Advanced Review: Spike #1
Jenny Frison cover - Image via Dark Horse Comics
I’ll admit, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of Spike #1 out of Dark Horse. As much as I loved Buffy back in the day – and everything else Joss Whedon touches (possibly with the exception of Dollhouse, but that’s a discussion for another time) – the comics have really flown below my radar. So what’s got me so excited about the Spike-centered spin off?
Two words: Victor Gishler.
I’ve been a fan of Gishler’s since 2010′s X-Men #1. Gishler brought me back into the mutant fold after years of turning my back on the boring freaks.
Well, Spike #1 is Gishler’s first work since departing from Marvel’s X-Men and I’ve been waiting with short-breathed anticipation.
Story wise, I’m not sure what’s been happening in the Buffy comics these last few years to bring Spike to this place, but believe me when I say that it doesn’t really matter.
It appears to me that Spike is still all upset about Buffy rejecting him again and again, and he’s decided to put as much distance between them as possible… by jumping on a steam-punk space ship filled with sycophantic, alien cockroaches, on a trip to the dark side of the moon.
Steve Morris variant cover - Image via Dark Horse Comics
Gischler does here what he’s so brilliantly done over in the X-Men: taking characters out of their familiar and comfortable existence and forcing them to interact with others they would normally never come across, in a totally alien environment.
And his dialogue does much justice to the characters, literally causing me to laugh out load more than once.
The art by Paul Lee and Andy Owens has a real Mike Allred feel to it, which helps makes the quirky story more digestible. Lee and Owen have some fun and original alien designs, too.
All in all, Spike #1 delivered exactly what I expected: adventure, great characterization, entertaining dialogue, and a compelling story to boot. It’s a fun story with a character from my past, getting rowdy like we like.
If you’re a Buffy or Whedon fan, a sci-fi fan, or just a fan of good, fun comics, get your hands on Spike #1.
Spike #1 will be in comic book stores world wide August 22nd, 2012, but order yours now to ensure you don’t miss out. I predict that, since it’s a licenced comic but also such an all-round fun read, Spike #1 won’t sit on shelves for long.
