The Scooby Gang are enjoying the 90s! With this new series, we get a glimpse of our favorite characters against the backdrop of a vibrant culture. This is going to be exciting!
Note: This recap may contain spoilers!
We kick off the issue with Buffy and Willow at the mall. Buffy has been trying on clothes without much success. And as they are walking around, with Buffy despairing her lack of purchases, she sees a sign for a fashion show at the mall that night. It will feature the mysterious fashion designer Aleksandra Jakubs. Intrigued, Buffy wants to attend, but they do have a prior commitment with Giles.
That commitment turns out to be bowling. Willow, Buffy, Spike, and Giles are out together, with Xander sitting out because he had to play tour guide for his family. Giles is trying his hand at bowling to impress Catherine, the woman he’s been dating. He’s talked himself up like he’s a bowling expert, but he has never actually bowled before. The gang will need to do some hardcore practicing to get Giles prepared.
Spike seems to be the only one who wants to be there. He points out that Buffy and Willow would rather be at the mall instead. And even though they first deny it, Buffy and Willow soon admit that they do want to be at the fashion show. Giles relents and says it’s okay if they go, for which they are thankful. That leaves Giles and Spike to bond over bowling and nachos. The vampire wants to date Buffy, but Giles isn’t keen on helping on that. Instead, he promises to consider not insulting Spike in front of Buffy. Small victories.
Meanwhile, at the mall, odd things are afoot. The fashion designer is actually Madam Want and she’s got monster minions to do her bidding. Buffy and Willow take in her fashion show and the aftermath. It’s weird, but not in a good way. There’s this haze of brainwashing over everyone. No one seems like they’re in control of themselves.
Buffy starts thinking there’s something evil going on, which is proven true as Madam Want’s minions kidnap Buffy and Willow to take them into the catalog. They meet all the people trapped inside, catalog models who must follow all of Madam Want’s needs.
The models all claim that this world is a labyrinth, where no one’s met Madam Want themselves, Buffy and Willow do eventually find her. However, she emphasizes that they are trapped there forever. No escape. Well, maybe for other people, but Buffy and Willow are far from the regular people Madam Want exerts her control over. Of course they escape, thanks to some magical rollerblades, and return to their world.
A few days later, back at the bowling alley, Spike and Buffy are hanging out together. Spike’s gotten Giles new leather pants, which Buffy’s not a fan of. After her adventure, she thinks people should just be themselves. I wonder if that will help Spike win her over, if he just stays true to himself. I’m rooting for my favorite vampire in this 90s world. Let’s see what becomes of the Scooby Gang in this new series!
Rating: 3 / 5 Stars
