While Angel teams up with Buffy to keep a Hellmouth from opening, the rest of Angel’s supporting cast find themselves on a deadly mission of their own.
Last week, Fred got taken by the Baphomet cult. This week, Spike and Gunn (under the guidance of Lilith) try to figure out how they can find her.
Snappy Spoiler-Lite Recap
- Baphomet’s cult may subject you to horrible prophetic visions, but at least they transport and hold their hostages in style.
- After two issues in each other’s presence, Gunn is already ragging on Spike for his dye job. Love it.
- There’s something vaguely satisfying about watching Lilith struggle to keep others focused and on point.
- “Do something right. For once. That’s all I ask. And I’m not asking.”
- Gotta admit, the woman who kidnapped Fred makes a compelling argument to for Fred to stay and listen to her offer.
- *Squeals over appearance of beloved character from the Angel television series*
- If singing can reveal your spiritual aura, than rapping definitely can.
- “Magick is permission.”
- Good thing Spike’s singing is better than his slam poetry.
- *Squeals over the reveal of yet another favorite character from the Angel television series*
- Oh snap…he’s real (and has a law degree)!
The Verdict
What this issue lacks in action, it mostly makes up for with some excellent world building delivered via some clever fan service. The way one character in particular gets introduced is a real treat. He’s the same lovable demon us old school Angel fans know and love, but delicately updated with modern sensibilities.
Bryan Hill’s script also does a great job playing up the conflict (and comedy) that would be produced with the personalities of Spike, Gunn, and Lilith being in the same place. Their interactions are deftly juxtaposed with the ones between Fred and her kidnapper. In both cases, personal weakness is weaponized to push others where they were initially unwilling to go. The idea of an innocent (Fred) being offered and tempted with power is an old trope, but at least it’s well executed, especially when we learn who’s actually pulling the strings.
On the art side of things, Gleb Melnikov doesn’t let an action-lite issue like this one keep him from shining. The interactions/expressions between Gunn and Spike in particular are so well drawn that the only way it could look better is in live action form. My only artistic quibble would be that Fred and her kidnapper have far too many panels where they look almost exactly the same.
Otherwise, Angel #7 is a good read. Even if you’re not an Angel fan from back in the day, you’ll definitely want to see more of Gunn and Spike together next month…
…and if you are an old school Angel fan, then get ready to sing your heart out, baby.
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