Dark Horse; $19.99

Buffy and the Scoobies have had relatively normal lives of late. Buffy is working with the police, Willow is working at a center for women’s empowerment, Xander and Dawn have had a baby, and Giles has finally returned to his natural age. Naturally, now is the time for everything to go terribly wrong.

In the future, Harth – the vampire brother to future slayer, Fray – heads back in time to learn all he can about the Reckoning, so that he can become the most powerful being on Earth. Buffy and her crew must uncover ways to outsmart the vampire who knows their moves from the past, which is their future. The Scoobies take a trip through time too, heading forward to recruit the reluctant, grumpy Fray in the hopes of defeating her brother.

Dark Horse closes their long run of Buffy comics in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 12: The Reckoning and it’s good. Joss Whedon returned to the beloved title to co-create the story with Christos Gage, who in turn wrote the script. Not only is it an epic adventure, it’s also a homecoming event that brings together the heroes of Buffy. There are references and in-jokes to the show that haven’t been as present in recent Season arcs, and even some cameos that fans of the show will enjoy.

Add in the talents of popular Buffy/Firefly artist, Georges Jeanty, and the book is a solid hit and nice sendoff for the Dark Horse run of Buffy comics.

-Amanda Sheriff