Old friends and old foes come together in the latest issue of Buffy! While Buffy’s got a huge martyr complex, taking on the burden of the world, she may have to learn to lean on others when the latest enemy reveals his face to her. It’s going to be a troubling interaction.
Note: This recap may contain spoilers!
The issue is framed around a secret monster organization that is seeking to gain more power in Sunnydale. We don’t get to see the leader, as he is cast in shadow, but he talks about how Sunnydale’s residents have seen darkness inside themselves and they’ll never be the same. In an attempt to move forward with their plan, he sends out a possessed kid named Edera who keeps repeating the same thing over and over. That’s not creepy at all, right?
Meanwhile, Buffy’s trying to concentrate on more typical teenager matters. Namely, going on a date with the cute boy she likes and freaking out about it all the same. This is her first real date with Robin and he’s trying to make it special by taking her to the Sunnydale Botanical Gardens – Terrarium Date Night. Too bad Buffy’s not knowledgeable about what a terrarium even is. Added to that, the night is made more awkward by the fact that Rose shows up with Kendra. But as much as Robin wants to avoid them, Buffy’s determined to make this date night work.
Her determination, however, does not help much. Buffy’s so distracted by seeing Rose with someone else, and the burden of everything on her shoulders, that she finally just breaks and decides to end the date prematurely. Too bad there’s some possessed vines that don’t want to let her or anyone leave. While Robin, Buffy, Kendra, and Rose fight against the plants and try to help the others, the true leader of this attack comes to light.
Where Buffy sees a possessed kid, Kendra sees the truth. It’s a Edera demon and the best way to deal with it is to kill the kid. Too bad Buffy won’t listen to her, which might cost Rose her life. While the Slayers fought over who got to be in charge, the demon sent a poisoned spike right through Rose’s chest. If she dies, it’s Buffy’s fault. She won’t let others help, won’t listen when she needs to. Instead, she tries to take on the burdens of the world on her own, failing time and time again.
Ending the issue, we get the big reveal of who is the leader of the secret monster organization. We see him once again in shadow, enjoying the pleasures of his two lovers before his minion comes in to the report on Edera’s success. They are set to achieve all they planned, but who is this mysterious leader? The last shot is the reveal and it appears to be none other than Xander. That’s a mind-trip and will serve Buffy a lot of issues when she comes face to face with him. Oh, the possibilities to come!
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
