OH.MY.GOD.

I knew they had the "Viva Las Buffy" planned, but even after the last 2 issues by Lobdell, I just can't believe how bad this is going to get. The mind reels.

I guess this means we'll be getting more of the Pike character.

I have spend a considerable sum of money collecting the Buffy comics, so I have a completist feeling towards the book, but I am seriously tempted to drop my subscription of the main comic, and then pick it up later when it is really cheap.

In related news, the latest Lobdell "masterpiece" hits the stores tomorrow. How low can it go?

Note to Self - Do NOT let Mejia talk you into buying this one...

This series is making me hope God is both a Buffy fan and fiendishly wrathful, like in the Old Testament.

C'mon, DX, you know you really want to...

...And say Amen to that, Matt. One of the problems is that the Buffy comic gets such poor coverage in the first place that most reviewers simply have ignored the book for so long. Therefore, we don't get anybody in the comic world to rant on about how bad the book really is, and maybe getting the idea through Scott Allie's mind that maybe hiring Scott Lobdell was a bad idea.

I know that there are other comic book writers that are interested in the Buffy universe. Heck, they got Greg Rucka to write a short story in that Tales of the Slayers (the book, not the comic) collection, and I've seen many writers write how they admire the show. You'd think TPTB could get somebody decent.

Maybe the fact that Dark Horse sometimes has trouble paying their contributors may have something to do with it.

Several commentors have argued it is criminal at how poorly the Buffy comics sell, including the ones written by Joss. DH does seem to be in the profit taking mode, rather than the expansion mode.

Sad to say I could write a better Buffy comic than Scott...

Hrm...

Heck, they got Greg Rucka to write a short story in that Tales of the Slayers

JZ is friends with Greg, btw.

It is out.

The issue is currently seething quietly in my bag.

I'll inform people when I have the courage to face and read it.

Nope, I passed on it when I stopped by the local comic store. There was discussion in the store about the Buffy premiere (lots of thumbs up), and Firefly (apparently I am the only person in my town who liked it).

A few comments on the Once More, With Feeling soundtrack:

1. No sound effects present on the tracks - good for hearing the song, but distracting in the case of "Going Though the Motions" (no sword sounds or stake-poofing noise) "What You Feel" (can't hear the tapping from Sweet's dance during the song), and "I've Got A Theory/Bunnies/If We're Together" (cricket chirping noises lost in response to Anya's "It could be bunnies" line).

2. Song that was most improved over the live version - "Rest In Peace". The rock nstrumentation really stood out and fit JM's vocals better than could be heard on TV.

3. Song that suffered the most in transition from the TV show to the soundtrack album - "Walk Through the Fire"/"Standing" (tie) - both suffered in that instrumentation overwhelmed the vocals (a crime in ASH's case). "Walk Through the Fire" seemed to have different instrumentation than in the original.

4. Most emotional moment (for me, at least) - the opening three piano notes from "Sacrifice", the bit from "The Gift" that was included on this collection. sniff.

I agree that "Rest in Peace" is the most improved on the new soundtrack. I was also very moved by "The Sacrifice."