Resurrection spells and soul-suckers and heart-to-hearts, oh my! This issue of the Buffy comic had all that and more. We closed out some story arcs while opening some more. In the end, the gang survived and that’s all that matters… for now.
Note: This recap may contain spoilers!
Sunnydale just don’t look as good as it used to! In fact, it’s in ruins and headed toward becoming more of a disaster area when Buffy and the rest are through with it. Destruction is a given when there’s a monster to be fought. The Soul Glutton admits that he is after “a pure soul energy infused with the holy light of the hereafter.” Spike thinks he’s talking about Warren, but when has Warren ever been pure? In fact, as we all know, the monster is talking about Tara. Andrew’s spell could mean the return of a beloved character, but also the end of the world. Isn’t that always the way?
Meanwhile, Willow has made it to Warren’s grave, but she finds that there’s no Andrew. After going through all the possibilities of who he might be trying to raise, she finally narrows down the possible resurrection cases to Tara. This could go very well or very bad, and it’s up to Willow to ensure the former. And she needs to get on with it because, even though she’s not aware, any hesitation on her part could mean the end of Buffy and Spike.
The duo manages to temporarily stop the Soul Glutton as he sinks down into the old tunnels, but they both know it won’t hold him for long. Their only chance of defeat, as Giles tells them on the phone, is for Buffy to use the Scythe against him and aim for the head. It’s all up to them to save the world, again.
And in the midst of gearing up for the battle, Buffy and Spike manage to have a heart-to-heart. Yeah, it’s really not the time, but I did like seeing Spike show his raw emotions like he did. He’s concerned that the Soul Glutton might suck out his soul. If that happens, he wants Buffy to dust him because he doesn’t want to go back to how he was before. She refuses, and we never have to test how wrong it could have gone, but I am hoping that this scene means that they will work toward a renewed relationship.
The big showdown between Willow and Andrew happened without any deaths on either side. He’s writing the new rules of resurrection spells and theoretically could make it all right, but Willow knows that even the best intentions can go wrong quickly. It’s not going to bring Tara back for real, not without sacrifices, and she isn’t willing to upset the balance for herself or for Andrew’s repentance. Andrew keeps saying how they should to it, that he can make things right, but in the end Willow finally gets through to him and he ceases the spell. That means the monster loses his power, too, and the big fight ends without any further destruction. Celebrations all around!
But the celebrations are not without some shady implications at the end of the issue. While it looked like Andrew was going to take the path of good and leave the past behind, he’s not done with the whole resurrection thing. He talks to Holo!Jonathan and asks if Jonathan wants Andrew to make him a new body. Of course Jonathan agrees and that’s where we’re left until next time. Will Andrew get himself into trouble once again? Can the gang save him and anyone who is put into danger by his actions? We’ll have to wait to find out!
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
