Spike, Old Times (From Buffy/Angel) PAD book

Prozac Man · 08-27-2005, 02:48 PM

Spike, Old Times
Written by Peter David
Illustrated by Fernando Goni, Impacto Studios

This is a book for the hard core fans of Buffy/Angel universe. I say that because the story is based on an in joke. An actress that was hired to play a love interest of a pre undead Spike in 1889 in season 5 of Buffy the Vampire slayer (Cecily), was rehired in season 6 to play a vengeance demon (Halfrek). When Spike and Halfrek came across each other at a party, they sort of looked at each other like they had already met. However, they never did any thing else on the show to elaborate on this. Along with the mystery of “what ever happened to Mrs Kitty Fantastico?” It became a huge subject of debate and many fan fictions were written about it. This one shot explains all that.

Since I’m short on time, I’m not going to do the synopsis of the book it self. It would take a full thesis to explain all the references to things that happened in the shows Buffy and Angel, that you need to fully understand this single comic book. (Or you could go buy seasons 5, 6, & 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Season 4 of Angel on DVD

.) Of course all of us that have obsessed over the show will absolutely love the little references. This was written for the fans. As far as the pacing goes, it has the feel of one of the more comedic episodes of Angel. I would even say it flows more like a good episode of Singfeild.

As far as the art goes, all of the humans and people in human form are up their with Astonishing X-Men. The demons and vampires however are not as dynamic or detailed as they should be. This has been a complaint of mine on almost all of the Buffy related comic books that have ever come out (Frey being the one exception). It seems like there has been a standing order from Joss to have all of the demons toned down in the comic books. Almost to the point where the artist is so restricted that the monsters look less realistic than their latex and rubber counterparts on the TV shows. I think the Buffy books would have a much larger readership if the artist were able to draw stuff that would normally be to expensive to produce on the TV shows. Other than that, Fernando Goni does a good job.

Story A-
Art B-

PS I’m surprised no one has written a review before me. Especially with all the Buffy/Angel fans that hang at this board.

Prozac Man · 08-27-2005, 11:08 PM

Um???
Am I the only person on the board that got this book? There must be some one else out there with an opinion.

No1insight · 08-27-2005, 11:11 PM

$8 for 48 pages? Not getting that. Even if it is PAD, and I'm a big Buffy/Angel/Firefly freak. I'm glad it was good, though.

Jeffreak · 08-28-2005, 07:19 AM

Spike: Old Times has the feel of a Buffy/Angel episode. There's nothing particularly epic about it, and you don't learn anything new about Spike or Halfrek if you've seen all the episodes of both shows.

It IS a fun, well written book though. The best part of the book by far is that Peter David absolutely nails Spike's voice - I can almost hear James Masters speak the dialogue. The plot itself is actually quite straightforward, but still enjoyable to read, with an ending that pretty much sums up Spike's character.

What drags this book down though, is the art. While Fernando Goni draws Spike's and Halfrek's faces very well, his storytelling is VERY stiff, and his backgrounds are very sparse. I can't say I like the colours very much either.

This is my first IDW purchase, and while the price point is rather steep compared to other Prestige-format books, I must say I really dig the production values, from the cover design to the paper stock. Best part is the ad for Fallen Angel at the end of the book - hopefully this will help sales for that book.

I'd like to see PAD work on more Buffyverse projects in the future, based on the strength of his writing here - preferably with a different artist.

Peter David · 08-28-2005, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeffreak
Spike: Old Times has the feel of a Buffy/Angel episode. There's nothing particularly epic about it, and you don't learn anything new about Spike or Halfrek if you've seen all the episodes of both shows.

Really? Nothing new? I just...I'm not sure what to say to that. In a book that gives you Spike's last name, Halfrek's origin, explains just what she was doing there that night in London in 1880, and draws a definitive connection between Halfrek and Cecily when the show just left it to conjecture, I'm kind of stunned that you would say there was nothing new there.

PAD

nietoperz · 08-28-2005, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Peter David
Really? Nothing new? I just...I'm not sure what to say to that. In a book that gives you Spike's last name, Halfrek's origin, explains just what she was doing there that night in London in 1880, and draws a definitive connection between Halfrek and Cecily when the show just left it to conjecture, I'm kind of stunned that you would say there was nothing new there.

PAD

AAAARGH! Why can't I find this book here in Spain?

I mean, it looks like the reviewer didn't actually read it. I mean, I'd be more than happy to do so, and review it. I've been looking forward to this since it was announced.

BTW, Mr David - Pascal, who is your biggest fan here, is leaving the board today... I hate to be so bold but would you have a farewell message for him? I think it would make his year...

Peter David · 08-28-2005, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nietoperz
AAAARGH! Why can't I find this book here in Spain?

I mean, it looks like the reviewer didn't actually read it. I mean, I'd be more than happy to do so, and review it. I've been looking forward to this since it was announced.

BTW, Mr David - Pascal, who is your biggest fan here, is leaving the board today... I hate to be so bold but would you have a farewell message for him? I think it would make his year...

Where is this happening, and why's he leaving?

PAD

nietoperz · 08-28-2005, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Peter David
Where is this happening, and why's he leaving?

PAD

Well, apparently today's his last day. Here's the thread... He's joining some kind of work camp.

Actually, he hasn't been around for a few days, but I guess he'll be popping by to say his goodbyes...

Starman76 · 08-28-2005, 11:12 PM

I have to throw my hat (opinion) into the ring. I did not buy this. I am a great Buffyverse AND Mr. David fan, but I have been put off by the prices on IDW series (particularly when Beckett put out many quality series for under $2). My buying habits have taken a severe cut in recent years with my budget going toward a new house, wedding, gas, etc. I am happy that it is getting good reviews and expands the Spike/Halfrek story, but I'll have to wait to find this in a discount bin.

Mr. David, looking forward to X-Factor.

muddlepud · 08-29-2005, 01:29 AM

I loved this book - just a nice Spike one shot for a few extra bucks and good artwork. It's made me think about getting into some of the other Angel/Buffy comics.

Zechs · 08-29-2005, 02:12 AM

You mean we finally learn how Mrs Kitty Fantastico met the end of a crossbow in this series?

Oh wait that got answered the other thing

Unfortnatly, I couldn't find this at my comic shop and ordered it off them. I don't care about the price. It's a BUFFY COMIC.. ok it's not a Buffy comic since she doesn't appear in it.. still it's in that universe.. and I've sorely miss it.

Plus I was one of those fans who fed this fire on the Buffy boards about that moment in Older and Far Away. So I must see my the fruit of my labors! Finally pay off.

Though have to ask, PAD.. how much of a pain was it to meld all this history already established into something cohearent? Still can't wait to see how you've pulled this off.

Heffaloo · 08-29-2005, 12:55 PM

I hadn't heard of this book. I'll have to see if I can find it. I'm a huge fan of all of Mutant Enemy's productions, and PAD rocks.

(I would like to note that the usage of "rocks" in this post is meant as a verb, not a noun.)

JMarsh642 · 08-29-2005, 05:26 PM

Spike is one of my favorite characters in the Buffy verse after Willow. (Some of my favorite episodes include Lover's Walk, Something Blue, Crush, Lies My Mother Told Me and School Hard)

So when I heard a one shot was coming out, I was excited. when I saw Peter David's name attached, suddenly price didn't matter anymore.

Art was ok, but the dialogue is where it really shined. It's only slight exaggeration that you can put your ear up to the book and hear James Marter's voice.

I loved the end! This is only the second Buffy comic I've purchased (the other was Bufyf: Origin) If they were all this quality, I'd gladly add them to my pull list.

BTW, PAD if you haven't recieved any better offers - I'll gladly exchange 8 cows for your daughter. Let's talk.

chaosmonkey · 08-29-2005, 05:26 PM

This book was just arse-load of fun, and I enjoyed a good bit more than the story in IDW's Angel mini.

'Course, I've never been that big a fan of Angel...Freakin' Duncan MacVampire...heh...Spike made Season 5 of Angel the best out of Buffy and Angel.

And my heartfelt thanks to you,Mr. David, for the tasty yarn!

amlah6 · 08-31-2005, 11:33 AM

I really enjoyed this book. The characters kept their voices from the show (which isn't always the case in the current Angel mini) and while the art was a bit inconsistent there was still more good than bad. It would be nice if the price was a bit lower, but I'd gladly buy 3-4 of these a year if they continue to be this good.

There was just one thing that's kind of bugging me about the book though...

This story seems to take place during Angel season 5, but Halfreck was killed by D'hoffryn in Buffy season 7. It's not like Spike wouldn't have known she was dead so the fact that she's supposed to be dead and it's never mentioned is kind of wierd.

chaosmonkey · 08-31-2005, 12:12 PM

I believe that I read that this occurs around BTVS 7/Angel 4. ANyone feel free to correct me?

amlah6 · 08-31-2005, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chaosmonkey
I believe that I read that this occurs around BTVS 7/Angel 4. ANyone feel free to correct me?

How could it have? During season 7 Spike started out crazy living in the school basement, went on a killing spree while being controlled by the FE, was later captured and tortured by the FE, then rescued by Buffy, helped Buffy train the potentials, had his chip removed, survived an attempted assasination by Wood, played PI with Andrew, and died in the final battle. When during all of that would Spike have found the time to visit LA?

chaosmonkey · 08-31-2005, 01:35 PM

[quote]Originally posted by amlah6
How could it have? During season 7 Spike started out crazy living in the school basement, went on a killing spree while being controlled by the FE, was later captured and tortured by the FE, then rescued by Buffy, helped Buffy train the potentials, had his chip removed, survived an attempted assasination by Wood, played PI with Andrew, and died in the final battle. When during all of that would Spike have found the time to visit LA? [/
QUOTE]

Oh, I'm aware of the logical leap in placement. I'm just relaying what I had read a while back on the matter of the book. I can only assume that Spike allocates his time in comics like Wolverine does(damn, 9:15! I'm supposed to be in New Avengers right now...!)

But, yeah, it has to happen before Halfrek's death in 7...otherwise...

amlah6 · 08-31-2005, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chaosmonkey
But, yeah, it has to happen before Halfrek's death in 7...otherwise...

Yep...

Hopefully PAD will come in clarify things.

CountD · 08-31-2005, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nietoperz

BTW, Mr David - Pascal, who is your biggest fan here, is leaving the board today... I hate to be so bold but would you have a farewell message for him? I think it would make his year...

wow man..that's uber thoughtful of you!

my wife would like this...kinda pricey...

we'll see.

Peter David · 08-31-2005, 03:52 PM

Okay, here's the thing: IDW has the rights to do Angel and Spike comics, but not BtVS. However Mutant Enemy was willing to bend slightly on using Halfrek since she was so pivotal in Spike's origin, and also because they really liked the story concept. But we had to be deliberately vague as to when in continuity it actually occurred. My feeling was that it had to be set at some point in the sixth season between when Hallie and Spike first saw each other at the party and the point at which they basically gave each other dirty looks at the Magic Box later on that year. So we have to presume that at some point, Spike felt like stirring up some mischief with Angel and headed out to LA, where he accidentally bumped into Halfrek. My guess would be right after Xander's wedding imploded.

PAD

Zechs · 08-31-2005, 04:11 PM

Ty for the answers PAD

Though if IDW doesn't own BtVS comic rights who does? Dark Horse? Or Fox just withholding it? This isn't aimed at you PAD just curious if anyone knows that answer.

Ret · 08-31-2005, 04:15 PM

Thanks for the clarification PAD. And yeas DH own the BTVS rights.

Although for my own sake I'll imagine Spike was visiting someone else besides Angel in LA. Becuase man things with Angel were messed up at that time.

amlah6 · 08-31-2005, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Peter David
Okay, here's the thing: IDW has the rights to do Angel and Spike comics, but not BtVS. However Mutant Enemy was willing to bend slightly on using Halfrek since she was so pivotal in Spike's origin, and also because they really liked the story concept. But we had to be deliberately vague as to when in continuity it actually occurred. My feeling was that it had to be set at some point in the sixth season between when Hallie and Spike first saw each other at the party and the point at which they basically gave each other dirty looks at the Magic Box later on that year. So we have to presume that at some point, Spike felt like stirring up some mischief with Angel and headed out to LA, where he accidentally bumped into Halfrek. My guess would be right after Xander's wedding imploded.

PAD

Thank you!

chaosmonkey · 08-31-2005, 06:47 PM

Thanks for the info! It's always great to find a creator who cares about the craft and the larger continuity(It helps, of course, if you dig the source material!...and you can tell that from the writing itself...).

Here's looking forward to your next creative efforts! And feel free to dip your toes into certain liscenced properties again! I'll be more that happy to vote with my dollar again!

Unless the 7.49 goes up to 7.50 then all bets are off !