A lovely old foe is back and I cannot wait to see what havoc she might cause. While this issue ties up an immediate storyline, it opens the door to so much more. It really feels like the calm before the storm. Looks like Angel will be returning just in time.
Note: This recap may contain spoilers!
Proving that artwork really makes a story sometimes, I finally get why the big reveal was important in the last issue. Archaeus is targeting Dru now, joining her destructive visions of the world with his ability to help make it so. This cannot end well. Crazy and powerful can mean very bad things for everyone in their way.
Dru has been gathering students at the school, having them join her makeshift family. Mary is her special target, because Dru has seen big things for her coming down the line. What those future plans are, however, will never been fully known because Faith bursts in before Dru can turn her. Thus ensues a Slayer versus vampire minion showdown. Faith attempts to antagonize Dru by telling her how Spike is with Buffy now, but while Dru is annoyed she doesn’t take the bait. She may be seen as crazy, but she’s very dangerous when focused on the mission at hand. And she proves her cunning ways when, after Eldre Koh shows up to lend a hand, she manages to slip away while they’re focused on the minions. Dru has lived to fight another day, and with her teaming up with Archaeus it’s going to be one explosive day to come.
Meanwhile, Fred has gotten Mary away from the group and is trying to get her to safety — trying, but failing, since Shane shows up before they can get out completely. They had a few rounds of back and forth, where it looks like Shane might have the upper hand, but finally Fred and Mary take him out with a flagpole through the back. Score one for ingenuity. She’s bundled away to her father’s place, hinting at some ancient statue origin story that will play into the larger storyline, while Faith and Fred regroup. Faith is still bothered by the loose ends. Why did Dru pick Mary out as special? Why did she want to gather kids in the first place? What is her endgame? It’s going to be a fun ride!
Rating: 3 / 5 Stars
