Dark Horse; $18.99
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 Volume 5: In Pieces on the Ground collects issues 21-25 of the series. Three very powerful beings have gained the possession of a magical artifact with the ability to open portals to other dimensions. They have used it to allow dangerous demons onto the Earth.
Buffy and Spike’s relationship is currently going well. So, of course, trouble comes knocking. One of Buffy’s former allies shows up with a special request. She asks Buffy and Spike to work with the military, yes the military that killed a bunch of slayers back in Season 8, to defeat giant, formidable demons that are wreaking havoc. She also wants Buffy to help convince vampires to join the cause. The enemy of my enemy – you know?
The fighting is made more complicated by disagreements between the Scoobies. They differ on how to handle the situation and are growing apart in the process.
Christos Gage is doing a very good job writing Season 10. It has the wit, the style, and exciting good versus evil battles that are Buffy hallmarks. Gage also explores the changing dynamics of the characters who left Sunnydale and are now full-fledged adults. Season 10 takes the rocky aspects of Season 9 and has channeled them into a very interesting story.
Art duties are shared by Rebekah Isaacs on chapters 1-2 and Megan Levens on chapters 3-5. While I find Isaacs’ art to be more attractive, both artists draw expressive characters, imaginative demons, and set the tone for the horror-drama-action-comedy series.
-Amanda Sheriff