Joss Whedon has managed the impossible yet again, somehow reinventing and reinvigorating these beloved characters and putting them on entirely new paths and adventures. I cannot wait to see where he's taking us this time, although I cannot pretend that I desperately hope that one of those places will be one where Buffy and Spike get together. Hey, I said I struggled to keep the balance between critic and fan, I didn't say I succeeded. Read Full Review

While specific media outlets have caught on to the news of the first gay male slayer (albeit, "slayer" in name only), when compared to Marvel and DC in recent months, publisher Dark Horse hasn't used the angle in an exploitative manner (it wasn't even acknowledged it in the advance Previews description). Intentional or otherwise, the move to not use sexual preference as a sales boost proves that progression doesn't have to be a competition of "me first," but a unique opportunity to show that anyone can be the chosen one. And, really...isn't that what our obsession with superpowers is all about? Read Full Review

The first issue centers around Buffy's hangover from the first party for all her pals and new roomies at her new apartment. We get flashes of the party from Buffy's hazy memory (some of which she'd just as soon forget). The comic is filled with great dialogue and it actually feels like the characters we remember from Buffy's better days are back in force once again. It's only a first issue, but it's a damn good. Best of the week. Read Full Review

Face it - if you are a Buffy fan, you're probably going to pick this issue up regardless of what any review has to say. And I agree, this issue should be picked up if only to see what happens "after." There are several moments that work on the humor level, some character growth that happens with time, and the beginnings of this season's Big Bad. The issue has a few places that stumble, but overall this is a good read. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9 #1 earns 3.5 out of 5 Stars. Read Full Review

However Season 9 ends up, I can’t help but feel the concept and idea of Buffy The Vampire Slayer is faltering. For one, the dialog and whole vibe of the series is extremely 90s; it doesn’t feel as if Buffy ever moved forward. One the flipside the story arcs have gone completely over the deep end. The freedom of being in print has opened up Buffy and her gang to things that are new and exciting but often lose the quiet and cool nature of the original idea. I’m sure many are just in love with the idea that Buffy lives and for them Season 9-1 will be a good time. Read Full Review

It'll be interesting to see how well that quality holds over the long-term. Whedon is credited as the sole writer for this issue, but he'll generally be co-writing the series with Andrew Chambliss. Will the quality of the writing hold steady once this new arrangement begins? That's the $64,000 question right now. Read Full Review

When Buffy goes on sale later this month it will be a welcome return of the book to hardcore fans. For the casual reader it unfortunately comes across as a little better than average comic book. Read Full Review