(S08I12) I never really cared for the Dracula episode of Buffy. It definitely had its funny moments, but having Dracula thrown into the Buffyverse lore was hard to stomach. Not to mention this ass had an easy time of wooing Buffy. Oh, and Xander too.

That said, this was a great issue. It marks the first of a series of issues written by TV Buffy writer Drew Goddard, and the feeling from the show is captured perfectly. For some reason I wasn't able to say that as much before, but here I feel right at home.

Of course, one of the most talked about things from this issue is Buffy's night in the sack with fellow slayer Satsu. Joss Whedon told the NY Times: "We're not going to make her gay, nor are we going to take the next 50 issues explaining that she's not. She's young and experimenting, and did I mention open-minded?" For anyone following the series all along, this wasn't a total shock. In fact, I wouldn't have been surprised to have seen this happen in the TV series at some point.

It's a good thing that Xander has romantic interests elsewhere, again, in this season. Otherwise he'd really be questioning his own desirability again, seeing as two of the most important women in his life -- both whom he had romantic interest in at some point -- have turned to play for the other team, even if just for a little while. Knowing Xander, he'd wonder "what's wrong with me?!"

The entire scene plays out perfectly and in very much the style I'd expect from TV. Xander's initial reaction, then Andrew's, then Willow's. And, of course, Buffy's.

The best part of the Dracula resurfacing is everyone's reaction as they discover who they're dealing with, all looking squarely in Xander's direction. I'm glad for that, since Xander's part in the TV episode was by far the best part. And, as the issue ends, we see there's more of that to come.

But, what does Dracula want with the scythe? Is he working on his own or for more powerful forces?

Quote of the issue:

Xander: "My eye! My burning, beautiful eye!"