Buffy : Season 8

Michelle’s take:

Scott Allie just gave me the bestest birthday present ever - Buffy Issue #34, two days early. That’s right people, I’ve read it and wow, I’m just...wow. I’ve read some speculation on fan sites today and all I keep screaming in my head is, "YOU HAVE NO IDEA!" I’m not going to spoil anything, but suffice it to say that this issue is filled with lots and lots of information and lots and lots of...well, everything! If you’re looking for Buffy and Buffy to move in a different direction then I’d say this issue is for you. If you’re an extreme shipper on any side of the fence, I’d say, hold onto your hats for this one. The art is fantastic and the issue is choc full of lore. Every issue since #32 has had me jonesing for the next and this one’s no exception. If I had money in internet stock right now, I’d sell because I’m pretty sure the internets might explode tomorrow.

Tara’s take:

Michelle’s birthday has become all of our birthday because I read it too and whoa-oah! This issue is Cra-a-azy! To quote Ryan "JOSS!" ::with fists in the air:: What can I say without SAYING it? Well, issue #34 definitely over the top in a way that only a comic could be (or I guess a blockbuster movie with a huge effects/costume/actor budget.) My mouth was open the entire time. It’s totally and completely shocking, in more ways than one.

I’m not going to even pretend to gauge fan reaction to this one. Nope, not me! I can’t even deal. I’ll be over here assuming crash position...with popcorn, of course.

Bitsy’s take:

What to say, really, without giving it away? I don’t even think the issue can be fully processed on a single read. What’s interesting is that a lot of things get explained but I still don’t have a clue what’s going on or why. There are so many layers to this story and the scope is so big that, the more you know, the more you don’t. I feel like Brad’s arc is saying "Hey, everybody? You’re totally screwed. I’ve got to go but, here, I’ll let Joss explain to you just exactly how screwed you really are." Oh, and one other thing: Buffy? I guess she’s done baking because her and Angel are making cookies like there’s no tomorrow. By the way: it’s possible that there actually is no tomorrow.