Who benefits/suffers from the comic medium?

[Paul]

I was thinking about this after Emmie's comments about Sam in the Riley one-shot thread, about how the character is more likable in the comics because the actress isn't undermining her good traits. What other characters do you think benefit most from the comic book medium?

For me, Connor is the one who's benefited most. I loathed that character during seasons three and four, and even after he was "redeemed" in season five, I still found Vincent Kartheiser annoying. However, in AtF, he really came across as down-to-earth and funny, someone I could root for. I started to appreciate his very Buffy-esque blasé attitude to things, which was apparent in "Origin" but ruined somewhat by Kartheiser's acting. Kate was another character I hated in the show, couldn't stand her, but her tiny appearance in AtF was one of the series' high points. She was so focused and confidant in her mission, which was a refreshing change from her constant complaining in the show.

On the other hand, certain characters have suffered without their actors. It turns out a big part of their charm and personality was in the acting, not the writing. Amy, for example, comes across as very one-dimensional and bland without Elizabeth Anne Allen's quirky performance. Illyria is much less interesting in the comics, because Amy Acker communicated so much through subtle body language like head tilting and intense stares. She's still a badass character, but doesn't feel quite as unique IMO. I also feel like Harmony's appeal has been diluted quite a bit without Mercedes McNab's comic timing. It kind of makes me glad Anya isn't in the comics, because I don't think she would be as funny without Emma Caulfield. (It's worth noting that Amy, Harmony, and Anya were all minor or one-off characters who earned more appearances, presumably based on the actors.)

[BlueJay]

I have to say the same for Kennedy and Andrew. I loathed them both in Season Seven but they are both shaping up to be likable characters in Season Eight.

[Hellbound Hyperion]

Hate to toot my horn again for Gunn and Illyria, but... well, Gunn and Illyria. Incredible developments in After the Fall, compounded by Only Human.

[wenxina]

I don't think that my opinion has changed for any of the characters, despite the change in medium. I've never hated any of the characters (okay, I found Jonathan to be extremely annoying, but it was never hate), and thanks to the strong performances of the actors before, I find it easy to add the movement to the still art. I think we're lucky that we're coming to the comic medium with the last seven seasons to help us see the characters actually "move" and "act". And when an artist succeeds in nailing that essence, it becomes the character, quirks and all. Jeanty's done that multiple times now, nailing mannerisms that make a character unique. Rereading #33, during the Twilight/Buffy chat, you can totally see Angel's mannerisms. For example in the way he points at Buffy. That's Angel's trademark accusatory finger point.
And Moline's definitely way more cartoony, but that doesn't mean that he's unable to do the same. He does pensive Buffy quite well, and Willow is definitely a character that he seems to be quite adept at.

But I think there is something to be said about the essence of the character coming through more truly without the intervening element of the actor's ability to realistically and convincingly convey it. I mean, Iyari Limon, not the greatest actress, and quite honestly, I found Amber Benson's range to be quite spotty too. So I guess, for me, it's a matter of a character coming through better through the art, than it is about likability.

[Wyndam]

Definitely Kennedy. With Iyari out of the way, she's like a whole new character.

I echo Paul's sentiments about Connor and Harmony.

Gunn also had some of his best material in AtF, same goes for Illyria. She was only around for 9 episodes before jumping into the comics, so it was great to see such an impactful (why does my computer not think this is a word?) character expanded on so well.

I think a lot would also agree that Spike benefits very well from the medium, when in the hands of Brian Lynch. I'm excited to see how he's handled in Season 8, as Angel has, unfortunately, not benefited very well.

[wenxina]

I would however contest that Angel in Season 8 is being judged without full context, and so his OOCness may yet be revealed. Sounds like #38 will deal with some more of his Twilight origin.

[Wyndam]

I'm definitely holding out until Season 8 is finished before passing much judgement. I think I actually enjoyed the last arc more than a lot, simply because of how exciting it was that Angel was Twilight, and I was just sitting back and enjoying the story.

Now that the excitement has passed, I'm worried that we're dealing with a case where "Angel should be Twilight!" was so exciting and tempting, that all the nuts, bolts, kinks and thingamabobs were never really planned out to the fullest.

I desperately hope Joss proves me wrong though, as Angel is my character numero uno now that Wesley is dead.

[VampSlayer]

Connor, definitely. I thought he was okay in the show, never really liked him or hated him, but the comics made me really care for him. Sadly, it looks like almost every 'Angel' character is suffering ATM, over on the main title, because of unfit writers. That could change, though.

I also think it helped Illyria, too! She was deep in the show, but we didn't get to see a lot of her, unfortunately. The comics allowed her to get some more attention, which is great. (Again, she's one of the ones suffering ATM, though. Probably the one who is suffering the most, actually.)

It helped Gunn out too, IMO. I never really cared for him. But AtF made me really find him interesting.

Buffy Season 8 characters that are being helped would include Kennedy, like others have said. She wasn't too great in the show, but she's better now. ^_^

I want to say that Angel isn't being helped. Being Twilight has ruined him to some degree. He seemed so OOC, and different in 'Twilight'. I hope his actions will be explained soon. But right now isn't a good time for him.

[Skytteflickan88]

I can't point out any character that actualy benefited from the transition (except for the ones who got better character arcs than they had on the show, but that's not because of the comic book medium). I just had a re-watch of season 1-3 of Buffy, and I have to say that I miss the actors' facial expressions, the soundtrack, their voices.

Willow's pouting, Buffy's punning and Xander's goofyness aren't translateable (even tough Xander's goofyness reaches a almost equal awesome level, but it's different)

I think Willow had the chance to reach new levels of witchyness we might never have seen on the show. The magical effects and flying wouldn't look as "natural" and "realistic" on screen as it does in print.

[PJ]

I have to agree with Jay. I really love Kennedy now, and Andrew even more in S8. Kennedy just seemed WAY to sudden for Willow in S7, and seemed really pushy and annoying for alot of people. However, now from some of the arcs we've seen her in, she is starting to become a very likeable character to me, and i hope alot more people! Also, i feel the same way for Andrew. I still loved him in the show, but in S8, i feel like he has grown ALOT more as a character in a good way.

[Skytteflickan88]

I think that Buffy suffers from the change. Buffy is colder in season 8, she's a leader now, and makes sacrifices she wouldn't have before. And even tough she still has her goofy Buffy moments, without SMG threedimensional take on it, it gets overshadowed by the cold shown. It's generally easier for me to imagine Buffy sounding cold, since my imagination doesn't give the characters their proper voices if I read too quickly. They all sound flat in my head. Might just be my trouble tough. But there is the lack of friendly facial expressions as well, with all characters. Jeanty can draw a smile, but it's not as winning as it would be on TV.

[buffyfan21]

I don't think the comic medium has changed my opinions or feelings for any of the characters; which have remained pretty consistent despite the switch. I still don't like Kennedy (sorry) and I still love Andrew, etc. Dawn still comes across as annoying and whiney at times, too (but I love her). I think it's a sign of great writing and art together that can inspire in me the same love for the characters. It is the same writing, characterization we knew for years on the television show, just presented to us in a somewhat different way now. If I had to pick one character that is the most recognizable, most consistent, etc., Xander would be my top choice. He still retains the witty, sarcastic, fun-loving sense of humor, only now it is coupled with a much more serious side of heavy responsibility. It is great to see how much he has grown this season. Second behind him would be Andrew, in my opinion.

As far as the Angel comics go, I can't claim that they have made me like Connor any more or less because I really started warming to him in S5 of the show, and that feeling has continued on throughout the comic series for me.

[jellymoff]

I think Dawn has benefited from the comic medium. Had this season been on TV, I don't think we would have seen all of Dawn's "changes". She's "grown" even more this Season than in Season 7.