to know he still loves her) all the while watching her date other people.

[quote] Look, I agree with you entirely, but his "moving on" could include their being the best of friends, provided he has a life that involves more than that. I didn't read the Spike comic, but presumably he was being a bad ass in it, having interesting adventures on his own. It looks like they're trying to make Spike and the cop friends - they already have a fairly easy and open relationship. I suspect we'll hear again about the possibility of Buffy and the cop dating... It wouldn't hurt for Spike to be introduced to a woman himself to mix things up and get Buffy thinking about who she takes for granted. [quote]

I didn't read his comic either, but I guess my main point is okay Buffy has a life outside of Spike. A romantic life. But when that romantic life goes belly up as it normally does she goes running to Spike. Now that is all well and good if they are just friends. Spike being someone she can talk to. But if he is harboring romantic feelings of his own towards her then it is just cruel. I would love them together romantically, but I can live with them being just friends. But only if they give Spike someone to be involved with romantically too. If they are going to have Buffy moving on (with the cop or anyone else for that matter) then Spike shouldn't be left behind. It just makes him a sad shadown of himself. Him pining for Buffy and her knowing it (cause let's face it she has to know he still loves her) all the while watching her date other people.

I agree that it would be cruel to have Spike pining for Buffy while she dates other men and talks to him about it. Spike's comic had some issues, but it was basically pretty good. He did have other women in his life, although the thought of Buffy was often in the background. Even Dru made an appearance and played a major role. I was sorry Joss yanked his characters back from IDW because I liked how they treated them most of the time.  The thing about something ongoing like this, and written by Joss, is that probably the only way to keep Spike in Buffy's life is as a friend. Joss doesn't seem to believe in happy romantic relationships that last.

Not disagreeing with either of you on it being unfair if Buffy has relationships and Spike doesn't; but I don't believe Joss is particularly interested in Buffy developing a relationship with anyone (besides Spike). The pregnancy is the product of her being drugged. The Angel debacle is a nod to Bangel fans and a way to end that relationship for good. There's Spike or there's Buffy growing into a womanhood not defined by men. In the latter scenario, I'm fine with Spike loving her but with the two of them just being friends while she grows into adulthood.  I'm reminded of Spike's speech to her: about how he loves her for what she is. I just think his love for her is less mundane (and less profane) than Angel's was. He loves the person, seeing her in action, being a part of what she stands for. It's not defined by want anymore. And her appreciateion of Spike is no longer defined by lust, or the excitement of the forbidden (like Angel), or the desire to be like other normal woman (Riley), or even the need for dark (as Spike believes). It's defined by the ability to "connect" to someone - something she didn't think she was ever able to do before. And trust. I think there's a beauty in the way they could love each other without being sexual, if Joss would only write it that way. Not all love needs to end in sex and romance. Regardless of the difference in nature of their feelings for each other, I think they could give each other a great deal. 

Not disagreeing with either of you on it being unfair if Buffy has relationships and Spike doesn't; but I don't believe Joss is particularly interested in Buffy developing a relationship with anyone (besides Spike). The pregnancy is the product of her being drugged. The Angel debacle is a nod to Bangel fans and a way to end that relationship for good. There's Spike or there's Buffy growing into a womanhood not defined by men. In the latter scenario, I'm fine with Spike loving her but with the two of them just being friends while she grows into adulthood.  I'm reminded of Spike's speech to her: about how he loves her for what she is. I just think his love for her is less mundane (and less profane) than Angel's was. He loves the person, seeing her in action, being a part of what she stands for. It's not defined by want anymore. And her appreciateion of Spike is no longer defined by lust, or the excitement of the forbidden (like Angel), or the desire to be like other normal woman (Riley), or even the need for dark (as Spike believes). It's defined by the ability to "connect" to someone - something she didn't think she was ever able to do before. And trust. I think there's a beauty in the way they could love each other without being sexual, if Joss would only write it that way. Not all love needs to end in sex and romance. Regardless of the difference in nature of their feelings for each other, I think they could give each other a great deal. 

Very insightful and hopeful, MsJane. I hope you're right. I think the close connection they have would make it very difficult for either of them to have a succesful relationship with anyone else, though. Whether they're romantically or sexually involved or not, that closeness would be very threatening to prospective partners.

Not disagreeing with either of you on it being unfair if Buffy has relationships and Spike doesn't; but I don't believe Joss is particularly interested in Buffy developing a relationship with anyone (besides Spike). The pregnancy is the product of her being drugged. The Angel debacle is a nod to Bangel fans and a way to end that relationship for good. There's Spike or there's Buffy growing into a womanhood not defined by men. In the latter scenario, I'm fine with Spike loving her but with the two of them just being friends while she grows into adulthood.  I'm reminded of Spike's speech to her: about how he loves her for what she is. I just think his love for her is less mundane (and less profane) than Angel's was. He loves the person, seeing her in action, being a part of what she stands for. It's not defined by want anymore. And her appreciateion of Spike is no longer defined by lust, or the excitement of the forbidden (like Angel), or the desire to be like other normal woman (Riley), or even the need for dark (as Spike believes). It's defined by the ability to "connect" to someone - something she didn't think she was ever able to do before. And trust. I think there's a beauty in the way they could love each other without being sexual, if Joss would only write it that way. Not all love needs to end in sex and romance. Regardless of the difference in nature of their feelings for each other, I think they could give each other a great deal. 

Very insightful and hopeful, MsJane. I hope you're right. I think the close connection they have would make it very difficult for either of them to have a succesful relationship with anyone else, though. Whether they're romantically or sexually involved or not, that closeness would be very threatening to prospective partners.

It is true that it could be a wonderful relationship, just being close. But it really isn't defined that way right now. If that is where Joss wants it to go he has to start making the push in that direction. As it stands right now, as much as Spike likes being part of her life in any way she wants he does still love her in a long term be with her in all ways including a sexual way. Sure he might have had some lovers but that is Spike, he is a very tactile person. Also he goes to others because he doesn't believe she loves him the way he loves her. He wants her always has and until it is clear that there is no chance with her he wont give up or move on. He is so afraid of getting his heart broken by her again because of all her bad choices that he is trying to move on or at least pretending to move on. Whether he is seeing other women trying to make her jealous or if it is an honest effort to put her behind him I don't know. But he hasn't yet and if Buffy gives him any sign of wanting more than just friendship with him he would jump at the chance right now. If Joss wants them to be close friends, best friends with a deep abiding platonic love for each other he needs to make it clear. Because it isn't right now. And that kind of platonic relationship would allow them to become involved with other people and still maintain that relationship.

But I think Buffy won't make it clear to him. I think she enjoys knowing that Spike loves her and she doesn't want to let that go. She is so screwed up when it comes to love. If anyone shows her the smallest amount of kindness or interest she latches on and declares herself in love. She doesn't understand what love is but she wants it. Desperately and she isn't ready to have Spike stop loving her that way. In her mind (in my opinion) she keeps Spike dangling with hope that she will love him eventually as a back up plan. If he still loves her than she knows she can always run back to him and he will accept her each and every time with open arms. She is so insecure that she needs that unconditional love he has for her as a safety net. But she doesn't realize that it hurts him to play second fiddle in her life. If they don't sit down and talk this out one day she will lose him completely. There is only so much anyone can take. One day she will do something that will make Spike realize that she won't ever feel the same about him as he does for her. And when that day comes he will walk away, oh he'll still love her but he won't be able to be around her anymore. She needs to wake up and do somthing, think and discover what she really wants before that happens. At best she is in danger of losing the best friend she could ever have. At worst she is in danger of losing a great love, someone who loves all of her. And isn't that what she always wanted? To throw away either of those options is reckless and the worst kind of waste.

Okay the Heinrich/Master thing is really gross.  Which means that is what Joss will probably do, especially considering the Master connection with the egg.  Ew.  But why wouldn't Buffy recognize him?  Assuming he got her to drink the roofie cocktail semi willingly.  Maybe she was magically impregnated and Fruit Punch Mouth didn't actually touch her.  

And, I was just thinking about an episode that I liked and possibly no one else in the known universe did which was Bad Eggs.  Maybe there's a connection there.  

Okay the Heinrich/Master thing is really gross.  Which means that is what Joss will probably do, especially considering the Master connection with the egg.  Ew.  But why wouldn't Buffy recognize him?  Assuming he got her to drink the roofie cocktail semi willingly.  Maybe she was magically impregnated and Fruit Punch Mouth didn't actually touch her.  

And, I was just thinking about an episode that I liked and possibly no one else in the known universe did which was Bad Eggs.  Maybe there's a connection there.  



I'm trying to think of anything that I liked about Bad Eggs and I'm comin' up empty. lol That episode was pretty gross all around. I guess the vampire brothers were kinda funny. I do remember beginning to feel very suspicious about Willow though. I know she was under the influence of that thing attached to her back, but...

As for the Master, I don't think his fruit punch mouth went anywhere near her, or his other parts. He did something magical to her. Maybe he had a tiny piece of the dying seed left over? I don't know. I'll wait and see how Joss decides to explain it. 

I'll have to dig out my brilliant notes on the subject of Bad Eggs.  The episode was about B's relationship with her mother and her unwillingness to grow up.  The really interesting part for me was each character's relationship with their egg.  Xander boiled his, Willow was taken over by hers and Buffy, after ranting about being stuck in single momhood just like her mother, made a sort of silly effort to take care of it with her little checklist and rejecting Joyce's back seat egg advice.  Then, after it's hatched, she kills it!  Also, the adults are pod slaves theme.  Grow up and be a slave.  Only Xander and Buffy are able to resist growing up.

So Buffy, years later, appears to be living out the single mom thing set up in Season 2.  And like that ep, the egg will hatch into a magical creature??  And Buffy will have to take care of it, and I don't think a checklist is going to cut it this time. And, will she have to "kill" her egg (or are is she in reverse having already "killed" the seed.)  

Willow may also repeat her Egg experience with some magical thing (gets taken over by magic?  Seems a possibility if Buffy is going to have to kill her in the future).  Don't see how Xander would fit in, but maybe Joss has something up his sleeve.

And you do just have to love the Gorch brothers.  Especially when the mama bezoar sucks Tector down.  Hee!

Willow seems to have totally gone to an ugly place.  I've thought for a while that Willow in fact does not actually like Buffy , and may actually resent and hate her (Wild at Heart, Buffy tells Willow she loves her, Willow says nothing in return -- later she tries to kill Buffy, or at least .beat the crap out of her).  Now, in the comic, she's just being incredibly whiny and mean to Buffy.  By the time she helps Buffy in her dream, she's barely speaking to her.  What kind of friend is that?  She was so cute in the early seasons, too.  I suppose it's more interesting this way.

Issue #7 thinky thoughts: http://beloved-77.livejournal.com/101558.html

Don't click if you don't wanna be spoiled!

What the hell happened to "Be my baby daddy, Spike?"  LMAO

I'm an ass and spoiled myself and where the hell is that damn comic anyway.  I'm going to be speaking Truth to the Postal Power if this keeps up.  And, a BUFFYBOT?  Maybe Buffy was still back on that damn space ship with the bugs and she sent out the Bbot to help Spike.  Or Something.  Pretty sure that Buffybots can't pass pregnancy tests.  Pretty sure. 

Tapping my foot waiting for the postal service carrier to drag her butt by my house, which considering its the middle of the night could be a while.

Okay I give up. Granted I haven't bought the comics but I do read what you guys post here and can I just say WTF? This is just too weird and that is saying alot after the Angel/Buffy sexathon creating a new universe. Dawn the giant now in a relationship with Xander. Zompires (whatever the heck they are). Giles leaving all his money to Faith (and I still don't understand that one) and every other freaky thing that has happened, this is just too much. Spike finally bears his heart to her and takes a stand and it's to a damn robot? Has Joss being dropping acid and all of this is a result of a bad trip?

Tapping my foot waiting for the postal service carrier to drag her butt by my house, which considering its the middle of the night could be a while.

Yeah, I used to wait about a week for my copy in the mail.  Now, it's digital all the way.

Maybe Buffy was still back on that damn space ship with the bugs and she sent out the Bbot to help Spike.

I have no friggin' clue where they're going with this, but I seriously doubt it's anywhere good.

can I just say WTF?

That seems to be the general consensus.

can I just say WTF?

That seems to be the general consensus.

And even that's an understatement!

I just don't understand what they are trying to do?  How in the world can they work with this story line? It makes you wonder if they have this all plotted out already or if they are just winging it? Either way I am having a hard time trying to figure out how they are going to have any of this make any sense. And if this was something that they came up with on purpose can I just say they really need to either stop doing the drugs they must be taking or share them with the rest of us so we can maybe be on the same high they are and finally understand what the hell is going on! Cause I can't see someone clean and sober coming up with this and thinking it makes any kind of sense.

This is such a strange issue - the treatment for the first part is wonderful, I love how Spike in this issue and I also love how the issue gives even more emphasis to how low Buffy feel about herself.  Sure, it plays on the "pull the heart strings" especially for Buffy - Joss Whedon, Andrew Chambliss and Dark Horse have brought her so far down and have just about destroyed her emotionally and spiritually.  How much more could happen to her and then we find out. 
The second part of the issue - once the battle is over is like I am reading an entirely different set of characters - how could Spike be so cool and calm after seeing that Buffy is in reality BBot2 - a friggin robot?  They only explanation that I can come up with for his reactions is that he knew that Buffy was already a robot. 
My wild speculation is that Buffy and BBot2 are linked and communicate simultaneously - that Real Buffy can hear and see what Spike is telling BBot2. 
When did Buffy goes through this transformation? And did Andrew think that he could carry out another variation of Buffy Decoy as an intended protection or help for her? 
Andrew's humanitarian Slayer Squads could be the set up for this - and he is most certainly will be involved since we see that Andrew-Simone cover.  I still think that the mechanical device on that cover is suggestive of the machine that Fred designed when she was trying to bring Spike out of his ghost phase.  I also had the idea that since we see all the monitors showing that zompire - that Simone or someone might have been attempting to turn Buffy into a Feral Slayer - switch the essesence of a Slayer with that of the feral, mindless killing predators that the zompires are.  This is the first time that I have ever seen a Buffyverse vampire attempted to eat a non-living object.  We know that they can or do eat animals, and now we also have the Alien Insect, Irene turned into a vamp insect - but trying to eat the BBot2 arm is something new. 
We also have the strange draining by Severin of the life force when he tries to drain Buffy.  Is Buffy a robot by that time and is that why the text about plugs and sockets used?
 

ugh. this is why i dont buy this ruination of a great character
ok so didnt Buffy have her arm ripped off (with sparks and all) in the slayer dream two or three issuses ago? and that fairy/first slayer kept saying that Buffy wasnt the slayer right? so could that be the BBot already? can the bot even have slayer dreams?
i agree WTF. i hope joss doesnt pull this crap with the Avengers

We have a fun project for Writers over at Buffytube - WRITE YOUR OWN TEXT FOR THE WTF ISSUE 7.  However Buffytube is a members only network - and there is no access beyond the Home Page.  We would love to have some of the BSV writers participate and done their own versions for these two pages of Issue 7 - they are the Spuffy Centric pages.  

Wish that I could share the image from Enny, who started the project, but I can't get the image to post here - all I get is a little box.

Anyway - I hope that you will check this out and join us for a little fun with this latest issue - Eventually all the fan scripts will be featured on the site.

Buffytube Home Page:  http://buffytube.ning.com/



This is the link for Enny's script - but I am not sure what the access is for non-members.
http://buffytube.ning.com/forum/topics/buffy-season-9-part-3?groupUrl=comicstalk&x=1&groupId=2292460%3AGroup%3A104675&id=2292460%3ATopic%3A184083&page=50#comments

Went to get my comic Sat. and they were sold out already! With luck, they'll get their re-order this Wednesday and I'll use the gas to drive down there and grab mine before anybody else can.

WTF? Am I the only person who loved this issue?

LOL

Seriously. The dialogue in this episode was funny for one - very Joss-speak. I loved the intro with the roommates. I loved that Buffy went to live with Spike on the spaceship. I loved that he called the doctor for her and that he was being the bleeding heart that we all love. I like that Buffy didn't realize he was still in love with her. Hard to believe, but I'll accept that she's a bit dense. And a lot has happened in both of their lives, so okay. That would excuse her relying on him so much without giving much - she didn't realize he was still harbouring such strong feelings. She thought they were good buds, faithful allies, and all that. I love that he wasn't afraid to admit his feelings, and it was HUGELY important that he said he planned on leaving when her problem was sorted out because he refused to be used given his feelings. It looks like he realized he was being a "twit" about their future when she she said "normal" meant running away from him.  One inconsistency there: Spike stormed out when she said "normal" meant running away from the likes of him, but didn't he already know that? Didn't he sugegst she date the cop because she needed normal? How is it that he wants normal now and he lives on a spaceship with bugs? Why would he be offended by the fact that she doesn't see him as normal? Hello. He's not.

But over all, yeah, I thought this issue felt a bit more like the show in spirit. 

As for the BuffyBot, I think I've learned a valuable lesson with this season: wait for it. We're jumping to conclusions. (We're not taking tiny steps, and there conclusions are.) In Season 8 they jumped the shark a hundred times, but the point of this season was to get back to basics. We don't know how she got pregnant, so we can't assume that she was drunk and shagging the whole party. We don't know when Buffy was replaced by the Bot or if Spike knew about it. We just need to wait for it. I have faith with this season that everything will come together. I'm gonna be patient and enjoy the crazy ride.

And you can't deny that this issue had feeling. 

Just noticed that Buffy switches outfits during this issue: red top when she's talking about the abortion while sitting on top of the ship, and then grey top when she's insie the ship and they're having the talk. Maybe it's not relevant, but why change her clothes?

Still tapping my foot.  Could TFAW be any slower?  Grrr.  

Slay - I suggest you take your battleax to the store so no one gets between you and that comic.  As we know from S4, an axe looks really fashionable in a gold lame tote bag.

I agree Ms. Jane that we have to wait.  It's Joss!  We can trust him most of the time.  Okay S8 pretty much sucked except for the part where Angel snapped Giles' neck. 

Also, you have to assume the clothes mean something.  They always did in the show. 

Wish I could figure out why I am locked out of my account -  anyway, here is the sample of the "write your own text" for the Buffytube Comic Book Issue 7 event.  

Got it! Sat and read it in the car and will go over it again later. I'm with Ms Jane - I loved it! I liked the story line(s), the art work (I guess I'm getting used to round faced, big-eyed Buffy), the dialogue... there was angst, humor, necessary conversations (interrupted before Buffy could reply), gah! And two cliffhangers - one is what might Buffy have said and done if the scene where Spike says he wants normal with her had continued? They could drag that out forever, as action keeps interferring with any chance to complete the conversation. And Buffy is a robot! Spike seems surprised, so no chance he's responsible for it. Anyway, I really enjoyed this - the whole thing (the bugs don't bother me at all, I kinda like them) and am looking forward to next month. (Where, all my happiness will probably get shot down, but hey... in the meantime I might be inspired to write more comic fic!)

WTF? Am I the only person who loved this issue?

LOL

Seriously. The dialogue in this episode was funny for one - very Joss-speak. I loved the intro with the roommates. I loved that Buffy went to live with Spike on the spaceship. I loved that he called the doctor for her and that he was being the bleeding heart that we all love. I like that Buffy didn't realize he was still in love with her. Hard to believe, but I'll accept that she's a bit dense. And a lot has happened in both of their lives, so okay. That would excuse her relying on him so much without giving much - she didn't realize he was still harbouring such strong feelings. She thought they were good buds, faithful allies, and all that. I love that he wasn't afraid to admit his feelings, and it was HUGELY important that he said he planned on leaving when her problem was sorted out because he refused to be used given his feelings. It looks like he realized he was being a "twit" about their future when she she said "normal" meant running away from him.  One inconsistency there: Spike stormed out when she said "normal" meant running away from the likes of him, but didn't he already know that? Didn't he sugegst she date the cop because she needed normal? How is it that he wants normal now and he lives on a spaceship with bugs? Why would he be offended by the fact that she doesn't see him as normal? Hello. He's not.

But over all, yeah, I thought this issue felt a bit more like the show in spirit. 

As for the BuffyBot, I think I've learned a valuable lesson with this season: wait for it. We're jumping to conclusions. (We're not taking tiny steps, and there conclusions are.) In Season 8 they jumped the shark a hundred times, but the point of this season was to get back to basics. We don't know how she got pregnant, so we can't assume that she was drunk and shagging the whole party. We don't know when Buffy was replaced by the Bot or if Spike knew about it. We just need to wait for it. I have faith with this season that everything will come together. I'm gonna be patient and enjoy the crazy ride.

And you can't deny that this issue had feeling. 

Hee! Not alone!  I love it!

I really enjoyed the issue as well - had a chance to read your story over at LJ - love it. 

I really enjoyed the issue as well - had a chance to read your story over at LJ - love it. 

Thanks!

Finally finally finally.  This is a great issue.

The Phil Noto cover - Laughing my ass off at Spike with a sun tan.  Must have been that spray on stuff.  Drawing is a little questionable on the cover especially that lop sided wine glass.  Whatever.  We have Spike and Buffy lolling on the sofa in domestic comfort.  Buffy is doing a "cross" word puzzle - trying to puzzle out her life and apparently not getting too far as none of the squares are filled in.  Also, a warning that S & B will have "cross" words - both that one or both of them will be angry or that they are talking at cross purposes.   More interesting, Spike is aiming the remote control at the viewer.  A wink at the Spuffy shippers?  This is what you always wanted?  (knowing Joss, this is exactly what you won't get.)

Cute scene with the roommates which leads into Buffy sitting on top of the Spike space ship.  Buffy is wearing a purple (maybe really red but the sun is setting and changing the color) hoodie.  People who wear hoodies in the Bverse are invariably innocent, naive, weak or otherwise in trouble.  Also, she is wearing her hair pinned up in one bobble at the back of her head.  They talk at cross purposes - Buffy is focusing on getting kicked out by her roommate - Spike is feeling out the possibility of advancing their relationship.

How weird is it that Spike called the doctor - how does that conversation go exactly?  Maybe some of the younger members can advise if this is the current etiquette?  Spike offers to change the appointment - foreshadowing that he wants her to reconsider having the baby - and her relationship with him.

Also interesting, the sun has not completely gone down, but Spike has come out into the light.   The sun sets and turns into a beautiful, starry night - symbolic of Spike - that his darkness is positive now?   Also, we find out that Spike and Buffy have glue on the bottoms of their shoes cause otherwise they'd fall off.  

Cut to the cop scene, then back to the Flying Bug.  Buffy, who was wearing a red/purple hoodie and blue jeans, is now wearing a grey short sleeved shirt and black pants.  Hair is still in one knot.  Spike brings up the baby again, he wants her to reconsider, but Buffy blows it and doesn't have a chance to explain her words.  Spike gets mad!  Finally somebody remembers that Spike has a temper!  Perfect.

Cut to the cops who are at Pioneer Park; the first Dirty Harry movie filmed a scene here and the bloody badge is reminescent of Harry throwing away his badge at the end of that movie.  Or maybe that was a big fan wank on my part.  

Okay - is anyone else thinking the guy cop is an Uber Coward?  He does nothing to help his partner when she gets attacked and he's supposed to be the one who knows how to kill Zompires.  Not exactly hero central.

Buffy tries to plug something in and I totally missed this, but I think she's trying to plug in the Buffy Bot.  I think this is still the real Buffy since her hair is in one knot.  She and Spike argue about her fighting while pregnant and Buffy does a pretty mean glare but I think Spike wins that argument.

More cop pages, the guy cop runs away again.  The next few pages have a really nice set up with the overlapping boxes, inserts of face shots, diaganols, setting shots etc.  Three pages of fight scene.  A really great drawing of Spike taking out a xomp.  You can see the bones like an xray through his clothes.  Good stuff.  Spike takes on a whole herd of zomps while the cop hides.  Yes he's human, but you never saw Xander do something like that.  

One page before the staple, we see the back of Buffy's head.  She has two little pigtails now.  I think this is where the Buffybot part starts (assuming it didn't start three episodes ago).  She goes into the tower to save the cop (wearing grey shirt and blue - not black- pants).  She says that living on the space ship is a "new arrangement" and delivers the "Spike's not my boyfriend" line.  All true if this is the Bbot.  By the next page her pants are black again.  Guess it was an art thing.

Then there's the wonderful scene with B and Spike.  The readers all think it's the real Buffy and that Spike is just about to kiss her and seal the deal, when a sneaky vampire jerks her arm off and she launches into some Botisms.  So much for that happy ending you Spuffies wanted (per the cover).

I think that Buffy herself brings the Buffybot on board which is why she is looking for the plug.  She is about to or already has changed her mind about having the baby and wants a Bot to fill in for her while she's incubating.  Spike appears to be clueless.  

 

Finally finally finally.  This is a great issue.

The Phil Noto cover - Laughing my ass off at Spike with a sun tan.  Must have been that spray on stuff.  Drawing is a little questionable on the cover especially that lop sided wine glass.  Whatever.  We have Spike and Buffy lolling on the sofa in domestic comfort.  Buffy is doing a "cross" word puzzle - trying to puzzle out her life and apparently not getting too far as none of the squares are filled in.  Also, a warning that S & B will have "cross" words - both that one or both of them will be angry or that they are talking at cross purposes.   More interesting, Spike is aiming the remove control at the viewer.  A wink at the Spuffy shippers?  This is what you always wanted?  (knowing Joss, this is exactly what you won't get.)

Cute scene with the roommates which leads into Buffy sitting on top of the Spike space ship.  Buffy is wearing a purple (maybe really red but the sun is setting and changing the color) hoodie.  People who wear hoodies in the Bverse are invariably innocent, naive, weak or otherwise in trouble.  Also, she is wearing her hair pinned up in one bobble at the back of her head.  They talk at cross purposes - Buffy is focusing on getting kicked out by her roommate - Spike is feeling out the possibility of advancing their relationship.

How weird is it that Spike called the doctor - how does that conversation go exactly?  Maybe some of the younger members can advise if this is the current etiquette?  Spike offers to change the appointment - foreshadowing that he wants her to reconsider having the baby - and her relationship with him.

Also interesting, the sun has not completely gone down, but Spike has come out into the light.   The sun sets and turns into a beautiful, starry night - symbolic of Spike - that his darkness is positive now?   Also, we find out that Spike and Buffy have glue on the bottoms of their shoes cause otherwise they'd fall off.  

Cut to the cop scene, then back to the Flying Bug.  Buffy, who was wearing a red/purple hoodie and blue jeans, is now wearing a grey short sleeved shirt and black pants.  Hair is still in one knot.  Spike brings up the baby again, he wants her to reconsider, but Buffy blows it and doesn't have a chance to explain her words.  Spike gets mad!  Finally somebody remembers that Spike has a temper!  Perfect.

Cut to the cops who are at Pioneer Park; the first Dirty Harry movie filmed a scene here and the bloody badge is reminescent of Harry throwing away his badge at the end of that movie.  Or maybe that was a big fan wank on my part.  

Okay - is anyone else thinking the guy cop is an Uber Coward?  He does nothing to help his partner when she gets attacked and he's supposed to be the one who knows how to kill Zompires.  Not exactly hero central.

Buffy tries to plug something in and I totally missed this, but I think she's trying to plug in the Buffy Bot.  I think this is still the real Buffy since her hair is in one knot.  She and Spike argue about her fighting while pregnant and Buffy does a pretty mean glare but I think Spike wins that argument.

More cop pages, the guy cop runs away again.  The next few pages have a really nice set up with the overlapping boxes, inserts of face shots, diaganols, setting shots etc.  Three pages of fight scene.  A really great drawing of Spike taking out a xomp.  You can see the bones like an xray through his clothes.  Good stuff.  Spike takes on a whole herd of zomps while the cop hides.  Yes he's human, but you never saw Xander do something like that.  

One page before the staple, we see the back of Buffy's head.  She has two little pigtails now.  I think this is where the Buffybot part starts (assuming it didn't start three episodes ago).  She goes into the tower to save the cop (wearing grey shirt and blue - not black- pants).  She says that living on the space ship is a "new arrangement" and delivers the "Spike's not my boyfriend" line.  All true if this is the Bbot.  By the next page her pants are black again.  Guess it was an art thing.

Then there's the wonderful scene with B and Spike.  The readers all think it's the real Buffy and that Spike is just about to kiss her and seal the deal, when a sneaky vampire jerks her arm off and she launches into some Botisms.  So much for that happy ending you Spuffies wanted (per the cover).

I think that Buffy herself brings the Buffybot on board which is why she is looking for the plug.  She is about to or already has changed her mind about having the baby and wants a Bot to fill in for her while she's incubating.  Spike appears to be clueless.  

 



Interesting assessments, Tart. Now I have to go reread (again) to look more closely at Buffy's hair and clothes! Not to mention what she's trying to plug in...

Finally finally finally.  This is a great issue.

.... Buffy tries to plug something in and I totally missed this, but I think she's trying to plug in the Buffy Bot.  I think this is still the real Buffy since her hair is in one knot.

.... One page before the staple, we see the back of Buffy's head.  She has two little pigtails now.  I think this is where the Buffybot part starts (assuming it didn't start three episodes ago)...



Wow. Your whole thoughtful review of the issue was such a treat to read! I'm particularly intrigud by your suggestion that Buffy brought the Bot on board. I'm convinced (It's easy.).

Also love your deconstruction of the cover. I for one am not a fan of these Noto covers. Buffy didn't look aything like SMG, and yeah, Spike was sporting a horrific fake tan. The Chen covers always excited me. Just beautiful. But the subject matter of the cover was most entertaining.

I look forward to your analysis of the next issue.  

BTW: Am I the only one annoyed by their promoting the next Angel & Faith issue in the back of the Buffy comics? I used to always look forward to the sneak peek of the next Buffy cover, and I would get my release dates there. Now I have to go online to find out the release dates. Annoying. 

I look forward to your analysis of the next issue.  

Thanks - it was starting to feel a bit much for a comic book.   Still, I figure, if it was there then maybe I'm not totally crazy.  I don't like the covers as much as the Chen ones.  The Chens were really beautiful and jazzy.  Maybe she'll come back.  fingers crossed.

I don't mind that they put Angel and Faith, but they should have Buffy too.  I don't the the A/F is selling as well. 

I look forward to your analysis of the next issue.  

Thanks - it was starting to feel a bit much for a comic book.   Still, I figure, if it was there then maybe I'm not totally crazy.  I don't like the covers as much as the Chen ones.  The Chens were really beautiful and jazzy.  Maybe she'll come back.  fingers crossed.

I don't mind that they put Angel and Faith, but they should have Buffy too.  I don't the the A/F is selling as well. 

I think there was a huge amount of content in this issue (more if you're a Spuffy fan than otherwise, I guess, but still...) I love Chen's covers. They are so beautiful! I'm hoping they'll use again for at least a few covers.  This one was so ... off.... (colors, characters, situation) that I suspect it wasn't meant to be real. They both look like robots - Stepford Spuffy. lol

They both look like robots - Stepford Spuffy. lol

Hee = I beat them to it on the Spuffybots. 

I just read at EW that spike and willow are getting their own comics."the thrust of the story is on Spike dealing with the fallout of the most recent arc of the Buffy Season 9 comic, concluding with issue #10 on June 13. In that arc — which also deals with Buffy actually being a robot – Buffy confronts the fact that if she ever wants anything close to a “normal” life, having a boyfriend who’s a vampire probably isn’t the best thing for her. Gischler says the Spike spin-off starts “an hour” after the end of issue #10, with Spike leaving town in his spaceship manned by giant bugs. (Just go with it.) “The focus is on Spike and his coming to terms with some things, sort of getting right in the head,” says Gischler. “He loves Buffy, but can’t be with her. What does that mean to a vampire with a soul?”   This is not a good thing and means that I will not be a happy camper and am glad I have not invested anytime with the comics.

I was totally wrong about all the Buffybot stuff in last issue but console myself that Buffy did get a roofie back in Book 1.

Cover - Andrew vs the Mean Slayer (can't remember her name) and a ghost Buffy in the middle.  Very static.  Yawn.  More interesting are the numerous computer screens with the picture of a male vampire with brown hair.  He sort of looks like Mr. Cop Coward, but I make no predictions.  Could be Angel.  Where are all these computers?  The floor looks like the Spike space ship but I don't think it is and what is the light blue hole in the middle of the floor?  Confusing and mysterious without being all that great. 

Andrew - first panel has some very noir-like shadows crossing his face.  Maybe Andrew will end up in the Big House after all.  And we see that he managed to save his toy collection from SunnyD and he reads darkhorse comics. 

Cut to the cop.  His partner is dead and he can't figure out that she might have been turned?  Dumba**.  Some nice bits of medical examiner speak that's pretty authentic.  That was a pleasant surprise considering Joss is usually very weak on the medical stuff.  Must have been one of the writers. 

Back to Spike and the BBot who have busted in to Andrew's apartment and are threatening the truth out of him by speaking sharply.  Spike steps on something - possibly Boba Fett finally met his fate.  There's a  semi funny reference to Trueblood.  Bbot's pregnancy is explained away.  That was annoying after the big deal they made out of it, although the explanation was clever.  Then Andrew tries to give her another left arm.  ???  I assume this means that for the time being we will be able to tell the BBot from the R Buffy by the arm.

Flash back to the party.  Real Buffy gets drunk and Andrew gives her a roofie, as we surmised. Mr. Piggy makes an appearance - another relic from Sunnydale.  Real Buffy takes off her shirt for Spike before crashing.  Buffybot takes off her shirt too before Andrew performs the big brain copy.  So Real Buffy still has a thing for Spike which she keeps crushed down when she's sober.  Hint that Bbot is going to live out Buffy's romantic interest in Spike?

I like the idea that the Bbot is even more Buffylike than before but I don't understand why real Buffy went along with this plan.  Also, I miss the crazy Bbot speak which made her such a wonderful character, along with her neverending cheerfulness and the overlay of Spike opinions on all subjects. 

I could accept Buffy  using the Bbot as a decoy, even though it's pretty creepy.  She did this once before at the end of S5.  But why isn't she hanging around waiting for the assassin purple hair girl to show up?  Instead she's off in Sunnydale redux wearing a business suit (?) doing laundry, gardening (????) and making cookies.  She breaks the spoon so there's hope that the cookie phase can't last long. 

Next scene BBot is crying and she has one of the sleeves of her shirt tied up which is a nice detail.  And she throws Spike a bone when she says he's always the one who shows up when she needs someone.  And there's some hand holding.  I guess since the new Spike comic is supposed to deal with the fact that Buffy is a robot, that robot Buffy is going to fall in love with Spike, if she isn't already. 

Why does a space ship have curtains?  Green curtains?  Spike threatens to kick Andrew's ass in a really big way.  That was good. 

Okay, Xander is being a pissant and yelling at Dawn.  Why should she be chasing after his nasty old eyepatch?  Does he make her pick up his dirty socks too?  I guess they're going to have a demon take over Xander's brain or something.

Tiresome stuff with the cop,  Dead woman cop eats the medical examiner.  Whatever.  Maybe that will go somewhere.  Sometime. 

Back on the Space Bug, Bbot watches R Buffy cooking, and how exactly did Buffy afford to get that very nice and huge house in suburbia.  And why oh why is Buffy wearing a cowboy shirt.  That is just wrong.  Buffy is knocking back a glass of wine with her cookies.  Then she gets kidnapped, which is about the only thing that actually happens in the whole issue. 

The standout weirdness, other than the whole Bbot explanation, is the numerous references to life back in Sunnydale:

• Andrew's toys (thought he outgrew that stuff in Italy?)
• Mr. Piggy
• Buffy wearing a business suit (S6 when she tries to get a loan at the bank)
• Buffy wearing a cowboy shirt (Pangs)
• Cookie baking  (S7)
• The house in a suburb that looks a lot like Sunnydale 
• Spike being romantically involved with a robot  (S5)

Does this add up to something or is it just lazy filler on the part of the writers? 

The art is okay, the cover is weak especially that doofy ghost Buffy, and the whole book doesn't compare to the twilight beauty of the last issue.  I know it can't always be romantic like that, but this just doesn't grab me as being anything special.  Also they previewed the cover of Angel's next issue.  It looks stupid. 

Hope everyone visits their favorite comic store on May 1 - there's a free Buffy and Spike comic being given away. 

I was totally wrong about all the Buffybot stuff in last issue but console myself that Buffy did get a roofie back in Book 1.

Cover - Andrew vs the Mean Slayer (can't remember her name) and a ghost Buffy in the middle.  Very static.  Yawn.  More interesting are the numerous computer screens with the picture of a male vampire with brown hair.  He sort of looks like Mr. Cop Coward, but I make no predictions.  Could be Angel.  Where are all these computers?  The floor looks like the Spike space ship but I don't think it is and what is the light blue hole in the middle of the floor?  Confusing and mysterious without being all that great. 

Andrew - first panel has some very noir-like shadows crossing his face.  Maybe Andrew will end up in the Big House after all.  And we see that he managed to save his toy collection from SunnyD and he reads darkhorse comics. 

Cut to the cop.  His partner is dead and he can't figure out that she might have been turned?  Dumba**.  Some nice bits of medical examiner speak that's pretty authentic.  That was a pleasant surprise considering Joss is usually very weak on the medical stuff.  Must have been one of the writers. 

Back to Spike and the BBot who have busted in to Andrew's apartment and are threatening the truth out of him by speaking sharply.  Spike steps on something - possibly Boba Fett finally met his fate.  There's a  semi funny reference to Trueblood.  Bbot's pregnancy is explained away.  That was annoying after the big deal they made out of it, although the explanation was clever.  Then Andrew tries to give her another left arm.  ???  I assume this means that for the time being we will be able to tell the BBot from the R Buffy by the arm.

Flash back to the party.  Real Buffy gets drunk and Andrew gives her a roofie, as we surmised. Mr. Piggy makes an appearance - another relic from Sunnydale.  Real Buffy takes off her shirt for Spike before crashing.  Buffybot takes off her shirt too before Andrew performs the big brain copy.  So Real Buffy still has a thing for Spike which she keeps crushed down when she's sober.  Hint that Bbot is going to live out Buffy's romantic interest in Spike?

I like the idea that the Bbot is even more Buffylike than before but I don't understand why real Buffy went along with this plan.  Also, I miss the crazy Bbot speak which made her such a wonderful character, along with her neverending cheerfulness and the overlay of Spike opinions on all subjects. 

I could accept Buffy  using the Bbot as a decoy, even though it's pretty creepy.  She did this once before at the end of S5.  But why isn't she hanging around waiting for the assassin purple hair girl to show up?  Instead she's off in Sunnydale redux wearing a business suit (?) doing laundry, gardening (????) and making cookies.  She breaks the spoon so there's hope that the cookie phase can't last long. 

Next scene BBot is crying and she has one of the sleeves of her shirt tied up which is a nice detail.  And she throws Spike a bone when she says he's always the one who shows up when she needs someone.  And there's some hand holding.  I guess since the new Spike comic is supposed to deal with the fact that Buffy is a robot, that robot Buffy is going to fall in love with Spike, if she isn't already. 

Why does a space ship have curtains?  Green curtains?  Spike threatens to kick Andrew's ass in a really big way.  That was good. 

Okay, Xander is being a pissant and yelling at Dawn.  Why should she be chasing after his nasty old eyepatch?  Does he make her pick up his dirty socks too?  I guess they're going to have a demon take over Xander's brain or something.

Tiresome stuff with the cop,  Dead woman cop eats the medical examiner.  Whatever.  Maybe that will go somewhere.  Sometime. 

Back on the Space Bug, Bbot watches R Buffy cooking, and how exactly did Buffy afford to get that very nice and huge house in suburbia.  And why oh why is Buffy wearing a cowboy shirt.  That is just wrong.  Buffy is knocking back a glass of wine with her cookies.  Then she gets kidnapped, which is about the only thing that actually happens in the whole issue. 

The standout weirdness, other than the whole Bbot explanation, is the numerous references to life back in Sunnydale:

• Andrew's toys (thought he outgrew that stuff in Italy?)
• Mr. Piggy
• Buffy wearing a business suit (S6 when she tries to get a loan at the bank)
• Buffy wearing a cowboy shirt (Pangs)
• Cookie baking  (S7)
• The house in a suburb that looks a lot like Sunnydale 
• Spike being romantically involved with a robot  (S5)

Does this add up to something or is it just lazy filler on the part of the writers? 

The art is okay, the cover is weak especially that doofy ghost Buffy, and the whole book doesn't compare to the twilight beauty of the last issue.  I know it can't always be romantic like that, but this just doesn't grab me as being anything special.  Also they previewed the cover of Angel's next issue.  It looks stupid. 

Hope everyone visits their favorite comic store on May 1 - there's a free Buffy and Spike comic being given away. 

It's certainly possible I missed something, but between my reading of the comic and comments from others, I think "real" Buffy is in the robot. That's what Andrew was doing, making a switch after he roofied Buffy from her real body to the robot. It's her real body in the Stepford world, but Buffy is in the robot. The goal now is to recover her body and make Andrew switch her back. As I understood it, anyway.  No explanations yet for how Andrew managed to set Buffy 2.0 up in that house, or how she makes a living. Doesn't matter, I guess, now that Simone has kidnapped her.

I think "real" Buffy is in the robot. That's what Andrew was doing, making a switch after he roofied Buffy from her real body to the robot. It's her real body in the Stepford world, but Buffy is in the robot.

You must be right.  I thought Andrew just copied Buffy's thoughts.  But if he transferred them, that would explain why Suburbia Buffy is acting so goofy and possibly why Evil Simone was able to get the drop on her so easily. 

Does no one have any sparkling things to say about this issue? 

I was happy that Buffy (or is she Buffybot now?) got a new arm ( a weirdly steam punk arm), wondering why she had to be naked for that process, experienced an awwww moment when Andrew said he gave Buffyhuman the life she could have had if she was Normal with a capital N.  One sweet moment when Spike tries to protect her.  It was like he'd forgotten that she wasn't going to be a mom after all.  Still clinging to the dream.

I can't believe Buffy was so stupid that she split up her forces.  That was just so so dumb but Andrew was funny. 

Xander skunking out Dawn and getting her to agree to wait by the car was pretty funny and so were the Space Cockroaches eating up Buffy's stakes.  Nice touch with Xander remembering how he staked his best friend way back in S1. 

Why are there zombies on the cover?

Are we really going to have to put up with more Angel?  (Angel Island.)

"Did she plan on making this a nursery someday?"  and "The little bit know she's not goona be an auntie?  Yet I mean."  Okay so there's a couple of teases.  Is the human Buffy preggers?  If so, is "Heinrich" the daddy?  If Heinrich is the Master that would just be so very gross.

The space vehicle makes for some interesting art. 

I didn't quite get the Spike/Buffy fight about Angel Island.  I thought she was uber p'oed with Angel for snapping Giles' neck. 

Okay issue, the art was very good, although the composition was static on most pages. and sadly, not enough Spuffiness.  And we get a new variation from that shapeshifter Buffy - Punk Rock Buffy.  She badly needs some black leather and a nose ring or three.

I just read at EW that spike and willow are getting their own comics."the thrust of the story is on Spike dealing with the fallout of the most recent arc of the Buffy Season 9 comic, concluding with issue #10 on June 13. In that arc — which also deals with Buffy actually being a robot – Buffy confronts the fact that if she ever wants anything close to a “normal” life, having a boyfriend who’s a vampire probably isn’t the best thing for her. Gischler says the Spike spin-off starts “an hour” after the end of issue #10, with Spike leaving town in his spaceship manned by giant bugs. (Just go with it.) “The focus is on Spike and his coming to terms with some things, sort of getting right in the head,” says Gischler. “He loves Buffy, but can’t be with her. What does that mean to a vampire with a soul?”   This is not a good thing and means that I will not be a happy camper and am glad I have not invested anytime with the comics.

This new information about Spike levaing the comic, and the last two issues, #8 and #9, have me ready to pack it in. This last issue was just crap. I didn't care about any of it. The cop is boring. Why are we supposed to be invested in this guy at all? Xander and Dawn's relationship is a nothingness on the periphery. Spike is limp, without edge or humour and uses his trademark slang in a forced way. Buffy moans about that normal life she wants some more. Yawn. Get over it, Buffy. No. Scratch that. Her life had gotten pretty normal. She's no longer the general of thousands of Slayers engaged in battle with mystical creatures and the US military. She lives in San Francisco and works at a coffee shop. To the extent that she fights any vampires, it's bloody easy because she's like Superwoman now. What is she complaining about? Being a robot - okay that's a complaint. But I just can't help but to feel like they've run out of ideas for this series - real, fresh, inspirational ideas. It's just a cash cow now, and they're looking to milk as many spin offs out of it as possible. Not with my money!

These new challenges they throw at her are hard to care about. One of the things that made the show so touching was that there was only one girl in all the world with the strength to defeat the vampires, but our Slayer was the best of them all because she didn't do it alone. Maybe they want to explore how Buffy handles life being compeltely alone. Fine then. But Buffy might be losing me too. 

For the sake of completelness, perhaps I'll finish out the season. But it took me more than a week to pick up Issue #9 to read. 

Have to admit that I am also starting to lose my interest - I just love the series during the TV Era so much - I just kept buying the comic books because I just wanted more Buffyverse and I kept wanting to have some connection with all these characters that I loved so much. 

I had absolutely no emotional connection whatever with all the years of reading BS8 - and then toward the ending with the Twilight Angel/Twangel Reveal and the Lover's Reunion and, IMO, complete turning of Buffy into a "willing victim" with the Glo Premise all I felt with a great deal of anger and huge disappointment with where they took Buffy.  With the Angel/Twangel arc and his participation in "The Plan" and the story they told I have lost all interest in his story. 

The only reason that I stayed with the Angel & Faith series is because of Faith - but I am starting to lose interest now. 
If Spike is taken away from the Buffy main comic book and does not return as a regular character - I don't think I would continue with the Buffy comic books either.   I hope that Joss Whedon and the writers of this series can keep me interested with a good story, but I just don't know. 

I really like the Buffy-Robin-Nikki issue very much - and I have loved some of the story elements with Buffy and Spike, especially when the come together as characters who can be great friends and also two warriors who are still fighting together.  But this Buffy chasing after "normal life" and what I see as yet another round of Buffy trying to escape into something or someone to avoid having to deal with all those things that are making her life so miserable - it's so beyond time for this character trait needs to change and develop into a more mature and emotionally stronger woman. 

I hope that Spike is develop more regarding his continued love and desire for Buffy.  I'm glad that Spike is going to be having this time away from her and his own adventure for a bit. I'm looking forward to the artwork for this new mini for Spike - I sure hope they give it a good effort with the Promotion.  The June Comic Book Preview Publication for June features that beautiful portrait in blues.

I just read at EW that spike and willow are getting their own comics."the thrust of the story is on Spike dealing with the fallout of the most recent arc of the Buffy Season 9 comic, concluding with issue #10 on June 13. In that arc — which also deals with Buffy actually being a robot – Buffy confronts the fact that if she ever wants anything close to a “normal” life, having a boyfriend who’s a vampire probably isn’t the best thing for her. Gischler says the Spike spin-off starts “an hour” after the end of issue #10, with Spike leaving town in his spaceship manned by giant bugs. (Just go with it.) “The focus is on Spike and his coming to terms with some things, sort of getting right in the head,” says Gischler. “He loves Buffy, but can’t be with her. What does that mean to a vampire with a soul?”   This is not a good thing and means that I will not be a happy camper and am glad I have not invested anytime with the comics.

This new information about Spike levaing the comic, and the last two issues, #8 and #9, have me ready to pack it in. This last issue was just crap. I didn't care about any of it. The cop is boring. Why are we supposed to be invested in this guy at all? Xander and Dawn's relationship is a nothingness on the periphery. Spike is limp, without edge or humour and uses his trademark slang in a forced way. Buffy moans about that normal life she wants some more. Yawn. Get over it, Buffy. No. Scratch that. Her life had gotten pretty normal. She's no longer the general of thousands of Slayers engaged in battle with mystical creatures and the US military. She lives in San Francisco and works at a coffee shop. To the extent that she fights any vampires, it's bloody easy because she's like Superwoman now. What is she complaining about? Being a robot - okay that's a complaint. But I just can't help but to feel like they've run out of ideas for this series - real, fresh, inspirational ideas. It's just a cash cow now, and they're looking to milk as many spin offs out of it as possible. Not with my money!

These new challenges they throw at her are hard to care about. One of the things that made the show so touching was that there was only one girl in all the world with the strength to defeat the vampires, but our Slayer was the best of them all because she didn't do it alone. Maybe they want to explore how Buffy handles life being compeltely alone. Fine then. But Buffy might be losing me too. 

For the sake of completelness, perhaps I'll finish out the season. But it took me more than a week to pick up Issue #9 to read. 




I'm feeling the same way...I only started S9 cause we were told Spike was gonna be in the entire season, now he's off for 10 issues,and since his mini is 5 and starts in  Aug. that means we won't see him again til April or May of next yr. in the Buffy title.So  5 months with no Spike or is he gonna pop up in Angel & Faith? And I don't want him in that book at all. It's just a whitewash of Angel as Twilight IMO and Faith is going along with Angel like he's her hero, and hasn't called him on any of the Twilight mess since the first couple of issues. I don't read that one just the reviews and summaries over on BuffyForums.

I've already decided to stop reading S9 after #10 is out...I'll do the reviews and summmaries thing like with A&F. I don't feel like spending my hard earned money on Kennedy,Buffy the bodyguard, Dowling, Eldre Koh and whatever else they have planned..Xander and Dawn maybe could be interesting who knows at this point? And since Scott Allie seems to email some Bangels reassuring them about lots of things God knows what they have planned for B/A. UGH!! So it looks like I'll be reading the Spike comic at the DH digital store until Spike comes back to theBuffy title and that depends on what  happens in the interim with both Spike and Buffy while they're apart and how this new guy writes Spike(at least he likes him from the articles I've read talking about the Spike comic)

I'm also not crazy how Andrew Chambliss writes Spike, he doesn't seem like Spike to me many times.Also Scott Allie is writing the break up(if we can call it that) in #10. *crosses fingers that Spike doesn't come out of it looking like an asshole* Let's face it Joss is not really involved in these comics it's Allie, DH and Chambliss. And they couldn't come up with anything interesting to write for Spike after the "break up." No Dawn and Spike, no and Xander Spike,no conversation about how Buffy found out he was alive and how she felt about that. He was just supposed to fade into the background with Dowling or something. So I don't have much hope anymore about this comic.

I have a feeling that Dowling will be the new NORMAL love interest too, and like you said he's boring and I don't really care about him, or maybe they'll go with the demon guy Koh (cause Jeanty said when asked about him in some Q&A that he's anatomically correct GMAB) seriously if that happens then I'm really done.

This season has been a big dissappointment..I should have stopped reading in S8 but they drew me back in with promises of Spike(silly me) the only hope I have now is that Spike gets some nice development in his comic...I don't know how because he's off with only his bugs but we'll have to see. Damn when you think about it Spike will be gone from the Buffy book for almost a year. I have a feeling thrt sales will drop even more in the meantime.

When you read the comments about Spike absence from the primary comic book - you don't get the reality of how long he will be gone.  I have no interest in a Buffyverse without Spike - and I frankly have very little interest in Buffy in SF without him either.  But I will continue with this season probably only with the digital issue as well and maybe getting only one copy from my retailer instead of all the covers since I have invested so much in this season and would hate not having a full set of the issues. 

I do have to give Scott Allie recognition for his, IMO, excellent treat of Spike in Issue 10 - and while there is some criticism that Buffy does not say enough, that she continues to be "opaque" and we do not have much new information about what she feels for Spike in the separation sequence - I think the artist did a very good visual interpretation of the emotions she is feeling.  The use of their body language is, IMO, excellent . 

I love the quiet dignity of their separation sequences - What a HUGE contrast to all the colossal universal magical bullshit of the Lover's Reunion and TGSF.  What we see in this issue is two people dealing with the reality of their lives and love - what Joss Whedon, the writers and Dark Horse will allow from the Spuffy Love Relationship - we have many months of waiting ahead.  My personal opinion is that this franchise is treading on some very precarious grounds with their fanbase.   And especially if one of their most popular characters and a very popular shipper relationship is chucked out to make room for this new Slayer Warrior Group being talked of.  Not that I don't think the franchise needs new characters, because I do - but it will be a very hard sell replacing the original characters that the devoted fansbase has grown to love so much. 

Was thinking again tonight while reading the comments over at Buffytube and BF how very much I hate the idea of Buffy ever again wanting to have anything to do with Angel.  And I am frankly astonished that even now, after how they damaged Angel; to such a degree that I some fans have abandoned the character, Scott Allie can still talk about Buffy having deep feelings and great understanding for Angel.  He does not say that Buffy still wants to reconnect with him romantically, but I see this as a sign that the door is left open for their future and that Buffy would still be willing to remains friends or have some kind of contact with him. 

I know that Scott Allie and Joss Whedon both would never say that Angel/Twangel and his physical and mental abuse of Buffy and her Slayers  is a good thing and morally acceptable - and yet both men have basically taken Buffy freedom of choice and control of her life away from.  To say it is disgusting what these men have done to Buffy does not even begin to address their crimes. 

Good Way to support Spike and his new Spike Mini - PLEASE take a bit of time to visit the Dark Horse site and vote for Spike.

Another poll, votes for Spike needed!

http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/996/dark-horse-vs-round-10-spike-vs-s...

This one is Dark Horse promoting all their vamp stuff by pitting them against each other in polls.

The poll isn't showing up on this page for me, but I think that's cos I already voted, since it doesn't seem to be over yet.

Good Way to support Spike and his new Spike Mini - PLEASE take a bit of time to visit the Dark Horse site and vote for Spike.

Another poll, votes for Spike needed!

http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/996/dark-horse-vs-round-10-spike-vs-s...

This one is Dark Horse promoting all their vamp stuff by pitting them against each other in polls.

The poll isn't showing up on this page for me, but I think that's cos I already voted, since it doesn't seem to be over yet.

I can't vote I keep getting a security warning from the site

Not disagreeing with either of you on it being unfair if Buffy has relationships and Spike doesn't; but I don't believe Joss is particularly interested in Buffy developing a relationship with anyone (besides Spike).  

Im Hoping against hope that I'm right here. When I look at what Joss has decided to do with Spike here it reminds me of what he did in order to actually believably get them to the "smoochy place" in season 6.

He said Spike had to do two things for Buffy to take him seriously and move the relationship up to a new level.

1. He had to say to her he wasn't going to wait around anymore for her to love him back and wanted to be left alone and live his own life. Be his own person. Joss believes that this is the most important element to someone taking someone seriously enough to be in a relationship with them.

2. he had to save her.

Part 1 has basically happened again in their last panel together. Maybe when he gets back part 2 will happen and then, hopefully its building the basis of them becoming an item.


Im also hoping against hope that Joss' constant babbling about Bangel being immortal and unstoppable is all a smokescreen to hide the true OTP of the Buffyverse which is Spike and Buffy. Joss loves to surprise people and there is no surprise in Bangel what so ever. There is in Spuffy however. Everyone thinks its going to be Bangel, even Spuffy fans.

In all honesty when watching the series. I felt with all my heart that this was the pairing that was meant to be and I was certain that In her heart, at the very end of her own series Buffy had actually chosen Spike over Angel and she realised it only at the very end of the very last episode.  Joss recently stated that she only realised she was in love with him the second their hand's clasped. Thats IMO is why their hands burst into flame like that because she had found her soulmate and he had found his. It is one of the most symbolic moments I have ever seen in Buffy. This whole major realisation about Spike comes AFTER her little cookie speech to Angel. I think thats important to note. The title Chosen has multi-meanings. it applies to the potentials but she also chose Spike in this episode.

Imagine for a moment that Buffy had ended then and there with no later stuff. It would be clear just who her soulmate was. I mean for petes sake, the last 4 words she ever utters in her own TV show are:

"I love you...........................Spike"

Thorn - If only you're right.  But we all know Joss's motto - never give the audience what they want. 

Just got new installment.  Is that cover ugly or what? 

Joss actually thinks the audience wants Buffy to eventually get with Angel, he said so in the Chosen commentary lol, so here's still hoping he's going to go with the less obvious ship.

He technically did give us Spuffy at the end of the the TV series, its a shame it had to be bittersweet though. But that is Joss for you lol.

Joss is Evil.  It's been scientifically proven.

Okay how is it exactly that Buffy does not even once think about her old pal Spike one single time throughout this book?  Also, I hate Kennedy.  I really hate the idea that Kennedy is Buffy's boss.  I also hate all the Baby Slayers.  Ugh.

Yes I know he is

But The reason I don't think she's even thinking of him is because she doesn't take him seriously enough, The second he comes back and wants to live his own life and do his own thing is the moment she will realise and take him seriously. Its Joss' pattern with these two it seems.

Well I'm hoping so anyway lol

Everything in the Slayer world is no longer simple - and it is good that Buffy or these other Slayers cannot live in the black and white world that Buffy wanted in her early Sunnydale life.  However, as late as Season 7 in the "Selfless" episode she declared herself as "The Slayer and Law" and she made a clear distinction between humans and demons and the application of laws and responsibility for the execution of how she saw her duties as a slayer.  Now with this Kennedy Personal Slayer Guards story, this has all been turned completely upside down and down the Rabbit Hole.   Buffy and all these Slayers are now nothing but hired guns in service to anyone who can pay.  Until the “terms of purchase” and clients that buy Kennedy’s Slayer Personal Guards, we know nothing about who and how the Slayers are going to be used.  They only thing that reasonably expect is that big time money players are the only ones who can afford Slayer personal guards.
   
The Buffyverse world is certainly very different now - and it is good that their lives and the rules they used to live by and depend on are being tested.  Look at what is happening to poor Spike - after all that time and everything he lived through with Buffy and her friends - he is back again to drowning his sorrows and pain in drinking.  He also has to look at his life and see how he can learn to live without his forever dream of sharing his love and life with Buffy.  He must think back on another of their roof tops conversation when they talk about the loss of magic and the scenario where he would no longer exist in Buffy's life and if she would miss him. Since Spike first came into Buffy’s life back in the final phase of the Twilight/Twangel events, he has been connected with the theme of lessons, higher learning and bringer of vital information.  He even goes as far as telling Buffy that Giles at one described her as a poor student and calling Buffy and Angel morons.
   
Giles left Buffy with only that Vampyr Slayer ancient book out of his estate and Buffy and Spike in their first balcony scene talk about Spike “having her back” – their last roof top separation scene has Spike getting back to their first “I have your back” but now it is more of a revisit to their scene when Spike gives Buffy back her strength and faith in herself to get back into life and her duties as The Slayer/Leader.  This “faith” theme is also connected to Buffy’s “I believe in you” scene, when it is she who gives Spike the faith and inner strength to keep on his transformation journey.

It would be, IMO, such a pity to throw away all this great Buffy story and it would be the greatest disappointment and total nonsensical treatment, IMHO, to have Angel be given the final reward of Buffy’s love in this franchise.  Angel in Buffy’s life has brought her nothing but pain and misery and has placed her in an emotional prison in dealing with her love partners.  It’s an interesting character connection that she is now tied to Eldre Koh who was freed from his prison as well.  He, like Spike, is also a character who is referenced with the Vampyr book in this story.  I sure hope that the connections will all eventually lead us to Buffy and Spike both developing into even stronger characters and perhaps even allowing Buffy to finally see Spike as a man who could really be a great love in her life.  But this would mean that Buffy would also have to accept that her life is not ever going to be wrapped up in her “normal life” fantasy but that she has to learn how to live as a fully integrated Slayer/Woman.

Either Buffy can accept herself as Slayer/Woman and Spike as Man/Vampire or they will never be able to share their lives and love in a mature and long lasting relationship.  Or Joss Whedon should put an end to the Spuffy Love story.

I noticed the Tin Cans connection too.  I don't see the "soul" but I hope you're right.  It would be more interesting than Kennedy and her body guards.  

The panel where Tin Cans shows "Soul" text -   I hope that this will end up as the resolution to the discussion from the JW first issue between Andrew and Buffy about starting a new Slayers organizations.  Almost everything in the first issue has played out or is now being played out in the current arc.  Kennedy now has the Slayers as soldiers for hire, Andrew's project was Slayers working in disaster relief and service for humanity and we now have this "new type of Slayer" that is going to be introduced in future issues along with a new Watcher.  And Buffy in the first issue responded to her total surprise about Andrew's plans with "me too." 

I am glad to see that my comments  that the Joss Whedon first issue was the foreshadow for the season -

Happy Birthday to James Marsters - all the JM  and Spike fans. 

Is he 50 this year?  Loved the graphic.

Comic - WTF? with that cover?  Nmcil please send in some covers and take that guy's job away.  I cannot stand it.  It's especially annoying considering the comic itself looked terrific.  I guess they're setting up Buffy to have a little romance with the Tin Can guy.  That will be intolerable.  Unless he turns out to be completely evil and Spike comes back and kills him in a jealous rage. 

Kennedy looked great but remains true to character - annoying as hell.  And I thought the demon guy was like worshipping Buffy?  What happened to that?  I must have missed that page. 

Is he 50 this year?  Loved the graphic.

Comic - WTF? with that cover?  Nmcil please send in some covers and take that guy's job away.  I cannot stand it.  It's especially annoying considering the comic itself looked terrific.  I guess they're setting up Buffy to have a little romance with the Tin Can guy.  That will be intolerable.  Unless he turns out to be completely evil and Spike comes back and kills him in a jealous rage. 

Kennedy looked great but remains true to character - annoying as hell.  And I thought the demon guy was like worshipping Buffy?  What happened to that?  I must have missed that page. 

You should do a ficlet to go with this image - I can adjust it for horizontal - Spike reflecting on his hunger and history for Buffy.  That is what the mini is primarily going to be.  Spike on reflection mode. 

It was sad today on the Spike-JM Birthday - I watched "Touched" and "End Of Days" - I still am completely disappointed that Joss Whedon felt he had to include Angel in the finale and then to have Buffy be so emotionally back on the Angel Love cage.   And thou it was played in the kissing scene as a romantic light comedy and the whole damsel in distress - her last line to him left, IMO, no doubt that she is still all in to Angel.  

This encounter with Angel coming right after her big speech regarding the strength that Spike gave back to her - it broke my  Spuffy heart.  That powerful scene between Buffy and Spike, one of the most significant revelations about Spike in all of the series is again, IMO, done away with by the Buffy-Angel kissing scene.  If Joss Whedon's intent was to present this idea of Buffy being confused and unsure about her life - his last line for Buffy to Angel takes away, from my interpretation of the scene, any confusion that she was suppose to be feeling.   And BS8, I believe gives even more emphasis on that last scene for Buffy & Angel.

Buffy in this season again had an opportunity to give Spike a clear indication of her love - and like her "does it have to mean anything" she lets the moment pass and sends him on his way.  I sure as hell wish that I could get inside Joss Whedon's head when he is thinking on Buffy & Spike.  After all the great things that Buffy did for him and that he has done for her, I still have no idea what  her true feelings for Spike are.  

I wonder if this Spike mini and their next meeting is going to be the final ending of any potential for a mature love relationship between them?  All the advance reviews that I have read, with the exception of one, have been very positive about the new Spike series. 

What do you folks think about this new female demon character and the imagery of the covers - they certainly present a big contrast.  The one with the Easter Islands Heads is the most interesting - those heads were all toppled by waring tribes and in Spike Issue 3, one of the covers that features this female character has the symbol for "anarchy" and Spike holding a sword. 
With the Issue 1 cover, the use of that pitch fork in another contrast to the Cupid arrows.  The cover could be about how Spike is thinking about his time with Buffy and all the pain and turmoil that they lived through - or it could also be the "temptress" theme. 
I personally don't believe that Spike is ready to do the "moving on" right now - not that he can't start on that road. 

One thing for sure, things have to change for Spike - It's going to be a long dry time at SF for Spike fans.

Is he 50 this year?  Loved the graphic.

Comic - WTF? with that cover?  Nmcil please send in some covers and take that guy's job away.  I cannot stand it.  It's especially annoying considering the comic itself looked terrific.  I guess they're setting up Buffy to have a little romance with the Tin Can guy.  That will be intolerable.  Unless he turns out to be completely evil and Spike comes back and kills him in a jealous rage. 

Kennedy looked great but remains true to character - annoying as hell.  And I thought the demon guy was like worshipping Buffy?  What happened to that?  I must have missed that page. 

You should do a ficlet to go with this image - I can adjust it for horizontal - Spike reflecting on his hunger and history for Buffy.  That is what the mini is primarily going to be.  Spike on reflection mode. 

It was sad today on the Spike-JM Birthday - I watched "Touched" and "End Of Days" - I still am completely disappointed that Joss Whedon felt he had to include Angel in the finale and then to have Buffy be so emotionally back on the Angel Love cage.   And thou it was played in the kissing scene as a romantic light comedy and the whole damsel in distress - her last line to him left, IMO, no doubt that she is still all in to Angel.  

This encounter with Angel coming right after her big speech regarding the strength that Spike gave back to her - it broke my  Spuffy heart.  That powerful scene between Buffy and Spike, one of the most significant revelations about Spike in all of the series is again, IMO, done away with by the Buffy-Angel kissing scene.  If Joss Whedon's intent was to present this idea of Buffy being confused and unsure about her life - his last line for Buffy to Angel takes away, from my interpretation of the scene, any confusion that she was suppose to be feeling.   And BS8, I believe gives even more emphasis on that last scene for Buffy & Angel.

Buffy in this season again had an opportunity to give Spike a clear indication of her love - and like her "does it have to mean anything" she let's the moment pass and sends him on his way.  I sure as hell wish that I could get inside Joss Whedon's head when he is thinking on Buffy & Spike.  After all the great things that Buffy did for him and that he has done for her, I still have no idea what  her true feelings for Spike are.  

I wonder if this Spike mini and their next meeting is going to be the final ending of any potential for a mature love relationship between them?  All the advance reviews that I have read, with the exception of one, have been very positive about the new Spike series. 

What do you folks think about this new female demon character and the imagery of the covers - they certainly present a big contrast.  The one with the Easter Islands Heads is the most interesting - those heads were all toppled by waring tribes and in Spike Issue 3, one of the covers that features this female character has the symbol for "anarchy" and Spike holding a sword. 
With the Issue 1 cover, the use of that pitch fork in another contrast to the Cupid arrows.  The cover could be about how Spike is thinking about his time with Buffy and all the pain and turmoil that they lived through - or it could also be the "temptress" theme. 
I personally don't believe that Spike is ready to do the "moving on" right now - not that he can't start on that road. 

One thing for sure, things have to change for Spike - It's going to be a long dry time at SF for Spike fans.

I totally agree with you that her conversation with Angel completely wiped out anything she said to Spike earlier that night. I know Angel always confuses her but after sharing what she admitted was a wonderful night with Spike to go and tell Angel basically that she still loved him and wanted him and saw a future with him meant that the night she did spend with Spike was meaningless. Buffy never seems to know what or who she wants. She told Spike she wasn't sure what that night meant and asked if it had to mean anything. But suddenly she is sure of her feelings for Angel? A man she hasn't seen except for random visits over the past 4 years? I think it is going to take seeing Spike in a happy relationship with someone else for Buffy to realize the feelings she has for him. She always seems to give Spike just enough to keep him by her side but not enough for him to be happy. Eventually everyone gets tired of waiting. Spike finally has, whether he can move on while he is gone is anyone's guess. She seems to like having his utter devotion, I think it makes her feel better about herself. Or she is just really selfish. Knowing she has someone who loves her that she doesn't have to give anything back too. If he does move on it will hopefully hit her hard just what she lost by keeping him close but still at arms length.

She was happy to offer him another excuse to stay and be her devoted servant/partnet - and we have to be fair to Buffy, she saved his butt in their SF Park battle with Dowling against the zompires.  This is what is so maddening about this relationship - they both care enough about each other to put their lives on the line to save one another - but yet they can never seem to get to the mature/worthy consort phase. 

The post Spike mini may ultimately  place Buffy and Spike in that former lovers-great friends.  Which, not fine from a devoted years long Spuffy fans, but for the devoted Spike fan; if he can come out of this next life journey road a better man; secure in himself and his capabilities to master his own life and make good choices to keep his hero's heart and power in place, that is what would please me most. 

I have kind of given up on Buffy's life journey story - it's been too  many years and events in her life since she became The Slayer to still be so confused about her life.  If I remember correctly, the justification that Joss Whedon used for having this very young teen girl take up with this a man who was years older and ahead of her in life experiences was that being a Slayer made her different and that this very, IMO, inappropriate relationship and love was not wrong within the context of her life as The Slayer.  But here she is still being damaged from that relationship, still not being able to find the truth of love in her life or how much she is capable of bringing great pain to Spike.  She wants to have him as a friend and to go to him when she needs him - but there is nothing that could hurt him more emotionally. 

In the Dreamscape issue conversation between Willow and Buffy:
Buffy - I don't want you to go things are starting to get better.  There's so much I'm figuring out about my life right now...I need you.
Willow - If you love something...set it free.

Maybe this is the time that Buffy and Spike both set themselves free - or this could dreamscape symbolism about Willow letting magic back into the world.  But I hope that some character development for Buffy and Spike will come from their time together in SF. 

She was happy to offer him another excuse to stay and be her devoted servant/partnet - and we have to be fair to Buffy, she saved his butt in their SF Park battle with Dowling against the zompires.  This is what is so maddening about this relationship - they both care enough about each other to put their lives on the line to save one another - but yet they can never seem to get to the mature/worthy consort phase. 

The post Spike mini may ultimately  place Buffy and Spike in that former lovers-great friends.  Which, not fine from a devoted years long Spuffy fans, but for the devoted Spike fan; if he can come out of this next life journey road a better man; secure in himself and his capabilities to master his own life and make good choices to keep his hero's heart and power in place, that is what would please me most. 

I have kind of given up on Buffy's life journey story - it's been too  many years and events in her life since she became The Slayer to still be so confused about her life.  If I remember correctly, the justification that Joss Whedon used for having this very young teen girl take up with this a man who was years older and ahead of her in life experiences was that being a Slayer made her different and that this very, IMO, inappropriate relationship and love was not wrong within the context of her life as The Slayer.  But here she is still being damaged from that relationship, still not being able to find the truth of love in her life or how much she is capable of bringing great pain to Spike.  She wants to have him as a friend and to go to him when she needs him - but there is nothing that could hurt him more emotionally. 

In the Dreamscape issue donversation between Willow and Buffy:
Buffy - I don't want you to go things are starting to get better.  There's so much I'm figuring out about my life right now...I need you.
Willow - If you love something...set it free.

Maybe this is the time that Buffy and Spike both set themselves free - or this could dreamscape symbolism about Willow letting magic back into the world.  But I hope that some character development for Buffy and Spike will come from their time together in SF. 

Well, I think the Spike comic comes out today. I plan to hit the comic book store later this morning, so we'll get our first look at the whole issue. (I don't trust those "previews" because they so often are deceiving about what actually happens in the entire issue).  

My Spuffy heart will hurt if they end up apart, but as long as they remain friends and admit to and maintain that closeness that has defined them since season 7 (really since season 6, Buffy's denial of her feelings  to the contrary), I will learn to live with it. Perhaps I can go back to writing Spike as a main character and give him a happy life to get on with.

Joss W and all his minions are EVIL.  It would be just like him to turn the tables and have Buffy decide she's in love about two minutes after Spike found somebody new. 

Joss W and all his minions are EVIL.  It would be just like him to turn the tables and have Buffy decide she's in love about two minutes after Spike found somebody new. 

Could happen. He already did that with Xander in the first season of the comics. 

I totally loved the first Spike issue - lot of interesting potential ways for Spike to develop in this mini - If I have it right, the story, if not a direct reflection of what is going on with Spike in his self-examination of his life.  I can see how the story and visuals can work as the visual manifestations of his emotional and mental condition.  Already Spike and his alien crew/friends have been attacked and have to fight to defend themselves and the home they share.  

Who is reading the Spike mini?

I totally loved the first Spike issue - lot of interesting potential ways for Spike to develop in this mini - If I have it right, the story, if not a direct reflection of what is going on with Spike in his self-examination of his life.  I can see how the story and visuals can work as the visual manifestations of his emotional and mental condition.  Already Spike and his alien crew/friends have been attacked and have to fight to defend themselves and the home they share.  

Who is reading the Spike mini?

I am!!! I read pretty much everything with the name "Spike" in it. LOL  But I would be reading it anyway, as it's going to eventually have some effect on Buffy.  I have all the IDW Spike and Angel comics too.

Who is reading the Spike mini?

I'm waiting semi-patiently for it to arrive.  The cover looks gruesome from what I can tell.   

Hey guys, what's happening with the Spike mini?

Hey guys, what's happening with the Spike mini?

I've got the first two issues. The third one should be coming out this week or next.  There are supposed to be five total, and then I just read recently that Spike might go to the Angel/Faith comic for awhile. Don't recall where I saw that, so it may be just rumor.

No it's not a rumor slayme...Spike is definitely going over to Angel & Faith.
And there's a poster over at Buffyforums who has inside info and has posted that according to what she knows from her source it looks like Spike won't be back in the Buffy title til at least # 20, so that means until March or April.

So what has our favorite vamp been up to lately? Why in the world would he go to Angel and Faith. I can't think he is very enamored with them. But hopefully time away from Buffy will help. Either he gets over her and returns a new man free from Buffy and/or Buffy has had time to realize just what she wants. If its the latter I can't say I won't be displeased if Spike has moved on. She has had him dangling for far to long for a crumb of affection from her.

So what has our favorite vamp been up to lately? Why in the world would he go to Angel and Faith. I can't think he is very enamored with them. But hopefully time away from Buffy will help. Either he gets over her and returns a new man free from Buffy and/or Buffy has had time to realize just what she wants. If its the latter I can't say I won't be displeased if Spike has moved on. She has had him dangling for far to long for a crumb of affection from her.

I don't think the comics writers (including Joss) are overly concerned with Spike's mental well-being or Buffy's.  Since we only have a rough idea about what happens in issue #3 (next Wednesday), and there are two more Spike issues to go, I guess we'll find out why he's going to join Angel and Faith for awhile as we get to the end of his short arc.   Buffy is up to #14 now, so #20 really isn't all that far away. Spike's only been gone for two issues so far - that will make it a total of 8 issues, 5 of which are him on his own. 

With the new Whistler Issue and his plan to use residual magic and gather it all to use it for the creation of his new source magic .

Whistler:  There's still a lotta magic items with charges in 'em.  Like batteries in a blackout.  I'm trying to get 'em before people use 'em up.  then I'm gonna...well, it's kinda complicated, but let's say grind 'em up.  Distill a pile of pure, uncut magic.  Theh spread it around the world.  Like Johnny appleseed. 

In Whistler's new world - magic will become a natural force "It'll get inhaled, absorbed...into every living creature on earth.  No need for a seed.  Magic'll just be in everything.  Part of nature.  And it'll evolve.  The world will evolve.  Into some beautiful.

The problem, outside of the spare me from all visionaries that want to play god and create people and the world into their Ideal Vision of Truth, is that all his talk of Balance - what happens to that "balance" once humans all become supernatural beings just like the demons and other supernatural life forms before the destruction of The Seed?  What would prevent all those forces to have a huge all ending battle over who will control this planet? 

It's never the tools that are the friggin trouble in the history of humanity - It is people themselves and how they use the tools.  The atomic bomb did not fly over on its own to Japan - people did that.  Just as people followed the leaders into those wars.  That person who create the anti-Islam vid mad the choice to create that shit film and show it online knowing what the potential effects would be. 

Personally, I think both Angel and Whistler are friggin nuts - who or what pulled Angel out of his total emotional and mental breakdown and gave him is instant cure? 

With the new Whistler Issue and his plan to use residual magic and gather it all to use it for the creation of his new source magic .

Whistler:  There's still a lotta magic items with charges in 'em.  Like batteries in a blackout.  I'm trying to get 'em before people use 'em up.  then I'm gonna...well, it's kinda complicated, but let's say grind 'em up.  Distill a pile of pure, uncut magic.  Theh spread it around the world.  Like Johnny appleseed. 

In Whistler's new world - magic will become a natural force "It'll get inhaled, absorbed...into every living creature on earth.  No need for a seed.  Magic'll just be in everything.  Part of nature.  And it'll evolve.  The world will evolve.  Into some beautiful.

The problem, outside of the spare me from all visionaries that want to play god and create people and the world into their Ideal Vision of Truth, is that all his talk of Balance - what happens to that "balance" once humans all become supernatural beings just like the demons and other supernatural life forms before the destruction of The Seed?  What would prevent all those forces to have a huge all ending battle over who will control this planet? 

It's never the tools that are the friggin trouble in the history of humanity - It is people themselves and how they use the tools.  The atomic bomb did not fly over on its own to Japan - people did that.  Just as people followed the leaders into those wars.  That person who create the anti-Islam vid mad the choice to create that shit film and show it online knowing what the potential effects would be. 

Personally, I think both Angel and Whistler are friggin nuts - who or what pulled Angel out of his total emotional and mental breakdown and gave him is instant cure? 

I was really, really disappointed in this issue of Angel. Totally giving him a free pass for what he did - the only bad thing, according to Whistler, and when did he get to be so powerful? - was to let Buffy stop the destruction of the world. All the rest of it was just hunky dory, including using the gold misty stuff to help him seduce her.  Bah!