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After a fairly average opener, THE BLOOD OF CARTHAGE continues with another fairly average installment.

Spike bumps into Xerxes the Blind, who we briefly met last time out, although we soon learn that he's not the Big Bad of the story. Meanwhile, the TV series' over-emphasis of Buffy and Willow at college continues; Giles gets to bake some scones (yeah, right) and one-trick pony Anya shows up in the strip as well.

As with the previous issue, the flashbacks featuring Xander and Willow are probably the best part of the issue, with Chynna Clugston-Major's artwork up to her usual standards.

Sadly, the rest of the issue seemed pretty mediocre. Cliff Richards' artwork is fine, if not particularly brilliant, and although the story seemed to be ticking along, it went downhill with the arrival of the tedious Lucy Hanover.

Anya helpfully provides the "who's that?" element, allowing Xander to fill in those who aren't familiar with Golden (and Nancy Holder's) previous BUFFY work. But the whole idea of the Ghost Roads is still pretty boring as far as I'm concerned, and this issue does nothing to convince me otherwise.

However, the arrival of Vraka - who Spike seems to know, or at least recognise - will hopefully mean the three remaining parts will see an improvement over the first two. BACK TO THE TOP

THE BLOOD OF CARTHAGE, PART II

Writer: CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN

Pencils: CLIFF RICHARDS
and CHYNNA CLUGSTON-MAJOR

Inks: JOE PIMENTEL
and CHYNNA CLUGSTON-MAJOR

Cover: JEFF MATSUDA

DARK HORSE COMICS

$2.95


RATING: 5/10


NEXT INSTALLMENT:
THE BLOOD OF CARTHAGE, PART III

PREVIOUS INSTALLMENT:
THE BLOOD OF CARTHAGE, PART I