With issue #44, IDW’s Angel series comes to a close. IDW has taken the vampire with a soul through a multitude of adventures during their time with him, some good and some less than good. While the final issue of Angel is not exactly the pulse-pounding ending the series deserves (and some of that can be blamed on Dark Horse’s snatching of the license), they do manage to deliver something the tortured lead character is not necessarily used to: a sense of hope.
 
SPOILERS BELOW

I’d like to introduce our new guest columnist, Jeff, who will be reviewing anime for us.  We’re starting with the new Viz Anime series, Tiger & Bunny.  Episodes are streaming on the Viz website (www.vizanime.com) the same day as they air in Japan.  Click through for a recap of Episode 1.

The penultimate issue of IDW’s Angel series delivers a decent amount or revelations and advancement for our characters, but continues to struggle against the rapidly approaching series climax and the clumsy elements left over from some of the more poorly received writers on the series. Still, true to form, IDW manages to do enough right that the missteps can be ignored as the readers focus on the upcoming battle between James and Angel and the series’ growing connection with Buffy Season Eight.
 
SPOILERS BELOW

This past weekend, Firefly debuted in its third cable network since the show left Fox in 2002. This time, it’s on a channel more known for science shows.