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WHAT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE?

This issue follows on directly from issue 12, where Buffy met a girl named Sandra and a boy named Brad.  Sandra was a demon, Brad was a demon worshipper.  Sandra got killed, Brad was still alive.

WRITING

Oh tricky - not a great issue either.  They should've left this storyline alone after issue 12 - not go back to it later, as it simply doesn't work.

Whilst Golden's skills as master BUFFY character writer shine through again (I liked Xander's US football match especially, something which, although predictable, is what would happen in the show), the rest of the story seems too rushed, under planned and too over the top.

Most of the issue wasn't down to real detective work, it was something like: Buffy sees big monsters, fights big monsters, repeat until reader falls off their chair due to extreme boredom.

Golden uses the Scooby Gang in this issue.  Each gets their fair share of 'screen' time.  Each one comes in handy and there isn't too much Buffy.  Even Xander gets involved without getting hurt, which is something that rarely happens.

Brad the demon worshipper messes with the black arts and finds a book of Stacy's and performs mystical acts which transforms him into a huge beast monster with ripped denim shorts.

Not a great issue.  Pretty boring, this issue should've been the next part of Bad Blood, just to get it over with.  And also, right at the end, with the flame monster spirit not quite dead, do I hear another sequel?

ART

This issue has one main thing in common with ANGEL #3.  There are 6 artists overall.  SIX ARTISTS!  If you've read my review of ANGEL #3, you'll have read my ranting over the fact that Zanier and Owens should be doing it, with no help from Mariano, Jump, Minor or Arnold.

HOWEVER!  It's not as bad as ANGEL #3 - it's actually a lot better.  Xander looks more mature in this issue, even if he does change faces a few times (pages 2 and 3 for example).  Zanier's still using some photographs or stills from the show for this issue, it's annoying but it keeps the people that say "Oh why doesn't Buffy look like SMG in the comics?" quiet for another issue.

The huge beast demon with ripped denim shorts is fantastically drawn.  As Zanier's a Top Cow resident, he's probably used to drawing things much bigger than they should be, more mystical creatures and ferocious beasts.

Two characters he draws well are Buffy and the monster, which is probably why he fits in well over at Top Cow (known for big breasted heroines and monstrous villains).  Did anyone notice that Brad on the first page had an uncanny resemblance to Zanier's version of Angel in the ANGEL ongoing?

OTHER NIT PICKS

Apart from it's been ages since I've had a letter printed, none.  Which is worrying as I've always got something else to say...

RATINGS

Writing - Bad story.  Issue 12 should've been a one-parter not a two-parter.  And why have they left the door open for a third part?  Golden's a mystery to me.

Art - Six artists, only two needed.  Not as bad as ANGEL #3.  In fact it's one of Zanier's better issues.

Cover - Nice refreshing change away from Matsuda, no, I really don't like him.

REASONS WHY

For the art I thought about giving something higher like a four, but seeing as it was not all done by Zanier - he had too much help, it showed and it was disappointing - so it got a lower grade.  The artists billed on the cover should be the artists inside.  There were six artists overall yet only two were billed on the outside front cover.  When styles change over the course of the issue it can put new readers off.  The extra half mark, however, was for the cover which was excellent.

NEXT ISSUE

BAD BLOOD, PART 7.  Oh yay.... BACK TO THE TOP

THE FOOD CHAIN

Writer: CHRIS GOLDEN

Pencils: CHRISTIAN ZANIER (with help from MARVIN MARIANO, DRAXHALL JUMP)

Inks: JASON MINORS, ANDY OWENS and CURTIS P. ARNOLD

Letterer: AMADOR CISNEROS

Colours: GUY MAJOR

Cover: CHRISTIAN ZANIER

Reviewer: MARC


WRITING RATING: 5/10
ART RATING: 7/10
COVER RATING : 8/10
OVERALL RATING: 5/10


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