“Buffy, what we we going to do now?” - Dawn Summers (saying the final line in the series), 'Chosen'

By the end of 'Chosen', the final episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the show had comfortably established itself as a cultural zenith. After seven seasons, the saga of the young vampire slayer, her allies and their battle against evil and the undead had attracted a massive, devoted worldwide fanbase, spawned numerous spin-off media, and – undoubtedly – changed the face of television drama forever. Not only in its depiction of strong, female leads (and most especially in the genre of horror and fantasy), much of it can be credited to the skilled writing, characterization and dialogue of creator Joss Whedon and his writing team.

As Russell T. Davies, head writer for the recent revival of Doctor Who best put it: “Buffy showed the whole world, and an entire sprawling industry, that writing monsters and demons and end-of-the world isn't hack-work, it can challenge the best. Joss Whedon raised the bar for every writer—not just genre/niche writers, but every single one of us.”

Given this success, it's not surprising Whedon found it hard to leave the universe of his most famous creation. Most especially after the spin-off Angel, featuring Buffy's former vampire lover with a soul fighting the good fight in LA, was prematurely cancelled in its fifth season – a year after Buffy ended. Since then, there have been indications Whedon and his production team have tried to continue the story of that universe by way of spin-off series, and TV movies, particularly featuring the character of the British vampire Spike. With the exception of the recently announced, long-rumoured Ripper TV movie featuring Buffy's former Watcher, Giles, it seems unlikely of seeing any of these previously discussed Buffyverse on-screen productions in the future.

Then, in 2006, Whedon – also a noted comic book writer – announced that Dark Horse comics will publish a 'Buffy Season Eight' as an on-going comic book series. While not writing every single issue, Whedon closely oversees the project, and as such, the series follows much the same format as any Buffy television season with an overall arc, (and naturally, the inevitable emergence of the 'Big Bad'). Chronologically speaking, the series is said to take place a year-and-a-half after the television series finale, and places it further into the future after Angel's finale also.

The initial four-issue story is written by Joss Whedon and entitled 'The Long Way Home'. Now residing in a citadel in Scotland, Buffy, along with Xander, oversee a large group made up of Slayers, witches, seers and psychics – as well as an awesome arsenal of technology at their disposal. With 500 of the 2000 activated Slayers on her side, Buffy is also assisted by Giles, overseeing a Slayer squad in England, as well as Andrew Wells overseeing another in southern Italy. For her protection, there are two decoys of Buffy, one residing in Rome, and another “underground.” (The exploits of the latter is explored in a touching one-issue story called 'The Chain' after the initial arc).

Then issues six to nine explore the whereabouts of former rogue Slayer Faith in 'No Future For You'. No longer with the former Sunnydale High School principal Robin Wood, Faith finds herself alone and directionless on the Clevland Hellmouth until Giles recruits her for a secret operation to assassinate a rogue Slayer who has allied with evil forces. Unlike the initial arc, 'No Future For You', is written by noted comic book author Brian K. Vaughn. Issue ten meanwhile, features a dramatic turning point for Buffy and Willow's friendship in a story entitled 'Anywhere But Here', again written by Whedon.

Thus far, Buffy Season Eight is proving to be stunning stuff, and naturally most especially for any devoted followers of the television series. The initial story 'The Long Way Home' expertly re-introduces the core trio of Buffy, Xander and Willow and their new status. (Also of note, there has been a wonderfully ludicrous and intriguing change for Buffy's sister, Dawn). While Whedon's issues may seem wordy, it recalls fond memories of his witty dialogue from the series. Plus, there's a typical abundance of references to past events and the return of three former enemies, one of whom is a particular surprise. The main artist for the comic book, George Jeanty, wonderfully recreates the characters from on-screen without trying to make them seem photo-realistic. His pencils are simple, but he manages to expertly provide some impressive details at the same time, most particularly in a dream sequence of Buffy's in part three.

Personally, I find the Faith arc, 'No Future For You' written by Vaughn, the strongest thus far. Though it's a given considering Faith and Giles were probably my two favourite characters from the series, it mostly works as it stream-lines the cast. (Is it too much to ask for a Faith spin-off comic book series?). Faith is placed in an interesting dilemma here: To murder a rogue Slayer with whom she is getting increasingly sympathetic, as well as trying to reconcile her continuing resentment towards Buffy.

The following one-issue story 'Anywhere But Here', has Willow make a dramatic revelation to Buffy that will no doubt considerably affect their friendship. While initially shocking, on re-reading and thinking about it, it does make sense given everything the Scoobies went through in the last two seasons of the show.

In narrative terms, these first ten issues are much like early episodes of a typical Buffy season – more one-off stories before we gradually head towards the larger story, (and building conflict with the villain). I would heartily recommend this to comic fans familiar with the series, it's truly great seeing this world live on in this medium. Even if you're not a regular comic book reader, I would still definitely recommend this if you were a fan of the series. No matter if it's a different medium, it's truly great seeing these characters continue their dramatic progression from the television series, that made their characterization on-screen so out-standing.

The first five issues are already collected in a graphic novel entitled Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Long Way Home, available from most bookshops and online. Back issues and new issues can be most likely picked up at sci-fi\fantasy specialist shops, such as Forbidden Planet.