It’s been a heck of a week for Whedon comic book fans. Not only has The Master (Joss, not that fruit-punch-mouth guy) been named as a possible director for Marvel’s Avengers film, but we got another panel-filled season of Buffy on the way.  Someone even found it in their heart to give a little love to “Riley Finn.” Normally, I like Cadbury Eggs, but the Easter Bunny out did himself this year. 
 
 
So, let’s start off with “Riley.” He is the black sheep of the Buffy family, and just this once, I think he deserves to come first. 
 
Also, you’re probably wondering what the deal is with this chicken scratch drawing of “Mr. Finn” looking more then a little pissed. Way back during Season 4 of Buffy, it sometimes felt like I was the only fan of Iowa’s good ol’ boy, and, being a fledgling artist, this doodle became my “Riley” fan flag. No one could dispute “Riley’s” bad-assness when he was mowing down demons left and right! They’d have to think he was cool!!!
 
Boy, was I a young, optimistic fool.
 
Still, the “Riley” fan flag flies again because Dark Horse Comics is giving him his very own one-shot. Editor Scott Allie announced that Buffy writer Jane Espenson is currently wrapping up her script for the issue, and that we can expect to see it hit stands in August with art by Karl Moline and with covers by the extremely gifted Jo Chen, as well as Moline. Apparently, the story line will deal with how “Riley” became “Buffy’s” double agent with “Twilight” and why. I always felt that a “Riley” comic was lacking. The guy left “Buffy” in Season 5 to fight demon tribes attacking missionaries in South America! He meets his wife during this time, and they kick demon ass together!! He gets a huge, cool, John Connor-like scar!!! How is this not a comic book yet??? For now, this one-shot will have to do.
 
Dark Horse continued to deliver the Easter goodies this week by confirming that there will be a Buffy: Season 9 at their Wondercon 2010 panel! Dark Horse and editor Scott Allie have long talked about plans for a follow-up to Buffy: Season 8, but this was taken by many fans as the first official confirmation that it will happen. Apparently, the plan is to make Buffy: Season 9 more concise than the previous season, which has taken the last three years to tell, but there’s no specific length set in stone. No news on who will be writing, but Buffy: Season 8 artist Georges Jeanty has expressed interest in being involved.
 
Finally, as has already been reported on Whedonopolis, Joss Whedon is on a short list of possible directors for Marvel’s feature film, The Avengers.  I’m not going to spend much time telling you how amazing this is, but I will say this: if you have no experience with The Avengers, then I suggest that you pick up The Ultimates by Mark Millar and artist Bryan Hitch. Also, check out Joss’ run on The Astonishing X-Men with artist John Cassaday. By the time you finish both, you’ll realize the massive potential here.
 
 
 
I leave you with two sneak peaks of upcoming Buffy goodness. First off is a panel from Buffy #34 available tomorrow. Looks like we can confirm it. "Buffy" and "Angel" are totally doing it.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Second is a preview image of Buffy #37‘s alternate cover by Georges Jeanty. Is that “Xander” and “Willow” who’ve been drained of their life??? Is high school still Hell for “Buffy” some how??? 
 
 
 
Much remains unsaid,
 

< div style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; line-height: 15.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica">-Bryant the Comic Book Slayer

 
 

 

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