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.