Comic Book Review - Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Faith #1

Rob Lake reviews Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Faith #1...

As one of the more popular Buffyverse characters, Faith is the one character we don't know an awful lot about. That's soon about to change as BOOM! Studios are giving us a one-shot that will explore the Slayers pre-Sunnydale past.

Seasoned Buffy writer Jeremy Lambert is at the helm for this one-shot, and for the most, he gives us an entertaining story. Fans of the TV show will know a bit about Faith already, but Lambert gives us a slightly different side to the rogue Slayer - yet she's still that ever so recognisable. The initial introduction is a bit of a misdirection, but as this opening issue develops, the more familiar traits of the character start to come through. There's also a much larger plot at play through the issue, that for the moment seems to have much wider implications for the Buffyverse, than just to serve as Faith's introduction. 

Lambert kicks off this one-shot by introducing us to Faith, who we soon find out is a bit of a film buff. She's attending a cinema, but there's just one film she can't see to stay awake for. Of course, this is the larger plot at play as the Council of Watchers is training Faith and then wiping her memories of the ordeal. It's a bit shoehorned in but it delves into something bigger. We also get reintroduced to Wesley, who's a little nieve as to what's going on, but you can tell the all familiar side to the character is just under the surface. 

Without going into it too much, the ending to this issue is of particular importance. Not only is it a great bit of fan service, but it's also a great way of showing what's to come.

Lambert had written Faith incredibly well. She's lacking the sass and attitude of her TV counterpart but she's still as deadly (and already a contrasting character to Buffy). As opening issues go, it's great to explore the more 'vulnerable' side to the character as she slowly discovers what's been going on. There's a few twists and turns as Lambert gives us a lot of talking points. And of course, the finale is the biggest. 

When it comes to art, Eleonora Carlini does a great job in capturing the essence of Eliza Dushku but gives a twist to the character. Carlini also draws a pretty badass vampire too, with each looking generally terrifying and making a real threat to the Slayer. Mattia Iacono also gives us a great colour palette that not only compliments Carlini's art, there's also subtle style changes, which highlight the narrative change.

Rating 8/10

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