Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Wolves at the Gate

Okay, the Dracula episode of the teevee series is one that I only half-watched, if that, so I don't get most of the Dracula/Xander interaction, and I'm kinda pissed that the cute relationship between Xander and Renee had to end in her death. I realize it made sense within the story but still, BOO.

(four-and-a-half stars) ( )

This volume was so entirely Joss Whedon to a T. He still hates happiness. And Buffy still likes leading folks on, thus the song for today. Anyone surprised? But seriously, why does Joss believe that happy couples should never be allowed to actually remain happy? Either someone has to become a jackass and not marry that person, or sex turns someone evil, or one of the two has to die. There are no other options in the Whedon-verse. Sigh. So if you're coming to a Whedon show for the sweet romances, well, don't.

What you should come here for is the relationship between Dracula and Xander. I am so shipping their friendship right now; just to be clear, I do not want them to be more than friends. They have such a humorous dynamic. It would be just like Xander to become besties with the most famous vampire of all time, who totally gets dressed up to see Xander. Oh the adorable and the jokes.

The big showdown at the end was definitely a forum only to cause movements of characters for later segments and for Joss to hate happiness. Other than that, it wasn't really that huge of a fight. I think this was the best volume in season 8 so far, though.
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Whoa. Good comic. :) ( )

Actually enjoyed the Dracula reappearance. ( )

Buffy's latest foe is a group of Japanese vampires with the powers of Dracula: the ability to turn into wolves, panthers, bees and fog. They're also planning something that will devastate the slayer army. Plus, Buffy figures out who is so in love with her that they were able to wake her from the spell cast on her in the last book.
Again the plotting and dialogue was very true to the spirit of the TV series. The artistic work was somewhat between the first and the second in quality and my personal ability to figure out who the characters were supposed to be. (I had some trouble with Andrew, but the dialogue helped me figure it out.)
One more thing, poor Xander! Can this guy not catch a break in the romantic realm? ( )