With an issue focused solely on Buffy, we get to see the turmoil the spell is having upon her. Her destiny and reality is at war, but it seems like there’s no one around who will help her.
Note: This recap may contain spoilers!
We open on Buffy’s nightly routine, which is not a relaxing one. She keeps having dreams of being the Slayer. And there’s no end to the cycle. It’s the same every night. Buffy has the Slayer dream, awakens ravenous, has a snack, and then falls asleep again to return to the dreams. And despite the not-restful slumber, she feels more energized once it’s all over. It doesn’t make sense.
In her dream-world, Buffy has a purpose, which she doesn’t seem to have in the real world. She thinks maybe she’s dreaming of having Willow’s role because she’s jealous. Buffy doesn’t think it’s jealousy over not of being the Slayer, but maybe because Willow has become closer to Faith. Buffy feels left out, no longer serving as Willow’s best friend. Buffy is also feeling left out with Xander, who has become closer with Spike. And despite feeling compelled to talk to Giles, the Watcher seems to be ghosting her, too. Buffy is on her own.
While Buffy’s out running, a giant spider-lady attacks her and keeps calling Buffy the Slayer, which Buffy denies. The monster, Hungrus the Slayer-Eater, is disappointed that Buffy isn’t living up to the ideal of being a Slayer. She’s not fighting back, she’s not being brave. Instead, Buffy is acting like a weak human. Which makes sense, since Buffy doesn’t know any different. But her lack of knowledge might be her downfall.
Hungrus bites Buffy’s arm, filling her with venom, and hangs Buffy in her web to wait for the poison to do its job. Her powers will be stripped away, making Buffy a pliant victim for Hungrus to consume. Except, Buffy doesn’t know she has powers to begin with, so it’s a pointless process. And Hungrus eventually grows tired of waiting. Instead, she starts dragging Buffy away so she can eat her.
Buffy tries to call Willow as she’s being taken to her death, but it first goes to voicemail and then the mailbox is full. It looks like Buffy won’t get help from anyone. Will she be able to save herself or will Hungrus eat yet another Slayer? We’ll have to wait until next issue to find out!
Rating: 4 / 5 Stars
