Whedonesque Mobile : Comments on 10424 : Buffy Season 8 comic book out in October

Woooo! Best news ever! I'm going to have to run around the house now flapping my arms and cheering. Excuse me.

Um. Wow. Um... it's been three years, already? Wow...

I never thought we'd get a continuation. Right from Joss.

Um, wow. Please check in later for actual non-shock reaction.

numbereleven | May 23, 10:54 CET

After reading this,it definitely sounds like this will be revealing what Buffy and the gang were up to during season 5 of Angel.Basically that it will be running parallel to Angel season 5.

Buffyfantic | May 23, 11:07 CET

Good to hear.

sungoesdark | May 23, 11:31 CET

Sounds great, can't wait.

Andy Dufresne | May 23, 11:32 CET

I was wondering when we'd here some definite news on this. I was hoping for, and actually though it was going to be, an ongoing however.

Gouki | May 23, 12:01 CET

Shiny, finally!

If this is still going to happen according to the original plan, though, there will be more than the one mini--first a Joss-penned story, then stories written by others following a season arc come up with by Joss.

I also seem te recall they were waiting for a specific artist's schedule to clear up. Anyone have any guesses?

Niels | May 23, 12:07 CET

I would love to see Jim Lee do this but I know that won't happen.lol

Buffyfantic | May 23, 12:17 CET

Paul Pope wowed me with his Batman: Year 100 artwork but I don't know how it would work with the Buffyverse. Ideally I'd love Alex Ross or Bryan Hitch to draw (hey I can dream!).

Simon | May 23, 12:20 CET

Joss's Astonishing X-Men artist,John Cassaday would be cool but I kind of doubt it.

Buffyfantic | May 23, 12:23 CET

Basically that it will be running parallel to Angel season 5.

Check out Joss' comments on the comic from November last year: after Buffy & Angel; four issues; begins with Buffy living with The Immortal.

crossoverman | May 23, 13:01 CET

Excellent news. Really didn't think we'd see this before 2007. My impression, BTW, is that Joss is kicking it off and it may then become ongoing with different writers (which seems to fit with the link provided by Keith G). Anyone heard anything to the contrary ?

Re: artist, yeah, Ross, Hitch, Cassaday would all be fantastic. Also, just read the first Gotham Central TPB and the artist for that, Michael Lark, does a great job with facial expressions and believable locations. My dream pick though (if we had a couple of years lead time ;) would probably be Brian Bolland.

More left-field choices, maybe Ben Templesmith (OK, that's not so much left-field as out of the park, in the alleyway round the back, mainlining heroin) or the guy who does Nextwave (and there's a small, strange part of me that'd love to see the scoobs as drawn by Simon Bisley ;).

ETA: Actually, re-reading the link (and Telltale's post above) it seems like it's pretty definitely an ongoing after Joss' initial mini. Woot indeed ;).

[ edited by Saje on 2006-05-23 13:51 ]

Saje | May 23, 13:15 CET

Eew, not Ross. There's something about his art that rubs me all wrong. He can't draw Buffy anyway, she's not from before 1985.

Hitch or Cassady would be great. Karl Malone, the guy who did Fray would be nice. Terry Dodson. Frank Quitely?

Do you think Adrian Alphona would take a break from Runaways for this?

John Byrne is a fan, but he needs to stay far away. He might want to write comics again, otherwise. *shudder*

[ edited by Gouki on 2006-05-23 11:51 ]

Gouki | May 23, 13:49 CET

Yep, very much looking forward to this! Although, to be honest, I am dreading that whole 'The Immortal' thing. I have always felt that was an unecessary addition to the Buffy mythos (it felt like it was added only to have a way to play out some Spike/Angel jokes), so I'm hoping that part won't end up annoying me (though I'm sure Joss can turn it into something believable).

As for artists, I'd like to do another left-field suggestion and say: Gary Frank. I loved his work on 'Midnight Nation' (which is, by the way, a great miniseries) and I think he does facial expressions and emotions really well (which is pretty much a prerequisite for a Buffy comic). I think he'd be perfect.

GVH | May 23, 13:54 CET

Yes! I also thought we'd have to wait til 2007 and that it was gonna be 4 issues so this is doubly good news. I'm sure with Joss' pulling power we'll end up with an excellent artist and I'd be happy with most of the suggestions made upthread.

Paul_Rocks | May 23, 14:20 CET

Perhaps I'll need to get into comics, too :-) At the moment I'm not able to name a single artist, but I'm sure you all made some really great suggestions.

Word, GVH! I was kind of hoping that Andrew was just having some fun with Spike and Angel, pushing buttons. I'm not loving the idea of Buffy with yet another immortal, especially some weird Casanova type. We'll see how that turns out, though.

Karenina | May 23, 14:57 CET

Six instead of four is wickedly exciting. This is wonderful news.

If I could say one thing to Joss.....Thank you. Buffy has been gone far to long. Doesn't this just make the day seem a little brighter? I am honestly thrilled.

cheryl | May 23, 15:12 CET

AAAAAAAAAALLELUJAH!!!

(guess I have to finish my fanfic to not be named a plagiarist ;)

And just for the love of bothering... Will Joss develop the ultimate stance to put Angel and Spike fans definitively in our place?

oh and by the way, the Fray-desing Adidas bomber is already on stores in Madrid. Awfully expensive, but COOOOOL.

[ edited by Small Blue Thing on 2006-05-23 13:46 ]

Small Blue Thing | May 23, 15:42 CET

"Karl Malone, the guy who did Fray would be nice."

Moline, actually, and that's not a bad guess--I think he's the only artist mentioned in this thread who isn't committed to another series/under exclusive contract elsewhere. Except for Bisley, don't know if he's doing anything. But Bisley should stay far away from the Buffyverse, really.

"oh and by the way, the Fray-desing Adidas bomber is already on stores in Madrid. Awfully expensive, but COOOOOL."

There's a good image of the illustration on that on www.DarkHorse.com
And it's very annoying that I can't quite name *all* the characters. :-(

Niels | May 23, 15:58 CET

Like a lot of other people, my impression at the time had been that the Immortal was just an storytelling tool to reveal things to and about Angel and Spike. Wouldn't it be fun if Joss had the Immortal planned out as a character that was going to show up again later and actually be really interesting? Cause, ya know, Joss could pull something like that off...like on purpose and everything. ;-)

We very purposely only saw the Immortal from Spike and Angel's point of view and through their memories of some very emotional events. I wonder if we will continue to only see him through other people or if we will get to see him for ourselves. If we do see him for ourselves, I wonder how different he will be from how Spike and Angel see him. My guess: Pretty different. We shall see. On the other hand, maybe he will continue to just be a tool. Not knowing is part of the fun that is Joss.

[ edited by newcj on 2006-05-23 14:06 ]

newcj | May 23, 16:04 CET

Moline, actually, and that's not a bad guess

I should have known that, considering I loved his work on Rogue as well.

Gouki | May 23, 16:07 CET

Good thought, newcj. Women might see the Immortal very differently.
I didn't expect the comic out this year either. This is such good news for those of us who thought we would get nothing new from Joss in '06.

Lioness | May 23, 16:09 CET

Why do I keep seeing this moment in my mind??? I see Buffy saying that she wanted to move to Europe and marry Christian Slater....I have no idea what episode it was, but it keeps popping up in my mind.
Could THIS be the Immortal ?????
Oh well...with no Spike or Angel in these comics I am really just not that interested. Hope they are good for whoever IS interested though......

kathylovesspike | May 23, 16:18 CET

But Bisley should stay far away from the Buffyverse, really.

Aww, come on. Xander as Conan, Buffy in a chainmail bikini, Giles clad in furs, his armour decorated with the blood of fallen enemies. It could work I tell ya. Well, OK, maybe not the bikini thing ;).

Also, though i've absolutely no idea why, GVH's (great) suggestion of Gary Frank made me think of Gabriel Rodriguez who's doing an excellent job on 'The Great and Secret Show' adaptation for IDW.

Personally, I wonder how much The Immortal will actually feature. Joss might just use him as a funny running gag (e.g. we may never get to see him) though if he does decide to flesh him out i'm sure it'll be good. I half suspect though that Buffy will be off having separate adventures pretty quickly (now that i've said that no doubt come October we'll be marvelling at the way the Immortal is intimately entwined in the very fabric of the story, nay the entire Buffyverse ;).

Saje | May 23, 16:21 CET

Didn't Joss himself say a while ago that this would also serve as an Angel season 6?

I'd be more inclined to take his word for it than that articles.

whosflyingthisthing? | May 23, 16:23 CET

I have mixed feelings about this and will be waiting for the reviews. I thought it was beyond silly--sophomoric, even--that the Scooby Gang scattered to every possible continent (I think they left out the Arctic and Antarctic, but that's it, right?), still hate Kennedy, still hate the Potentials. There's an opportunity here to redeem the awfulness that was season 7, but since it's never been acknowledged as awful but instead regarded as a high note by its creators, I'm afraid we can expect more of the same nonsense in the continuation. The obnoxious totalitarianism of the Slayers-in-training toward Angel in season 5 does not bode well for me, either. Who can stand these people?

I would want to see Xander develop as a character, actually, more than the rest of them...who cares about Dawn, Willow is a cliche and an appendage to Kennedy, and Giles is tied up with the Potential stuff. It's Xander who got almost zero screen time in the last two seasons and whose character was basically dropped. If he's really Buffy's "strength" as she told him at the end of season 7, I'd like to see that in action.

Ilana | May 23, 16:31 CET

This is exciting news. Can't get too much of Buffy.

And this whole thing of Joss setting it up as a season arc sounds just awesome.

Garim | May 23, 16:32 CET

Willow is a cliche and an appendage to Kennedy

Please explain why you are not forthcoming with the sense.

Gouki | May 23, 16:57 CET

I'm very excited that there will be more Buffy. My boyfriend's response: 'I'd love to see the scoobs as drawn by Tim Bisley'. I think that just broke my mind :)
Edit to say, duh! I didn't realise that comment was from Saje, sorry! Evil plagiarising boyfriend!

[ edited by Kang on 2006-05-23 15:05 ]

Kang | May 23, 16:59 CET

but since it's never been acknowledged as awful but instead regarded as a high note by its creators, I'm afraid we can expect more of the same nonsense in the continuation

Okay, those are fightin' words. Just because you believe season 7 was awful and nonsense, does not make it so. That's an opinion. Sure, season 7 had elements that didn't work, but overall I think it worked.

gossi | May 23, 17:02 CET

We are not, repeat not, going to have a bitching session about season 7 in this thread. Stick to the topic.

Simon | May 23, 17:05 CET

Of course it's my opinion. I think I'm right, you think you're right, the world turns...

Ilana | May 23, 17:09 CET

This is so fricking shiny. I've been waiting for official word on this for a looong time...and now we've gotten it! Okay, so now I'm gonna hop in my DeLorean and set it for October 2006...

I was always intrigued by the Immortal, and how exactly Buffy wound up with him. You have to admit, the Buffster has this thing with falling in love with the supernatural. That's always been one of her most fascinating character traits, and I'm sure that Joss will delve into it as much as possible.

Though it really hurts that Spike nor Angel or any of the Fang Gang will be able to appear in the book--damn it, Joss is their creator, who cares about trademark rights?!--I'm still psyched for this (and the next Serenity mini) more than anything else from any other medium of the year.

And as for dream artists?

Just imagine Mike Mignola taking his pen to the Buffyverse...

UnpluggedCrazy | May 23, 17:27 CET

"The Immortal". Funny name. What's that about?

gossi | May 23, 17:34 CET

Kang, actually I said Simon Bisley so your boyfriend definitely isn't plagiarising (he may still be evil though ;-).

(however, the character Tim Bisley from 'Spaced' was a homage to Simon Bisley and drew in a similar 'gonzo' style. In fact, for all I know the drawings we see presented as Tim's may actually have been by Simon Bisley)

Saje | May 23, 17:34 CET

Great news. I will be looking forward to this, although it isn't quite the same as a live action series or film. It'll be interesting to see what the Scoobies get up to. And although I enjoyed season seven I would like to see particular emphasis on Xander, and hopefully Buffy has softened a little with the burden on her shoulders lessened considerably.

It'll be nice to see how it connects with Angel season five, although I have to admit that some of the Buffy mentions on Angel were a little unconvincing. And I really dislike "The Girl In Question" although I've only seen it once so hopefully it will improve upon repeated viewings. But it was just so obvious that SMG couldn't be in it, and they just got Andrew in the absence of any other characters.

Personally I don't think Buffy's relationship with The Immortal will be as epic or important as those with Angel and Spike. I'm guessing she was just into the physical side of it.

Razor | May 23, 17:39 CET

Does anyone reckon there's going to be a big bad? And will we see Dana?

Simon | May 23, 17:55 CET

I'm hoping for a big bad (not sure if I'd want it to be the Immortal or not) and I can't see Dana not being in it, however I have more of vested interest in whether or not Faith and Wood will appear.

Jackal | May 23, 18:00 CET

I think we'll see Dana in some way.I still think this will begin shortly after Chosen and then cover that whole year leading up to NFA before eventually moving beyond it.

I can't see how it can be called Buffy season 8 if it begins at the time period of the TGIQ or post NFA immediately.

Buffyfantic | May 23, 18:18 CET

Yep, that'd be season 9 which won't be until after all the direct to DVD movies, several other comic series and the Serenity sequel * wakes from lovely dream *. Aww, crap ;).

Not sure if the Big Bad will be one we've heard of but for it to be a true Buffy 'season' there's got to be one and I wonder if the metaphor might be lack of purpose or a search for meaning. Now that Buffy's finally got the freedom she's always wanted it might be interesting to see her deal with the lack of structure and point in her life (the course of which had, pre-Chosen, been, well, pre-chosen i.e. 'nasty, brutish and short').

(and personally I really hope Faith, Wood and, if possible, Dana - who is technically an Angel character and might, therefore, fall under IDW's licence - make an appearance, if not in Joss' mini then later on)

Saje | May 23, 18:38 CET

"I should have known that, considering I loved his work on Rogue as well."

If you don't know it yet, try to find some of his stuff on Route 666 from Crossgen Comics--some of his best stuff.

I like the idea of the Immortal as a running gag that we never actually see, and may Kennedy die a painful death in #1, pretty please.

Some other artists I'd love to see on it: Leonard Kirk (exclusive to Marvel), Sean Phillips (not actually a good fit for the Buffyverse, but I pretty much want him to draw everything) or Goran Sudzuka and Pia Guerra, the alternating team on Y: The Last Man. I think they'd make a lovely fit. Or Cliff Richards can come back.

Oh, and why imagine Mignola on Buffy comics? Just read Ring of Fire. (Sure, that was actually Ryan Sook, but he was pretty much trying to *be* Mignola back then.) :-P

Niels | May 23, 18:41 CET

I can't see how it can be called Buffy season 8 if it begins at the time period of the TGIQ or post NFA immediately.

Has it ever officially been referred to as Buffy season 8 anywhere? I know a lot of news articles have called it that, but I'm not sure if Joss or Dark Horse have.

Jackal | May 23, 18:44 CET

Well the way I see it, Buffy season 8 is a good way to sell the concept to the media. Keeps it simple and straight forward.

Simon | May 23, 18:46 CET

Joss has refered to it as Buffy season 8 before. In fact, on Whedonesque - he announced it here first.

Also - Alias season 3 ;) (That had a 2 year gap between events from season 2).

gossi | May 23, 18:52 CET

He said it would be post Buffy and Angel but I'm pretty sure he's never used the term "season 8" (he says, having just frantically checked the archives) - so there's no pressure on it running parallel to ATS S5.

Anyway, I'm going to stop being pedantic now.

[ edited by Jackal on 2006-05-23 17:01 ]

Jackal | May 23, 19:00 CET

This is from JW's post of last November as pointed to by Keith G above:

it will take place after the end of Buffy and Angel and be canon in the Buffy world

(my emphasis)

so it could be set post-NFA (and so, technically, be Buffy S9). Buffy season 8, Buffy season 9, so long as it's Buffy i'm happy.

Saje | May 23, 19:01 CET

Of all the artists mentioned, I'm liking the Karl Moline idea. Seems more likely than some of the others mentioned and he was great on Fray. Although I'm not a 6 or 7 fan, I'm still a Buffy fan (as we all are) and that means I'm looking forward to canonical Buffy stories. I'm assuming there's going to be a seasonal arc just like always.

The Immortal wasn't an idea I was crazy about. I too, thought he was just a tool for Spike/Angel conflict and a tool in all other ways. In fact, he's my least favorite Buffy character. That's why I hope this story begins with Buffy killing him. What part of "Immortal" don't I understand? Hey, this is the Buffyverse. Never say never.

Regardless, it's official Buffydom and that means I'm there and can hardly wait. I just hope the whoever the artist s/he can draw the characters so they look like the cast.

batmarlowe | May 23, 19:02 CET

I'm wildly excited about this. I needed this kind of good news after (1) Amy Acker revealed that there wouldn't be any Buffyverse movies and (2) Deadwood was canceled (or de facto canceled.)

Fascinating question about there being a Big Bad, Simon. I wonder how similar in scope and tone to a TV season the comic "season" will be. Cool to ponder. Maybe the Immortal will turn out to be a Big Bad? Then again, they did the Buffy's-vampire-beau-goes-evil already with Angel/Angelus. "The Immortal." Heh. I keep hearing the buxom Ilona saying "The Immortal" with her uber-Italian accent. And also her saying, "The Gypsies are filthy people!" and spitting. Heh.

So excited!

phlebotinin | May 23, 19:06 CET

Dark Horse owns the rights to Faith so I'm pretty sure she will be showing up.Certain small side characters i don't think are tied to any company and can be decided on a case by case base. Characters like The Immortal or Dana sort of fall into this area.I believe The Immortal is going to factor into an upcoming issue of Spike Vs. Dracula at IDW for example.Halfrek was used in the Spike one-shot at IDW.Although I think I read somewhere that they had to get special permission from Dark Horse to use Halfrek.

It's the major characters who are owned by one company or the other.

Yep, that'd be season 9 which won't be until after all the direct to DVD movies, several other comic series and the Serenity sequel * wakes from lovely dream *. Aww, crap ;)

Actually that is my feeling.If it starts at TGIQ or especially post NFA then it's not Buffy season 8.It's Buffy season 9.

Joss has called it season 8 in interviews such as here.

http://www.slayerverse.org/tanet/net_buffy_us/index.php?navi=news.php&id=28663

Speaking of Buffy, in your mind, where is Buffy Summers today?

I don't have to say it in my mind, because I'm gonna be saying it in a comic book. I'm actually going to be writing some Buffy comics to restart the comic book line at Dark Horse. I'm going to be writing the first four ... and basically play it as season eight. I'm going to tell exactly where Buffy went after she left Sunnydale. So you'll have to wait for that answer, but it will come.

[ edited by Buffyfantic on 2006-05-23 17:17 ]

Buffyfantic | May 23, 19:14 CET

I can't see how it can be called Buffy season 8 if it begins at the time period of the TGIQ or post NFA immediately.

Well, Battlestar Galactica season three is set a good deal of time after the majority of season two. I know that Buffy and Angel seasons tended to go year by year but there is no real reason why an eighth season couldn't be set well after the end of the seventh.

I'm really looking forward to this comic book series. Should be very interesting to see exactly what Joss envisions for Buffy's life after Sunnydale. It's just a real shame that Spike is off limits for the series.

Kaine | May 23, 19:17 CET

Awesome. I need to go add this to my pull list.

war_machine | May 23, 19:30 CET

Even Warren Ellis takes note. *waves to Warren*.

Simon | May 23, 19:33 CET

I'm so excited I could spit!

ChosenGuy317 | May 23, 19:36 CET

It will take place after the end of Buffy and Angel and be canon in the Buffy world. I'm kicking off the book with a four issue arc that finds Buffy -- you guessed it -- living in Italy with The Immortal.

Since Buffy is already living with the Immortal, combined with the fact Joss mentions that it takes place after the end of "Angel", I'm suspecting the comic is probably set post-NFA.

I really didn't expect to see this released until 2007, also hopefully the article is right, and Joss is writing 6 comics (rather than the previously reported four-issue mini-series).

Remember, if the Spike movie gets made, the stories might even interlink. That would be cool.

paxomen | May 23, 19:39 CET

I'm not worried about the Immortal. Buffy's cookie dough, remember? Who knows what's in the mix.

jcs | May 23, 19:56 CET

Even Warren Ellis takes note. *waves to Warren*.

Course he took note, didn't we pencil him in for the second arc a couple of weeks back ;) ?

(actually I think that might have been the Serenity comic but if he wants to do Buffy too...)

That's a good point about BSG Grunge (and i'll just say that if they can fulfil the promise of the Season 2 finale then, yowser, are we in for a treat. Bold move on their part, let's see where fortune's favour falls). I suppose since there wasn't anything in-between the end of Season 7 and this then it's Buffy season 8, no matter when it's set (provided it's post-Chosen, obviously and, as mentioned, I don't much mind anyway ;).

Saje | May 23, 20:05 CET

If it does cover the period of S5 of Angel, iIt would be pretty cool if we see what was going on with Buffy and the traveling Scoobies when they had gotten calls from Angel requesting assistance. I always enjoy storys where you see things from more than one perspective, when it is done well.

My guess, yes on the big bad. Yes also on Buffy still trying to figure out what she wants out of life...only in Europe...while fighting the big bad. Maybe that is how she met the Immortal. Maybe he offered assistance...of various kinds.

I also wonder if we will find out when she found out about Spike being alive. Can they mention characters that are owned by someone else or would they have to use euphemisms for Spike and Angel? I cannot imagine that neither of them would ever come up at all, even if everyone is pretty busy with a big bad.

newcj | May 23, 20:10 CET

That's just it, jcs. I'm thinkin' maybe Buffy's no longer cookie dough. Maybe just half-baked, but still...

And ChosenGuy317, give in and spit! Spit like the wind!

batmarlowe | May 23, 20:19 CET

I'm happy about this only because it's the only new Buffy stuff I can forsee actually happening, but I fall into the camp of people who just can't get truly excited about a comic. I know some people love the medium but for me it's not even a poor second, it's bringing up the rear, and it's limping.

I'll get them if only because I have to know what happens next. Do these things usually get released in one bumper issue at the end of the run?

lone fashionable wolf | May 23, 20:26 CET

Do these things usually get released in one bumper issue at the end of the run?

Yes no doubt there will be a trade paperback collection of the 6 issues. Probably be hardcover and softcover versions.

Simon | May 23, 20:31 CET

Hm, dunno. Dark Horse isn't crazy with the hardcovers. There wasn't one for Serenity, and that was the most high-profile and commercially succesful Joss-book they've done so far.

Niels | May 23, 20:37 CET

If it does cover the period of S5 of Angel, iIt would be pretty cool if we see what was going on with Buffy and the traveling Scoobies when they had gotten calls from Angel requesting assistance. I always enjoy storys where you see things from more than one perspective, when it is done well.

That's sort of what I am expecting.That we'll be seeing what Buffy and the gang were up to during this period.

I also wonder if we will find out when she found out about Spike being alive. Can they mention characters that are owned by someone else or would they have to use euphemisms for Spike and Angel? I cannot imagine that neither of them would ever come up at all, even if everyone is pretty busy with a big bad.

They might allude to them in a minor way like IDW has with Buffy in the two Angel mini-series and Spike:Lost and Found but these were very small light references and very limited.I don't think they are allowed to even mention their names.

Honestly,I don't think not having Spike,Angel or the fang gang in these particular comics is that big a deal or necessary.

[ edited by Buffyfantic on 2006-05-23 18:49 ]

Buffyfantic | May 23, 20:43 CET

If this takes place right after CHOSEN, I'm going to have a hard time buying into it as canon, if Buffy can't speak the name of Spike.

spikeylover | May 23, 20:47 CET

Good news that we're getting them sooner then we thought.
I look forward to what Buffy's been up to, and hope that she has a impressive bigbad as enemy. I'm totally not intrested in the Immortal and do feel sad that Spike can't be used in Joss's comics.

sethsky | May 23, 20:54 CET

Me too Spikeylover...if these comics just have to pretend like Spike and Angel never existed, then I'm afraid they will be pretty boring for me. I mean if they are a continuation of the Verse and considered 'canon'...then I can't imagine they would make sense with no mention of the 2 vamps at all.....

kathylovesspike | May 23, 20:57 CET

Spoiler for Queen of the Slayers.

In that book the Immortal was the big bad. Buffy never lived with him though.

If Buffy can live with and be in love with another Immortal of questionable evilness, when she couldn't give Spike the barest smidgeon I'm going to be heartbroken.

And think she is the stupidest, most hypocritical, shallow girl ever. Just my opinion, but I think I would have a hard time reading this.

I wish they had never come up with this Immortal business. Yuck.

Xane | May 23, 21:08 CET

Great news.
I'm really looking forward to it.
Hopefully, we'll start hearing more things from other major sites soon, or Scott Allie and the Dark Horse people will issue a Press Release soon.

Agree with Telltale about Dark Horse, not working much with Hardcovers, but a softcover TPB being released shortly after the conclusion of the mini series, is mostly certain. I do own the complete 8 issue Fray series, nevertheless got myself a copy of Fray TPB which arrived like, a month ago. Really liked how the issues were joined together in the volume.

Still think calling it season 8 is more appropriate, especially because the last actual Buffy season was season 7. Better than calling it season 9, generating "what happenned to season 8" questions, even if the comic series, skip the year, which corresponds to Angel Season 5.
But this actually matters mostly in terms of marketing, for us, no matter if it's year 8 or 9, it just means that Joss is telling stories post-"Chosen". We're finally getting more canon buffyverse stories (clearly I'm still on the fence concerning IDW comics), since the end of "Not Fade Away".

Numfar PTB | May 23, 21:12 CET

For me, it's not specifically that I want Spike to play a part in the series, I just find it very annoying when ownership issues get in the way of telling a story. It's more than possible to do a Buffy season eight (in any form) without once mentioning Spike, Angel, Cordy or any of the cast from the Angel show. It's just that it seems a great shame to me that a property such as the Buffyverse has to suffer any kind of limitations when new stories are being told. It was bad enough with the whole WB/UPN thing (ironic that after years of keeping Buffy and Angel separate that the two netlets would join together anyway) but to see the same problems now with the canon comic series is very annoying indeed.

The sooner that both series are joined together as a single property and licensed out as such, the better.

Regarding the Immortal, it may just be my failing memory but when was it ever claimed that he was actually evil? Other than in the biased opinions of Spike and Angel, of course.

Kaine | May 23, 21:19 CET

Telltale: Dark Horse did a very pricey Hardcover TPB for Fray, think it was around $75 dollars (I think it may have been signed by Joss).

Simon | May 23, 21:46 CET

I only watched TGIQ once so I might not remember right but was Buffy actually living with The Immortal?I thought that was her apartment and he came over sometimes.

For me, it's not specifically that I want Spike to play a part in the series, I just find it very annoying when ownership issues get in the way of telling a story. It's more than possible to do a Buffy season eight (in any form) without once mentioning Spike, Angel, Cordy or any of the cast from the Angel show. It's just that it seems a great shame to me that a property such as the Buffyverse has to suffer any kind of limitations when new stories are being told. It was bad enough with the whole WB/UPN thing (ironic that after years of keeping Buffy and Angel separate that the two netlets would join together anyway) but to see the same problems now with the canon comic series is very annoying indeed.

The sooner that both series are joined together as a single property and licensed out as such, the better.

Regarding the Immortal, it may just be my failing memory but when was it ever claimed that he was actually evil? Other than in the biased opinions of Spike and Angel, of course.
Grunge | May 23, 19:19 CET

If I remember,didn't The Immortal have ties to Wolfram and Hart Rome branch?

I agree that The WB/UPN split and now the IDW/Dark Horse split are annoying.This all is supposed to be taking place in one universe.The forced split by networks and companies can be very un-natural at times but it's a business and that can outweigh what we want or think should be allowed.I felt that way during the UPN/WB split and still do now.What's more fustrating is the fact that IDW wanted the Buffy line and were going to pick it up at the end of 2005 when Dark Horse's rights expired just like they did with Angel at the end of 2004.Dark Horse were going to let the rights go from what I've heard just like they did with the Angel rights the year before but at the last minute changed there minds when they got Joss to agree to personally re-launch the Buffy line and write some issues himself.

With that said,I think that for right now and the purpose of this specific comic,Angel,Spike and the fang gang don't need to be in this story.

I want to know what Buffy,Xander,Willow,Giles,Dawn and Faith are up to.If they can make one or two light references to the vampires then great but it's the Buffy characters that really matter here in these issues,I think.

Buffyfantic | May 23, 21:58 CET

Telltale said:
"Dark Horse isn't crazy with the hardcovers. There wasn't one for Serenity, and that was the most high-profile and commercially succesful Joss-book they've done so far."

Maybe they didn't think it was worthwhile to put only three issues between a hardcover. Fray was eight issues, so it made sense. Personally I wouldn't bother with a hardcover comic book with as little content as that, I'd sooner buy the issues or the softcover trade. I only buy hardcovers either that rare time when I can't stand to wait for the regular trade, or when it's something grand in scope and large content-wise, which the Serenity comic really wasn't (much as I enjoyed parts of it and appreciate it as the closest thing we'll ever get to a final Season 1 arc). Of course, there are many folks out there who would go for it. Folks with more disposable cash than me, heh.

Simon said:
"We are not, repeat not, going to have a bitching session about season 7 in this thread. Stick to the topic."

Maybe not necessarily an all-out bitching session, but is it okay to calmly discuss the contents of Season 7 as they might relate to Season 8? Would be hard to have a speculative conversation about the continuation of the Buffyverse without at least referring to the odd bit of Season 7.

Kris | May 23, 22:07 CET

but is it okay to calmly discuss the contents of Season 7 as they might relate to Season 8?

Yes that would be fine. Nice calm discussion.

Simon | May 23, 22:13 CET

Snoopy dance....more Buffy canon!!! I am bummed no Angel characters can appear. Also, how does this Immortal guy fit in? ARe we going to have 3 vamps running around with souls? If he doesn't have one, what on earth Buffy thinking? Didn't she learn that lesson, especially after Spike pre-soul and all they went through? I am reading Queen of the Slayers right now...guess it's on the fast track to being alternate universe.

Charmuse | May 23, 22:25 CET

If Buffy can live with and be in love with another Immortal of questionable evilness, when she couldn't give Spike the barest smidgeon I'm going to be heartbroken.

And think she is the stupidest, most hypocritical, shallow girl ever. Just my opinion, but I think I would have a hard time reading this.

So basically your good opinion of Buffy ties directly into whether or not she fell in love with Spike as you wished it to be and if she falls in love with someone else she's stupid, hypocritical and shallow? Interesting. Doesn't sound like you really like BUFFY much at all. It's not an opinion I share because I love Buffy - even if she falls in love with someone else despite my big time B/A love. Then again, I don't fault Buffy for not falling in love with Riley or Spike. You can't help who you love and who you don't. If we're applying that logic, then Spike is mean and selfish for not falling in love with Harmony.

Of course, I happen to think Buffy gave Spike an awful lot...

That said, I have no interest in The Immortal - though this stems mostly from my dislike of his usage in TGiQ. I do have great interest in BUFFY and the SG and even though I'm in the camp of people who don't really care much for comics at ALL, if Joss writes a good story about Buffy and her friends I'll certainly check it out. I have a hard time considering it as canon, despite Joss' claims to the contrary though. I don't need an Angel mention (but it WOULD be nice *g*) - but hopefully we'll get some Faith since we didn't even hear in season 5 of AtS what she and Woods were up to....

love4ba | May 23, 22:25 CET

And lo the nice calm discussion ended in a record two posts. This thread is not turning into Buffy/Angel/Spike wangst. If it does, buckets will be taken away.

Simon | May 23, 22:30 CET

I'm amazed (well, interested) that people have such hatred for The Immortal. What do people actually know about him/her/it?

...

Pretty much nothing. Before I decide anything, I want to see - if example - why Buffy is living with The Immortal.

gossi | May 23, 22:33 CET

Ah, the immortal was just the 'new guy your ex is seeing' device-character for TGIQ. I'm sure if Joss includes him in this story he'll work soemthing out for who and what he really is. And I sincerely doubt he'll be a vampire. (Is that what they're doing in those novels nowadays?)

Me, I'm pleased as punch at this news. It should also put to rest the people who keep shouting all over the web that Joss has lost interest in the Buffyverse. There's nothing in the world that obliged him to write this, seeing how he's busy enough as it is. It means he still wants to tell stories about these characters. And man, to really see their story continue....man I missed them. Buffy, Giles, Willow.... (On a personal note, I do hope Faith and Wood are not a couple now, and that Willow will have dumped Kennedy. Hey, we all have our own pet peeves...)

Of course, yes, artist is very important. A bad artist will feel like strange, ugly actors have been hired to play the roles of the characters. Karl Moline was great on Fray but his Rogue work seemed very rushed and lacked the sense of scope and crisp storytelling Fray had. I'd love Bryan Hitch on this too. I used to hate how he was just an Alan Davis clone but his Ultimates works has really shown me he's found his own groove. That was some great effin' work!

Of course, given DH's track record on Buffy comics, they'll probably find the most ill-suited crapmaster they can find.... Or follow IDW's lead and go for a guy who can only trace promo shots. Do I sound bitter?

EdDantes | May 23, 22:52 CET

I'm with gossi on this one. We never actually saw the Immortal, and I know Joss has something incredible - and incredibly twisty - planned for the character. He always does.

Goddess, though, dream artists. I would love to see, like, Ed Benes on the book, or even someone like Pete Woods or John Cassaday or Terry Dodson or Jim Cheung from Young Avengers. Covers by Adam Hughes and/or Phil Noto would rule, too.

Emma Frost | May 23, 22:54 CET

Pete Woods and Terry Dodson would both be great choices as artist.

Buffyfantic | May 23, 23:02 CET

It's sort of scary to see you all talking about how whether or not Dana will have a role to play in the comic, since that is my name as well.... And sure, I'd love to be in there if Joss wants to write me. :-)

Anyway, I think it is sort of hard to talk about what we might want to see in S8 without mentioning our opinions about S7- which was not my fave season by any means, and of course there are things I'd like to see resolved- ie, Willow and whether or not she was really redeemed, Kennedy (ick), a larger role for Dawn- all of these if I had my druthers. But however it goes, I'm game for the game- cannot wait and really am interested in seeing how Joss takes this forward, though the Immortal has no resonance for me since he had no real role in the Buffyverse beyind being sort of at-the-time MacGuffin.

Dana5140 | May 23, 23:11 CET

Also, now that I see the original Joss comment, it kinda looks like a joke :-)

As to why people don't like the idea of The Immortal, I can only answer for myself. TGIQ strongly hinted that Buffy was romantically involved with him. That somehow bugged me. I guess that I just don't want her to be forever stuck with Dru's and Darla's exs ;-) Or, I liked the cookie dough realization and feel bad for her falling for some serial womanizer (admittedly we only have very biased opinions of this from Angel/Spike).

However, give me a nice twist in the story or a believably charming character, and I'm on board.

Karenina | May 23, 23:23 CET

I didn't mean to start anything. I'm a bit surprised and if this post perpetuates it feel free to delete.

IF the Immortal is souless and/or of questionable character, I would have a problem with her living and loving him because she was so adamantly against loving an evil souless thing.

He obviously isn't human, has ties to Wolfram and Hart which Buffy so severely judged Angel on, and at the very least is a bit of a slut. (Darla and Drusilla for the express purpose of revenge) Again this is My opinion and I certainly don't expect everyone to agree. I'm sure the Immortal/Buffy shippers have some valid points as well.

It taints MY idea of Buffy and the hopes I have for how she turns out.

Xane | May 23, 23:40 CET

I am actually am intrigued with the Immortal. There was obviously alot of history with him and the boys (again, how are we not going to mention them?) The fact that he did purposely go after Spike and Angel's women, and that he put Spike in jail for tax evasion is rather interesting. Also, it appeared that he was aware that they were in Rome, as he taunted them with the demon head.

Of course, as others said, I just can't see him being able to hold a candle to Spike or Angel.

spikeylover | May 23, 23:41 CET

Dude. Cookie doe. I don't think Buffy would spend forevah and evah with The Immortal. Uhm, we know nothing about him - it might be a Dracula type thing, who knows. I really don't think there's any shippers out there (uhm, yet).

Anyway, I just think it's too easy to judge either way. We only had one episode of mentions of the character and the situation, from other characters respectives. Buffy might be living with The Immortal as - uhm - friends. Or living with him to investigate him. Or maybe he/she/it is, you know, a slug.

The truth shall be unvailed in October.

Although if Joss makes him/her/it a slug I will laugh. Like, a lot. And then cry.

gossi | May 23, 23:46 CET

It should also put to rest the people who keep shouting all over the web that Joss has lost interest in the Buffyverse. There's nothing in the world that obliged him to write this, seeing how he's busy enough as it is. It means he still wants to tell stories about these characters. And man, to really see their story continue....man I missed them. Buffy, Giles, Willow.... (On a personal note, I do hope Faith and Wood are not a couple now, and that Willow will have dumped Kennedy. Hey, we all have our own pet peeves...)

I agree with all of this. I've missed Buffy, Xander, Willow, Giles...

I'm thrilled that Joss is still interested in the character of Buffy and her pals. I just wish it was a big screen movie and not a comic. Don't get me wrong, I'll probably check it out, I'm just so far from being into comics it isn't even funny....

But if that's all we can expect, well it's better than nothing. I just hope we get some good Buffy and SG scenes. It'll be interesting considering last we heard they were all scattered to the four corners of the earth.

love4ba | May 24, 00:14 CET

It's fine with me if "Season 8" involves The Immortal. If the story evolves in typical Joss fashion, he won't just be Buffy's new bf. He'll be something much different from what we expect, I'm sure. Right now we just know what we heard and that's rarely the real story, right?

Tooooo excited, btw. Time for a trip to the comic shop (to gloat).

April | May 24, 00:27 CET

As long as The Immortal has the face of Richard Dean Anderson, I don't really care. I just seen him as a Captain Jack O'Neill lookalike.

Simon | May 24, 01:01 CET

Now that's an age gap. In fact, one of Buffy's smallest.

gossi | May 24, 01:09 CET

Well I just see him as a smoothie. Almost James Bond like in his charm and manner.

Simon | May 24, 01:13 CET

Like Jayne!

gossi | May 24, 01:14 CET

Buffy and Macguyver??

You know it's going to be Dick Clark anyway...

Rogue Slayer | May 24, 01:33 CET

I would absolutely kill for The Immortal to be Richard Dean Anderson. Or David Hasselhoff:)

ramses 2 | May 24, 01:42 CET

Joss will probably have him drawn to look like Nathan Fillion. But it would be really funny if he was drawn to look like Joss.

And I also have to say that I really wasn't interested in comics either, thought them a waste of money until the Spike Vs. Dracula series. Well written and nice art. Totally worth it.

Xane | May 24, 02:27 CET

Wow! Missed a good comic thread...

So here's my 2 cents, I hope Michael Gaydos is the artist. He has the gritty look that would work well with a season 8. But he's not over the top like, say, David Mack.

For those who are not in the know, he is the artist that did Alias and Pulse with Brian Bendis. (Actually Mack did the covers for that book too.)

alexreager | May 24, 02:27 CET

I'd have a hard time imagining Buffy with anyone other than Angel for the long haul but who knows what Joss has up his sleeve concerning the Immortal.

Not hating the guy but ATS did kind of imply he is evil and I can't see Buffy being involved with an evil guy...not romantically. That's just me.

Agreeing 100% with Lucinda on the "would rather see the "Buffy" verse continue via the Big screen" but this COULD be the set up to something like that and it's great that Joss doens't have those same restrictions as far as characters go in the movie world. Simply stated he can have who he wants star in any movie. No rules about Angel or anyone else.

I've heard many opinions that SMG wouldn't return for something like this or that the funding wouldn't be there but I don't share that opinion. SMG has admitted interest in reprising the role with a great (Joss written) script AND I believe Fox would jump at the chance to return SMG as Buffy. It's a cash cow.

Anything Joss wants to crank out from "Buffy", I'll be there cash in hand. Big screen, comic...whatever. It's the best thing I've heard in a long time. I'm practically squeeling with delight.

cheryl | May 24, 02:50 CET

Simply stated he can have who he wants star in any movie. No rules about Angel or anyone else.

This isn't quite true - it's all down to contracts and all that raz in movies (similar to comics, really). Hell, Ron Glass (Book) almost didn't sign for Serenity, he didn't want to at first.

gossi | May 24, 03:19 CET

Yeah, all the actors would have to be in agreement to reprise the roles....is that what you mean Gossi? Man wouldn't it be a dream come true? Buffy and the gang on the Big Screen. Would interest me more than any of the other Hero actions we've had as of late but then I am a hopeless Buffy/Joss/SMG geek.

cheryl | May 24, 03:52 CET

The Immortal should look like Adrian Paul. (You Highlander fans should know what I'm saying.)

Anyway, didn't Joss say he was planning a crossover?

I mean, Dark Horse is rather known for its crossovers. They've done several with DC in the past, so I doubt it would be too much of a jump to say they could do one with IDW to have Angel on board.

Elf | May 24, 04:13 CET

Joss said he would like to do a Buffy/Batman comic crossover one day if it ever becomes possible.

Dark Horse might do a crossover with another property they own.From an interview with Dark Horse Editor Scott Allie.

http://www.slayerverse.org/tanet/net_buffy_us/index.php?navi=news.php&id=28086

Finally i allways imagined about a fight between a slayer, the strongest girl on earth and a predator. Dark Horse has rights for both comics. Do you offer Joss Crossovers?

We don't want to do crossovers with Buffy. The only crossover we've talked about is something Joss would write, and which would get everyone excited. But it probably won't be Predator.

Maybe Buffy/Hellboy?

I would like to see Buffy/Alien myself.

Buffyfantic | May 24, 04:35 CET

OMG. Buffy/Hellboy would SO RULE.

Buffy/Batman might be interesting, especially if you'd add maybe Jason Blood and Etrigan into the mix, and maybe even Klarion the Witch-Boy. But that would be me geeking out.

Henh. If Fray took place in the 31st century, then a Fray/Legion of Superheroes crossover would also rule.

But I get ahead of myself.

Emma Frost | May 24, 12:38 CET

"He obviously isn't human, has ties to Wolfram and Hart which Buffy so severely judged Angel on, and at the very least is a bit of a slut. (Darla and Drusilla for the express purpose of revenge)"

"I am actually am intrigued with the Immortal. There was obviously alot of history with him and the boys (again, how are we not going to mention them?) The fact that he did purposely go after Spike and Angel's women, and that he put Spike in jail for tax evasion is rather interesting. Also, it appeared that he was aware that they were in Rome, as he taunted them with the demon head."

My take on the Immortal was that he is probably actulally "good" (and not only in the way Darla and Dru indicated) but definately a slut. I don't think he/she/it went after Spike and Angel's women for revenge, I think he/she/it went after them because they were hot, interesting and available...as soon as he got the boys out of the way for awhile. He did the same with the use of the head. He kept them busy until it was too late for them to see Buffy and they had to go home. He could have had them staked each time, or certainly the first time. He could have kept them from getting the head back until it was too late and a war in LA was inevitable. He could have done lot of evil things. Instead he just always keeps them rather gently out of the way. Spike keeps saying how evil the Immortal is, Angel says he may or may not be evil, everyone else likes him...her...it. That said, it is sometimes hard to make an audience like someone that popular.

"Of course, as others said, I just can't see him being able to hold a candle to Spike or Angel."

That would be a tough one. We shall see if Joss even tries to achieve that.

"The Immortal should look like Adrian Paul. (You Highlander fans should know what I'm saying.)

Anyway, didn't Joss say he was planning a crossover?"

Hee hee. Somehow Roger Daltry came to mind right after I read that. Too bad Fitz is dead...and wasn't quite a bit smarter. Other than that, he would have been perfect. ;-)

newcj | May 24, 21:23 CET

Speaking of Queen of the Slayers, it takes place from the end of Chosen to around Not Fade Away. If the comic takes place after Not Fade Away and doesn't contradict Queen of the Slayers, does that make them both canon?

And I hope Dark Horse and IDW can come to an agreement like the one the WB and UPN came to during Buffy's final season. Have major characters crossover as long as their own comic's plotlines aren't affected.

[ edited by JesusSavedIn01 on 2006-05-25 23:36 ]

JesusSavedIn01 | May 26, 01:29 CET

Queen of the Slayers most likely won't be considered actual canon regardless of the timeframe it is set in. The only reason that this comic books series will be considered part of the "true" story is because Joss has officially stated it as such. A fact that does not hold true for any of the novels, thus far.

I think that actual crossovers between IDW and Dark Horse would be potentially troublesome, given that we know that the stories that IDW are telling of Angel and his team are certainly not to be taken as canon. I think a better solution, if it could be agreed upon, would be for the two companies to simply allow the other to use whatever Buffyverse characters they chose in their individual series. IDW would allow Dark Horse to use Angel and company whilst Buffy and the gang would be able to feature in the IDW series but the two companies would continue to publish their own entirely separate versions of the Buffy/Angelverse and so avoid the headaches of worrying about continuity between the two.

Kaine | May 26, 01:58 CET

May 23 2006