It appears evident that the penultimate story arc of Buffy Season Eight is in capable hands. Meltzer's first chapter goes a long way toward establishing a focus for Season Eight in a way that other story arcs have failed to. With the impending reveal of Twilight on the horizon and the revelation of the true cause of Buffy's newfound abilities, this promises to be a story with real repercussions for the slayer. Read Full Review

It's a pretty issue, though. Read Full Review

Slayers die this issue, but they die as warriors. Death is their tradition. The battles occurred off panel while the previous story arc unfolded. So, there's thankfully a lack of ghoulish violence. You therefore cannot accuse Meltzer of singling out Slayers just to kill them and I would mostly characterize this issue of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as upbeat and chirpy. Despite Meltzer's reputation, it's also surprisingly pro-woman. No matter who writes the adventures of Buffy Summers, that's how it should be. Read Full Review

Overall, this isn't a terrible issue, just a fairly slow one that's pretty hampered by not-that-great art. A pretty massive shift in the mythology has been introduced now, and this is the issue where we get to see the jokey, Xandery reaction to it. Not everyone thinks it's such a great thing, so here's hoping future installments get a little bit more in depth, emotionally. That was always the series' greatest strength, in either medium. Read Full Review