Illustrated by Dan Mora
ISBN 978-1684153572
Published by Boom! Studios, 2019
Format: Graphic Novel/paperback, ebook
Awards
Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2020
Reading Level: 14+
Plot Summary: Buffy Summers is new to Sunnyvale High but not to vampire slaying. In Volume 1, which contains the first four chapters of this series, Buffy meets her watcher, new friends, and we root for her as she balances life as a teenager while also protecting the world from vampires and demons. Can she stay out of trouble and hide the truth from her mom? This version of Buffy is updated for contemporary sensibilities, from the use of smartphones to a more diverse cast.
Author Background: Joss Whedon is a renowned writer and director who first became famous for the Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie and subsequent television series. Although he has done many other projects, he is now best known as a writer, director, and producer for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Eldridge, 2021).
Jordie Bellaire is a writer of Buffy the Vampire Slayer comics and a colorist for other comics. She has won the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award for best colorist in 2014 and 2017 (Buffyverse Wiki).
Dan Mora is a comic book artist from Costa Rica. He has worked on many projects for Boom! Studios (Schuddeboom).
Critical Evaluation: Although the mythology of Buffy the Vampire Slayer has existed since the late 19080s, she is a powerful superhero due for a reboot. This graphic novel, which combines the first four chapters that were released as individual comics, updates the Buffy universe with contemporary characters and with a great deal more diversity. Buffy doesn't need to find its storytelling footing, instead it immediately introduces beloved characters and favorite villains. This version which takes all the best parts of the original Buffy and adds much-needed up dating is a fun read for any teenager.
Creative Use for a Library Program: Buffy is admired because she is strong and can protect herself and her friends. For this reason, the library will host a weekly self-defense class for teens so that they can become empowered, too.
Speed-Round Book Talk: Into every generation a slayer is born and now Gen Z has their own updated version of Buffy. Read the graphic novel to see her slay and use a smartphone.
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: People might be opposed to having Buffy the Vampire Slayer in a library collection because of accusations of abuse and inappropriate behavior by its creator Joss Whedon. While I don't condone this behavior, there are many authors and artists who have been accused of similar misconduct (or worse) whose work is still in the library.
Reason for Inclusion: Buffy is a uniquely feminist superhero who is a role model for teenagers figuring out how to survive and thrive through adolescence. Additionally, the people that surround her represent many different types of teenagers so most readers will find a character they can relate to. Buffy is a superhero here to stay and she must be part of any library collection.
References
Eldridge, A. (2021). Joss Whedon. Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joss-
Jordie Bellaire. (nd). Buffyverse Wiki. https://buffy.fandom.com/wiki/Jordie_Bellaire
Passion of the Nerd. (2014). Why You Should Watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer. You Tube.
Schuddeboom, B. (2020). Dan Mora. Lambiek Comic.
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