Cover of the final issue of Spike in IDW
Last week, I wrote about the end of IDW’s “Angel” comic book series. This week, we bid farewell to the “Spike” series as well. Originally intended to be an ongoing series, this title is ending after an eight-issue story arc.
This was a fun and enjoyable story arc for Spike and his crew. Wolfram & Hart set up shop in Las Vegas, and now the senior partners have called down an alien ship so they can leave Earth. Spike has a bit of an untested team, but they show that they can do the job when needed.
I think the best thing about this final issue is how Spike was able to convince the alien bug creatures to go along with his plans. He quickly determines that they do not have to be an enemy, and indeed puts himself in harm’s way to prove his intentions. In the many years since the character first appeared on television in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” the character has truly grown, and this has continued in the comic book series.
When I first started reading this final issue, I was afraid that the alien bugs angle would ruin things, but I believe it was just the opposite. It was a nice twist, something different from having to either fight or side with monsters or demons.
After reading both series’ final issues, I have to ask where Illyria is. We saw her future self in the Angel story, but when her present self was not with the team for the final chapter of that story, I assumed that was because she was in Las Vegas with Spike’s team, but apparently not. That character is too important to not be in one of these final issues. In my opinion, this was a major mistake on the part of the writers, not to have someone include her character in a more important role.
Overall, I am happier with this final story for Spike than I was with Angel’s farewell. Spike’s story was smaller in scope and scale, yet seemed to fit the situation and characters better. Angel’s story felt like they were reaching for something bigger than they actually accomplished.
I did find some information of which I was not aware last week. In August, the first issue of “Angel & Faith” will be released, as control of the Angel family of characters once again returns to Dark Horse Comics. So, fans can be assured that Angel will be seen again very soon. However, I have found no mention of Spike, other than the end of that series was also because of the transfer of rights.
Personally, I’d like to see Dark Horse make a deal with IDW, specifically the writer of this last story, Brian Lynch. The ending of the story was wonderful, sending Spike off on a mission to find the senior partners. It would be nice to see this continue in some way, rather than simply to be forgotten when someone thinks it is time for Spike to show up in “Angel & Faith” or “Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 9” (which hits stands in September).
In the end, IDW did a good job with Angel, Spike, and the other characters, but I think it is good that they are returning to Dark Horse. One publisher having the license to all of them will be a major advantage for the writers, and definitely a plus for the fans. It sounds to me like this fall will be a great one for the Whedonverse!
