Review by Chris Partin

“Retreat” Part 1

Script: Jane Espenson

Pencils: Georges Jeanty

Inks: Andy Owens

Colors: Michelle Madsen

Letters: Richard Starkings & Comicraft’s Jimmy Betancourt

Executive Producer: Joss Whedon

Cover: Jo Chen

Alternate Cover: Georges Jeanty, Dexter Vines, and Michelle Madsen

Assistant Editor: Freddye Ling

Associate Editor: Sierra Hahn

Editor: Scott Allie

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

My reading Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic books run about the same frequency as my viewings of the television show. I never watched the show with any kind of consistency, but when I did I had a good time with it and wanted to watch more. Season Eight has been a lot like that for me. I read the first couple of issues thinking I’d stay on board and then I didn’t. I would come back for an issue or two and then drop off. Well, I’m back to the series again and this time I’m not making any promises beyond this issue, but I will say it’s like coming home again.

If you are the casual Buffy reader then you and I have a lot in common. If you’re like me, you probably don’t know how Buffy and the Slayer army has gotten to this point as we open up this issue, but it really doesn’t matter. Why? Well, we’re told along the way what we need to know to be caught up, but not overwhelmed. There aren’t several pages of disposition that get you caught up. I appreciate that. There’s a lot of forward movement with this issue and Jane Espenson really does a great job getting us from point to point in an effect and entertaining way.

The one thing I think everyone enjoys with these characters be it in the comics or the television series is the interaction that they have with one another. The events that have transpired prior to this issue have put the characters in a very serious spot. While that’s very true, Espenson still is able to break that tension with quipy dialogue that fits. There doesn’t seem to be anything that feels out of place.

Georges Jeanty, Andy Owens, Michelle Madsen, and Jimmy Betancourt do such a great job on the art in this issue. I really enjoy the stories that I’ve read in this series, but I keep coming back and wanting to see the art more and more. This is such a great team of artists and it show in every page. There are a lot of great moments in this issue, but the last page is probably my favorite because there is only one line and it’s more of a sound than anything. It’s the art that really tells so much and it’s so good.

I’ve admitted I’m the casual reader and fan when it comes to Buffy, but I think I’m going to have to come back next issue just to see how things play out now that Oz is back in the picture. Espenson, Jeanty, Owens, Madsen, Betancourt, and everyone else involved in this issue should be proud. This is a really good issue.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (Above Average)