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Post by hitnrun017 on Apr 25, 2007 15:06:43 GMT -5
OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD!..... From Scott Aliie at the Buffy Zone: The last time I wrote something for this space, the first issue was just off to the printer, with the highest orders we'd had for a single-issue comic in years. When the book came out, it sold out overnight, and we've since gone back to print twice on issue one. Issue two came out, with an even higher print run, and that issue's gone back to press. Good times at Dark Horse.
Issue three is at the printer as we speak, due out in just a couple weeks, in early May. It reintroduces yet another major character, and this one, I think will be a bigger surprise than Amy was at the end of issue one. Andy Owens and Dave Stewart are currently putting the finishing touches on issue four, and Paul Lee has just finished pencilling #5. Just an hour ago I got Jo Chen's final cover art for Buffy #7, after getting the final draft of that script a couple days ago from Brian K. Vaughan.
We're busy 'round the clock.
MySpace was a major factor in our marketing for Buffy, notably a contest that we held in which Buffy fans were to write essays about how the show affected their lives. We got a few thousand entries, all over the charts. There were some recurring themes--a lot of kids who felt like they didn't belong in high school, learning that they were better off being themselves. Closeted gay kids who found the courage to come out by seeing the characters on the show. A few real good letters from soldiers who talked about how Buffy continues to be a comfort and a way to blow off steam in the desert.
The winner, Robin Balzer, will be drawn into issue ten of the comic. Joss was working on the story for that issue around the time he was judging the entries, and Robin's story about battling mental illness really connected with what he was doing, so while the contest promised the winner a cameo in a comic, Robin will get a real role in the history of these characters.
The response to Robin's win was interesting. As I'd expect from Joss's fans, a lot of people were touched by Robin's story, congratulated her, and gave Joss kudos for making such a unique and big-hearted choice. What I wouldn't expect from Joss fans--and sort of assume these guys might not really be fans of the material--was a smattering of sarcasm and derision, saying Robin didn't deserve it, that this was somehow "b.s." To read so many great entries about how Buffy had taught viewers about selflessness, about learning to respect themselves for being different, I wondered what these people thought they'd gotten out of the show.
Besides picking a winner and writing her into a comic, Joss also had to select five runners-up, who'd get signed copies of #1 (first printing). Joss, who often delivers over and above, wrote personal notes in Sharpie on the covers of the five books. He clearly went back to the entries as he signed the books, because each note specifically referenced the runner-up's story. I can't wait until they get their books. I'm pretty sure no one's gonna feel like a runner-up. And going beyond those five people, you can see a MySpace blog where other essays are being posted. It's a hell of a community out there.
The first arc of Season Eight is wrapping up fairly soon. Keep your letters coming to let us know what you think. We're having a blast here. Brian K. Vaughan's scripts are fantastic--he's captured Faith's voice brilliantly, with all the bravado and balls of that great Boston girl. And don't worry--he's getting his chance to write Buffy herself too. Just because Faith blotted out the logo doesn't mean she's dominating all twenty-two pages of each issue. Buffy has her issues to work out too . . . OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD! |
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Post by CowboyGuy on Apr 25, 2007 15:12:35 GMT -5
I LOVE IT! DAMN!
That's so rad I want to make a new banner for the site w/it!!
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chasmatic
Rogue Demon Hunter
In her fruitless kingdom...[Mo0:33]
Posts: 460
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Post by chasmatic on Apr 25, 2007 15:55:45 GMT -5
That is sooo effin' HOT!!!!   |
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Post by Giant Michael on Apr 25, 2007 16:44:28 GMT -5
Faith the Vampire Slayer! She's awesome. I've been waiting to see this one for a long time...
Also, round of applause for Jo Chen, who's managed to capture the 'essence' of Faith, if not a direct likeness of Dushku. It's a damn sight betters than the action figures have ever managed...
MB x
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shondrasu
Novice Witch
"Where Dwell The Brave At Heart!!"[Mo0:0]
Posts: 231
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Post by shondrasu on Apr 25, 2007 17:33:19 GMT -5
Wow, I really love it! What a great cover for Faith! I can't wait to own it.
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Grave
Initiative Soldier
[Mo0:0]
Posts: 322
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Post by Grave on Apr 25, 2007 17:40:52 GMT -5
WOW!! Loves it |
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Post by hitnrun017 on Apr 25, 2007 19:56:11 GMT -5
Hmmm... The more and more I look at the face without looking at the body, the more I see Charisma Carpenter.... but I still love it.
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Post by SlayerLV on Apr 25, 2007 22:41:58 GMT -5
That cover is amazing!! Have we even see pictures of the #5 cover yet though?
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Post by hitnrun017 on Apr 25, 2007 22:46:24 GMT -5
That cover is amazing!! Have we even see pictures of the #5 cover yet though? Nope  Hoping for a Giles! |
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Post by SlayerLV on Apr 25, 2007 22:53:13 GMT -5
I Giles cover would be so cool.
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Post by xmadxscientistx on Apr 25, 2007 23:50:30 GMT -5
I don't think that looks much like Faith, but if they say so I'll believe them.  Seeeeriously, though. I'm really loving season 8, it's putting the fandom back into fandom proportions. |
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airgirl
Initiative Soldier
Dark Moon
[Mo0:0]
Posts: 337
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Post by airgirl on Apr 26, 2007 4:32:49 GMT -5
I think the #6 cover looks amazing and a great rendition of Faith. I have been looking forward to the return of Faith and am glad it's sooner rather than later. I hope she's still hooked up with Robin, they were are great pair.
Mmmm, yes, mysterious cover #5, no-ones seen it yet?
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Ouija
Novice Witch
Posts: 228
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Post by Ouija on Apr 26, 2007 13:30:31 GMT -5
Really like the Faith cover. Probably my favourite so far |
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Post by CowboyGuy on Apr 26, 2007 13:34:25 GMT -5
Maybe this is the cover for issue 5...some sort of wacky one shot about a world without Buffy, and it was "Faith the Vampire Slayer" instead lol.
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Post by hitnrun017 on Apr 26, 2007 13:46:00 GMT -5
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Post by CowboyGuy on Apr 26, 2007 14:03:17 GMT -5
Ah okay. Anyway it would have been funny if it was true... Kinda like "The Wish" from Season 3 ya know? Like a bizzaro Buffy less world where Faith had been the slayer the whole time... Anyway thanks for clarifying!! Your really good with comic news btw! Much appreciated for sure.  |
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Post by hitnrun017 on Apr 26, 2007 14:12:04 GMT -5
Ah okay. Anyway it would have been funny if it was true... Kinda like "The Wish" from Season 3 ya know? Like a bizzaro Buffy less world where Faith had been the slayer the whole time... Anyway thanks for clarifying!! Your really good with comic news btw! Much appreciated for sure. Haha. That would be fun to see. I wonder what would be different. Thanks, But I do get a lot of it from Whedonesque. I always get excited when I find some big Season 8 news on my own though, this being one of them. |
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xander84
Innocent Bystander
I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 27
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Post by xander84 on Apr 26, 2007 20:27:27 GMT -5
this cover is freakin' awesome!!
i can't wait to see what they do with Faith in the comics...
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xander84
Innocent Bystander
I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide until it goes away.[Mo0:0]
Posts: 27
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Post by xander84 on Apr 26, 2007 20:29:29 GMT -5
Hmmm having it be a Buffy-less world and just have Faith as the head slayer would have been interesting to see......
I wonder if they would do that kind of story line would they have it as The Wish was that an a demon (Anya) was responisble for it. An amulet? Hmm its pretty cool to think of the possiblities.
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alanthebloody
Innocent Bystander
You. Me. Cosy little tomb with a view...[Mo0:0]
Posts: 8
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Post by alanthebloody on Apr 26, 2007 21:18:32 GMT -5
i REALLY like that cover. Faith is such a favorite character for me. I loved her being good. I loved when she went bad. And I loved how they made her redeem her bad acts. Can't wait! What is the cover to issue 5 tho? Has that one been released???
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