2.5 rounded up.
Well…that wasn’t what I was expecting. Or necessarily wanting? This whole plot felt much sloppier than previous Season 8 plots, and like it wasn’t fully thought out. On the plus side, I liked seeing Oz again, and felt like his return felt natural. I’m glad to see his growth and how he’s chosen to deal with his own personal situation. Also, the Giles/Buffy moments and conversations in the first part were very nicely done!

But there was so much other stuff that felt off. It seems to me super unlikely that Buffy would turn so easily and quickly to having everyone give up their Slayer powers/magics, especially when that power is something she knows makes them who they are and also KEEPS THEM SAFE…as we see pages later when she’s like “Omg we need our powers!” It was kind of an interesting idea to explore, but this didn’t seem like the right time for it.
Also the artwork takes a noticeable downturn in this volume! It’s been good, even enjoyable at times, up until now. The close-up drawings are decent, but figures in the background look like literal aliens half the time. The rest of the time it’s a bit of a guessing game to figure out who is who; I kept thinking Kennedy was Faith, and Dawn looks like she went through another Thricewise transformation.
And what’s with the random side story about Monroe?! Talk about a page waster! NOTHING about that was important to the bigger picture and it was boring either way.

It was fine. “Retreat” wasn’t ~terrible~, but it was DEFINITELY not the strongest. Actually it’s the weakest in all of Season 8 so far. It’s just frustrating to read and all I can do is hope it gets better again! ( )

Getting better all the time. I wondered where the plot could go when the Slayers are all uber-powerful, but this reversal was just the ticket. I loved the premise in lieu of a normal bout of hiding, and the resultant clash of the titans made me laugh out loud and cry a little too. The tragedy was becoming so complete that it was only mollified by how speedy it happened.

I really have to know who's the mystery behind "Twilight", now. ( )

Years and years ago I bought these comics bound as books, read them all and gave them away. Now I am buying them again piecemeal for my Kindle/tablet and even thought I have to read them with a magnifying glass I am enjoying them but not reading in any kind of order. ( )

Read on December 29, 2016

Why would magical people who get all their strength from magic voluntarily give it up? Why would they want to make themselves weak? That seems so illogical.

And Riley? He must be a terrible spy because I'm not seeing how any of his info has helped Team Slayer.

And is that Dawn and Xander? What?

But Harmony on The Colbert Report -- hilarious! ( )

*Book source ~ Library

Twilight and gang are tracking Buffy and gang by their use of magic. So, they decide they need to lose their magic in order to hide from Twilight.

I’m sorry, but that’s the stupidest idea I’ve ever heard. While I’m happy to see Oz in this one, I’m not happy that his way of dealing with his specific issue is the way the Scooby gang decides is the best way to deal with Twilight. Seriously? I hate the way this whole story arc is heading. No magic? How the hell do they expect to ever survive? This is the most dumbass course of action I’ve ever seen them try. I’m thoroughly disgusted. The last two graphic novels better be damn good to make up for this. Oh, and don’t get me started on the Xander/Dawn story that’s started here. At least the illustrations are pretty good.

Short shorts at the end
Harmony Comes to the Nation ~ Why does this bitch keep tormenting me? Make it stop. At least I like the illustrations.

Always Darkest ~ O.M.G. LOL This story earns 5 bites from me! I love it! Poor Buffy though. hehehe ( )