Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight Review – Issue 21

This week saw the release of another one-shot, this time focused on Harmony.

General Information

Title: Buffy the Vampire Slayer #21

Author: Jane Espenson

Illustrator(s): Georges Jeanty (pencils), Andy Owens (inks) and Michelle Madsen (colours)

Cover Date: January 2009

Cover Price: $2.99 US

Premise

Harmony Kendall is now the star of her own reality T.V. series, which is floundering in the ratings. It’s going to take something major to prevent her cancellation. Meanwhile, a new Slayer has emerged, and Buffy and Andrew try to recruit her to the team.

High Point

“I have a little cartoon duck… somewhere…”

Low Point

Seems like a cheap way to go.

The Scores

This has an original feel for the comic series. It feels like a lighter, comic relief issue, as did the last issue, but this did it with implications that should impact the rest of the series. I give it 5 out of 6.

The artwork is very well done. We’ve got good likenesses with quality storytelling. I give it 5 out of 6.

The story is similarly well done. We know exactly what Harmony’s up to, and how her story connects to the rest of the series. I give it 5 out of 6.

The characterization is great. The established characters are immediately recognizable, and the new slayer is easy to pick up on. I give it 5 out of 6.

The emotional response is great. Harmony isn’t the only classic character to return, and it does the classic Whedon-verse switch from comedy to tragedy in moments. Entertaining and engaging. I give it 6 out of 6.

The flow is smooth as well, taking us through quickly and easily. I give it 5 out of 6.

Overall, it’s classic Harmony stuff, without neglecting the rest of the cast. I give it 5 out of 6.

In total, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight #21 receives 36 out of 42.

Past “Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight” Reviews