I've changed my background. Do you like it? I think it's pretty. Pity that doesn't show the red line but I like it anyway.
And I read the latest Angel&Faith issue. Here my spoilery considerations:
It wasn't bad but neither good. I don't know. I like A&F better than BtVS, but the ending of this arc wasn't so sadisfying - it sets up the next issue.
- I didn't like so much Spike's characterization. It feels like Gage wanted to make Spike dumber just to glorify Angel. Generally Angel is gloryfied in the series which, okay, it's fine because the name title is Angel and Faith, but, you know, sometimes it feels like reading an Angelfan fanfic. Can we please dig deeper in the reasons for Angel's heroism?
- The petty!Angel and angry!Spike interaction: they really are twelve years old boys together, but after S8 I would like something a little bit different. Because Angel is really guilty of something horrible and Spike is really a hero, it isn't just about his wounded ego and insicurities. It makes sense in a way - they always fight because of their egos - but I wish to read something more.
- Gage believes in the difference between Angelus and Angel. At least I have this impression reading his comics. Guh. :/
- I liked Faith's characterization and Spike's comedy bits. Faith seems really mature, she took possessed!Giles' harsh words very well. You go, Faith. I just hope that they don't screw her maturity again, because at the end of the issue everything is grim and Faith could slip again in bad decisions and crappy choices.
- Nadira lives, yay!
- And young!Giles was incredibly cool. I mean, he was sexy, you know? I like how Rebekah Isaacs portray him. He's really hot. And the black nailpolish!
- Love Rebekah's art - even if she doesn't quite get Spike's features. But, anyway, I really love her dynamism and generally her style. More Rebekah in Season Ten, please!
- Angel is currently in a simil-coma state. Again. D:
- Current Mood:
indifferent - Current Music:Lana del Rey - Ride
Comments
I kind of liked this issue, but I'm such a sucker for Spike & Angel snarking at each other. I can buy Spike's characterization. I absolutely adore Spike, but he's not notoriously mature. And he and Angel bring out the 12 year old boy in each other; I've always thought they have a very brotherly relationship. Nobody can take Angel down a peg the way Spike can. Not even Cordelia! I love Angel dearly, but he takes himself and his angst so seriously.
I think you're right about the author buying the "Angel and Angelus are separate people" thing. Gah, that's just annoying. On the series I know that Buffy believed that, and taught the scoobies to buy it. But I never got the sense that Angel believed it.
But honestly? The whole issue was worth it for baby-Giles' mocking the disco-vamps while staking them with his electric guitar.
Oh noes!
But, well, it supposed to be all stripes and minimalistic (I really love minimalistic background) I'll try to see if there's something similar but more fit for my type of journal.
And I agree on everything: Spike and Angel has this kind of relationship. They snark at each other like two teenage boys. But so far I'm not so impressed - maybe because there is also this Angel/Angelus separate thingy and because of all the mess post Season Eight. I'm waiting for the next issue with the amazing Betty and Veronica cover. (And I don't even know who are Betty and Veronica, but I love the cover!)
But honestly? The whole issue was worth it for baby-Giles' mocking the disco-vamps while staking them with his electric guitar.
Isn't he the coolest? :D And Angel is starting to wear Giles type of clothes. Nicely done, Isaacs!
But the Betty/Veronica cover is indeed awesome. I can't wait!
I hadn't spotted Angel wearing Giles' clothes; good catch!
*rolls eyes* Apparently some things never change. Perhaps this is part of why I can't get into Angel as a character (although I admit I haven't watched AtS except the few episodes Buffy shows up in.) From at least IWRY to you-know-what of S8, the pattern is the same: questionable actions and judgements that other characters are condemned for, are painted as "noble" when Angel does them. I'm not saying that Angel isn't portrayed as complex in the TV show (as opposed to the comics) but I think the pattern was already there. And complexity and moral ambiguity are to the good - but I'm not certain that the writers were/are aware of how their presentation of it really comes through.
It's larger than Angel, of course. This is about cultural assumptions that have been around for centuries. So I don't see your frustration on this point ending, ever, unless you persuade yourself to stop questioning it. (Which amounts to turning off your brain and I don't see that EVER happening. If it did, I think I would weep.)