Angel

Writer: Scott Tipton - Artist: Mark Norton - Publisher: IDW - Price: $3.99 - Released: June 2006

This comic is set in the popular imaginary world which was first seen in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and subsequently expanded into Angel, both of which were created by Joss Whedon. The best comic book series set in an established TV or Movie related worlds either add insights into the canonical nature of the appropriate universe, or tell a tale that could never make it to the screen. Sadly this comic does neither. Angel Spotlight: Wesley

The book focuses on Wesley and, indeed, Angel does not feature at all. The plot involves Wesley and Spike in an investigation into the cure for a curse that has fallen on Fred’s colleague and close friend Knox. While searching for the cure, Wesley has to make a moral choice; should he help to cure his rival or let him die and, in effect, eliminate the competition?

On the up-side, the characterisations of the leading figures (Wesley and Spike) are consistent with the TV series and the plot would not have been out of keeping with an episode. On the down-side this means that the comic treads over ground which is entirely familiar and, most damagingly, offers nothing new in terms of insight or character development.

The art is similarly humdrum. The layouts are reasonably good and imaginative, though framed very much as if watching a TV episode, but the characters, who appear in almost very frame, are rather wooden looking and Wesley, in particular, has a set expression of glum determination throughout the book. This sort of one-note characterisation and the apparent lack of courage, where the leading man has to appear in every shot, are what really let the book down.

One of the best things about the TV series was the subtle shades of light and dark that Joss Whedon had imbued the characters with. This drove out interesting plots and believable human interactions and most importantly allowed them to change and grow.

It is sad then that this book, can offer only the spectre of familiarity and a continued connection to a popular franchise, because with the possibility of real change or growth denied to the characters, the dramatic tension is reduced to near nothing. Ironically by being such a faithful take on the characters and plot the authors have rendered the story inert and ultimately pointless.