After the Fall #2

[Allan]

Issue #2 came out a couple of weeks back, and compared to the first issue, I was a little disappointed. It was enjoyable and had some great laugh out loud moments, but it became apparent with this issue that it's not living up to Buffy season 8.

SPOILER: Click to show

Spike is the self-proclaimed lord of Beverley Hills, which is amusing, and his relationship with Angel is as tense and petty as ever. For some reason, he has Illyria working for him.

The big things from #1 (which I neglected to mention in that thread) are developed further - namely Wesley back from the dead and working as liaison for the Senior Partners, which is straining his relationship with Angel (he's also a ghost for some reason); and Gunn being a vampire are interesting.

The former of these looks like it will be great, and will further develop the relationship between the two. The second, I wasn't sure I liked, until we really saw Gunn. He's simply messed up - he has no soul, and still carries his hatred for vampires, working to get rid of them. He also blames Angel for becoming what he hates most. This looks like it'll be one of the most interesting threads of the series.

[jeanvic]

I liked this issue but it wasn't as good as Issue 1. The best bits were the interaction between Spike and Angel. Spike pushes his buttons, Angel hits him. Spike vamps and charges with the threat of dusting Angel, then Angel just knocks him aside easily. Spike makes a lame excuse and then Illyria saves him.

I don't think Spike is the Lord of Beverly Hills, just mouthing it while Illyria is away. No way she would play subordinate to a vampire, even if it is her pet. The fact that she still considers Spike a pet tells me she still calls the shots. Also, the calling card left by Gunn leds Angel to Illyria. He knew from the sanskrit that he had to go to the Lord of Beverly hills. While there though he gets to humiliate Spike in front of his doting sevant girls. Looks like Angel has gone back to his good old days of being dominant male.

Loved the Angel/Connor interaction. Looking forward to the Gunn story and what Illyria has planned for Angel. Judging by the cover of Issue 3, Angel gets away by the skin of his teeth when his new friend arrives to fight Illyria.