There are misaligned timelines between the associated comics in this universe, but an interesting mystery nonetheless. Willow’s exploring the temptations that exist within the town of Abhainn. Will her experience change her forever?
Note: This recap may contain spoilers!
While we last saw Willow at the end of the Buffy comics, standing at Rose’s bedside after returning to Sunnydale, this comic takes us back to her time in Abhainn. When we start off the issue, we find Willow lost in dreamland. She’s experiencing different scenes with the loved ones she left behind – Xander, Buffy, and Rose. But we have already learned that dreams are symbolic, especially for the Scooby gang, so when Xander calls out for her and then turns into a bird, it’s got to mean something. But what?
Upon awakening, Willow starts to explore the weird, but inviting town of Abhainn. She knows there’s something strange about the place, as the inhabitants seem a bit off. However, she also feels a sense of peace and welcome. When Willow remarks to herself that the place seems drafty, a shopkeeper invites her inside to purchase a sweater. And the woman makes the proclamation that the only people that get in are the ones that belong there. Between that and the amazing sweater Willow bought, she’s feeling quite good as she starts to walk towards the neighboring woods.
While there, Willow brings forth a Gatiaux bloom and is joined by Aelara, the woman she met at the diner. What transpires is something reminiscent of Willow being put under a spell, as she tells Aelara all about her past and her problems. Perhaps that is the case, or maybe she just feels a sense of peace after so long burdened by the darkness of life. In either case, she is cut off from her friends at the moment and is focused on what is there for her in Abhainn.
Willow starts walking back to town, deciding to spend the night as she feels safe there. The crows follow her, watching. It’s clearly an ominous sign related to her dream, but at the moment she’s too enthralled under Aelara’s spell to see any potential danger lurking. Willow soon realizes why she feels at home there, as the town is populated by witches and there’s magic all around her. But is that necessarily a good thing? Will she see the town and its inhabitants for what they really are or will she be lost to her friends in Sunnydale forever? Let’s see!
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
