05-30-2004, 07:50 AM
Something occurred to me recently while I was thinking about the whole 'end of the Whedon-verse' thing. It's not common knowledge but Josh Whedon actually wrote an eight issue maxi series for Dark Horse comics, called 'Josh Whedon's Fray, Tales of the Future Slayer'. For those truly rabid Buffy fans, it is worth a look and can be picked up in a handy trade-paperback format (all 8 issues in one book). It has all the signature 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' stuff: social misfits against vs the forces of darkness, family, dark comedy, and one of the funniest, most succinct ends to an overhyped vampire vs slayer duels ever. (Incidentally, those of us who have read Fray recognized the nifty Axe-Stake weapon Buffy found in season seven -- the comic is where it appeared first)
Although the story is set far enough in the future that you aren't going to see any familiar faces (think Blade Runner), it is in continuity with the rest of the Whedon-verse. In case comics aren't your thing, I'll try to point out what parts of Fray got me thinking about the end of Angel, without spoiling Fray.
Near the start of Fray, you find out that the Slayer line, the Watchers, and pretty much all of the Vampires have been gone for a very long time. The demons have lost their foothold in the mortal world as well. While the comic does not elaborate a lot on this topic, it does mention that there were *several* desperate battles between good and evil before the forces of evil were given their walking papers. A young lady looking alot like Sarah is depicted at this point.
What does that all mean? Maybe not a lot -- but my take on it is that the season finales of Buffy and Angel were major engagements in the "Final Battle" eluded to in Fray. Although I truly believe that Gunn, Angel and Aleria all died in that last fight (maybe not Spike), I think that the Senior Partners did not ever recover from the damage done that night. It wasn't Angel Inc.'s intention to do lasting damage, it was more of an act of defiance, but I think they did some anyhow.
I guess its all cold comfort now anyhow... maybe Josh will write a TV movie or two. Who knows.
Although the story is set far enough in the future that you aren't going to see any familiar faces (think Blade Runner), it is in continuity with the rest of the Whedon-verse. In case comics aren't your thing, I'll try to point out what parts of Fray got me thinking about the end of Angel, without spoiling Fray.
Near the start of Fray, you find out that the Slayer line, the Watchers, and pretty much all of the Vampires have been gone for a very long time. The demons have lost their foothold in the mortal world as well. While the comic does not elaborate a lot on this topic, it does mention that there were *several* desperate battles between good and evil before the forces of evil were given their walking papers. A young lady looking alot like Sarah is depicted at this point.
What does that all mean? Maybe not a lot -- but my take on it is that the season finales of Buffy and Angel were major engagements in the "Final Battle" eluded to in Fray. Although I truly believe that Gunn, Angel and Aleria all died in that last fight (maybe not Spike), I think that the Senior Partners did not ever recover from the damage done that night. It wasn't Angel Inc.'s intention to do lasting damage, it was more of an act of defiance, but I think they did some anyhow.
I guess its all cold comfort now anyhow... maybe Josh will write a TV movie or two. Who knows.