Years ago, The Drew Carey Show mocked the modern-day television convention of the “Very Special Episode”.
I feel the “Very Special Issue” is a comic book convention that deserves to not only be mocked, but beaten, tortured and buried alive.
Why do I feel so strongly? The answer is obvious, really.
I need blog fodder, lots of it.
But I’ve also been inspired by “Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Season Nine” #6, a comic book that picks up where the Buffy TV series left off, with the young, blond hottie slaying the undead – when she’s not banging them – and stumbling her way though life.
Drama and female angst has always been a MAJOR component to the Buffy mythos and this issue is no exception.
And so in one single panel everyone’s favorite vamp hunter ups her drama quotient and draws in mainstream attention from every corner of the media, including feminists and plain ‘ol fanboys like me.
And this isn’t the first time Buffy has resorted to such tactics.
Of course, Buffy eventually went back to a sausage diet – as evidenced by the abortion stunt – but the creators captured the media’s attention, which helped support sales of the then-fledgling Season 8 comic.
In fairness, Joss Whedon has always delivered a superior product and that is in part, attributable to his knowledge of the market; the man-child knows what sells. He gives his creation a plausible motivation for her decision…
But what about the big picture? These publicity stunts rarely contribute to the greater good of the character – unless Buffy keeps the baby it’ll be business as usual in no time – and so the fans are left asking the same question over and over.
What was the point?
No way!!! They continued a comic book about Buffy?I so used to love that show!!!!! But I feel it got too dramaishy towards the end. And when people die. They die.
The comic isn’t too bad – when they don’t resort to stunts!
From what I’ve been seeing from TV, movies and entertainment…. it seems everyone resorts to stunts!!!
Very true…
Sausage diet…HA!
I like the way you word things, Hook…Very clever way of putting it! 
I have my moments, don’t I?
You definitely do! Hahaha!
Thanks, Susie!
I must admit Hook, you always come up with some interesting posts. And you are absolutely correct in your take of publicity stunts. It’s sad that our kids are subjected to so much sex and violence these days. Speaking of comics, did you hear about that guy who just sold his comic book collect for $3.5 Million? Evidently his uncle died and while going through his stuff, he came across some real collectors items: Superman #1 issue, an issue with Adolf Hitler in it, an issue introducing Batman, etc., all in superb condition. It is sad that the content of today’s comic books can’t be entertaining without the ‘shock’ factor.
I was just telling my family about this lucky bugger! Thanks for the share!
I don’t watch shows like Buffy or read these kind of comics because of this exact reason. Most thing that “sell” usually annoy the crap out of me, unlike this fabulous post by you, which was awesome, especially the usaged of the term “sausage diet.” You rock
Thanks, Elizabeth! You rock too!
I just pretend the comics don’t exist, myself. They should’ve stopped with the show and left it there.
Perhaps…
Dont act like you didn’t bleach your hair and wore a leather jacket in the 90′s. Maybe you will be Spike in another life
.
That would be cool…
My wife – VampireLover – would be pleased!
Never got into the Buffy comic. I did love the show though. Personally liked Angel better, but Spike was my favorite hands down!
ditto.
I met James Marsters. He was so cool and gracious!
“It’s not the slaying. It’s me.” Oh how I miss the show and the amazing lines. I loved trying to explain what was going on in the plot to someone who wasn’t familiar and it just got so ridiculous. I miss Zander. Especially the doppleganger ep where his real life twin was in it! Season 1 was my fav though. I would totally read that comic and you owe me some free time that you’re about to take away from me! Is the baby some sort of spawn from the hell mouth??
I honestly don’t know what’s going on with this child; I gave upon the comic a few months ago…
On an only slightly related note: I am still not over Firefly’s cancellation.
I feel your pain…