Licensed comics have been a part of the comics medium since their earliest appearances on store shelves and spinner racks. They are defined as comics based on previously completed, licensed material that covers everything from comic strips to novels, movies to TV shows, toys, trading cards, you name it. This week in Scoop, we are revisiting some of our favorite licensed comics, covering single issues and collections that bring TV and movie characters to life in comics. 

Dark Horse; $19.99  

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series ran for seven seasons from 1997 to 2003 garnering a cult following of loyal fans who still celebrate the show. In 2007, led and produced by Joss Whedon, Buffy’s creator, the series transitioned into comic book form. Previously Dark Horse had published Buffy comics as a companion to the TV show, but this new series is canonical to the show, picking up with season 8. Season 10 began in early 2014 and the first collected volume was released in November of that year. 

Season 8 told a large story that broke free of any visual effects limitations that would have stunted the TV show. Season 9 took a more subdued approach postulating on what would happen to Buffy and Co. if magic and their very livelihoods were drastically altered. In Season 10 magic has returned, the Scoobies are back together, and vampires are more dangerous than ever before. With the reintroduction of magic, vampires have gained the ability to transform into animals and walk around in daylight. Curiously, this power does not extend to all vampires as Spike is still bound to the night. 

So how will our heroes try to solve this curious new dilemma? By reconnecting with the first vampire they met who can transform into animals and mist: Dracula.  

Bringing Buffy and her friends back together was the best move for this new season. The story harkens back to the heart of the show, with the obvious changes that now Xander and Dawn are a couple and Giles is a preteen. Christos Gage, who wrote the Season 9 Angel & Faith series took the helm of this project. What was additionally exciting for fans was that actor Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander Harris on the show, joined the writing team. He brought Xander’s blend of humor and sensitivity to the comic, along with the hilarious interactions between Xander and Dracula, and his obvious delight in writing stodgy Giles infused with teenage boy hormones and short attention span.  

This is a must have for any fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. 

–Amanda Sheriff