Firefly

First Look: Dark Horse Comics’ “Serenity” Adaptation Captures the Magic of “Firefly”

In the spirit of full disclosure, it’s only fair to tell you that I’m an enormous fan of Joss Whedon’s Sci-fi Western Firefly. Not only is it the best show that Whedon’s created, but it’s also one of the better genre shows of the past ten years - far superior to current “it” shows Battlestar Galactica and Lost. Firefly was a brilliant amalgamation of science fiction and Western conventions. It was incredibly well written - exciting, humorous and moving - and it was a hell of a lotta fun. Its premature cancellation gives me headaches to this day. Scanners kind of headaches. So, it goes without saying (but of course I’ll say it anyways) that I am excited beyond words about the upcoming Firefly film Serenity as well as the Dark Horse comic book adaptation. From where I sit, any Firefly is a good thing.

So...now you know where I’m coming from.

Knowing what you know then, you might be asking yourself, “Why would I want to read a review of Serenity # 1 from someone who is an obvious nut for the source material?” Well, because I have very high expectations. Being a fan of the series, knowing the strength of these characters and this setting, and knowing Whedon’s impressive ability to plot exciting stories and write smart dialogue, I had very high expectations for this comic - and can honestly say that it delivers. Serenity captures all of the magic of Firefly without missing a beat.

Serenity # 1 is an introduction. Its function is to grab readers and draw them into the “Firefly” universe while distilling the essence of the characters down enough for us to get to know them without any exposition. Mission accomplished. Whedon and writer Brett Matthews turn in an exciting action-packed script with plenty of Whedon-esque character interaction. The story finds Captain Malcolm Reynolds and his crew in a familiar spot...at the end of gun barrel; and things only get worse from there with the crew bungling a heist, on the run and being chased by the worst kind of people. Scanners worst kind of people.

As with any Whedon project, the highlight of Serenity # 1 is the character interaction. There’s no other way to put it, few people are as exceptionally skilled at creating textured characters and writing dialogue as Whedon. Reading this book brought back everything I loved about Firefly . Mal’s stoic and laconic remarks as he stares down certain death. Wash’s hilarious and off-the-wall commentary. Jayne’s simpleton tough-guy humor. Shepard Book’s enigmatic double-speak. It’s all there, as if we never left.

The only criticism I have (and it’s not really a criticism per se) is that fans of Firefly will obviously get more out of this than those not familiar with the show. It’s not that Serenity # 1 is inaccessible, in fact quite the opposite. It’s just a more meaningful read for fans - so why not become one (and order the complete season of Firefly HERE).

FOUR AND A HALF OUT OF FIVE VIKINGS