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Buffy is widely recognized as the most iconic vampire/werewolf/demon Slayer in popular culture. However, there was another Slayer within Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s seven-season run whose dark nature sparked discussions of a potential spinoff series. Portrayed by Eliza Dushku, Faith Lehane is a character born out of misery and self-reliance. She stood as Buffy’s polar opposite, making a significant impact during the beloved show’s run. And just like Buffy’s, Faith’s story continued after the TV show had concluded, moving into Dark Horse’s comic book adaptation.
Faith first appeared in the series’ third season as somewhat of a tragic antagonist. She was introduced as the new Slayer who, much like Buffy, was called to take on the responsibility of banishing the forces of evil. But she was portrayed with a more carefree and rebellious attitude, which contrasted with Buffy’s more disciplined and cautious approach to the monster slaying. Where Buffy saw killing as a necessary evil, Faith initially enjoyed it, and her moral struggles and willingness to cross the lines Buffy wouldn’t ultimately lead her down a darker path.
And even though she’s friends with Buffy in Season 3, she ends up betraying both the eponymous Slayer and her friends, siding with the villainous Mayor Wilkins, whom she saw as a father figure. Faith made one significant appearance in Season 4, after which she was imprisoned, and wouldn’t appear in the series again until Season 7. However, she did receive a redemptive arc in Angel, a Buffyverse spinoff series. She first appeared in Angel Season 4 — which coincided with Season 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer — where we saw her deal with the guilt and the consequences of her past actions.
Season 4 of Angel was a significant turning point for Faith, as she started to understand the potential for personal growth and change, gradually developing a more profound understanding of her role as a Slayer. This paved the way for her reintegration into the main series, in which she helped Buffy defeat the First Evil in Season 7. So, her storylines and character development on Angel actually complimented the events happening in the seventh season of Buffy. However, she continued to make an appearance in Angel‘s Season 5, even after the main series had ended.
The Buffyverse didn’t end with the conclusion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Sure, the series didn’t broadcast anymore, but the narrative was continued in the Dark Horse comic series. In the comics, Faith’s development continued past that of a secondary character, or even an anti-hero, and into that of a full-blown hero in her own right. The comics saw her take on a leadership role by working with both Giles and Buffy to train new Slayers since her unique experiences — particularly her past mistakes — made her an excellent mentor who was capable of guiding new Slayers through various challenges they might face.
However, not everything was rosy for Faith either; throughout the comic series — which narratively covers Season 8 through Season 12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer — Faith often struggled with feelings of inadequacy and guilt over her past actions, especially the events of Season 3. Yet, she continuously strove to make amends and be a better person, demonstrating surprising levels of resilience and determination given her outwardly tough or harsh exterior. Her love for being a Slayer faded over the years, though she did take contractual jobs from Giles, especially assassinations of rogue Slayers that were a potential threat to Buffy.
Faith was given a prominent spot in the comic series’ narrative, and her journey took her all around the world. She went on innumerable missions with Giles and Robin Woods — someone she actually seemed fond of — most of which revolved around dealing with rogue Slayers or helping them on their own paths to redemption. So, it’s safe to say that her journey and quest for redemption didn’t end with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series. Instead, she continued to grow, change, and make amends for her past.
Faith’s metamorphosis from a reckless and self-centered young Slayer to a mature and responsible leader is one of the most compelling arcs in Buffyverse. Despite her traumatic upbringing and the personal demons and consequences she faced, Faith proved that it’s possible to overcome adversity and make a positive difference in the world. Her journey to redemption serves as a reminder that even the darkest of paths can potentially lead to growth and eventual salvation.
Despite the lack of Faith-centered series — and the fandom has been clamoring for one — Faith Lehane’s made a lasting impact on the Buffyverse. Her character continues to resonate with the fandom thanks to the captivating blend of strength, vulnerability, and the enduring quest for redemption. And though she might’ve started as a character defined by what she could take, Faith ultimately became a character defined by what she could give — guidance, wisdom, and a second chance, not just for others but for herself as well.
Buffy is widely recognized as the most iconic vampire/werewolf/demon Slayer in popular culture. However, there was another Slayer within Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s seven-season run whose dark nature sparked discussions of a potential spinoff series. Portrayed by Eliza Dushku, Faith Lehane is a character born out of misery and self-reliance. She stood as Buffy’s polar opposite, making a significant impact during the beloved show’s run. And just like Buffy’s, Faith’s story continued after the TV show had concluded, moving into Dark Horse’s comic book adaptation.
Faith first appeared in the series’ third season as somewhat of a tragic antagonist. She was introduced as the new Slayer who, much like Buffy, was called to take on the responsibility of banishing the forces of evil. But she was portrayed with a more carefree and rebellious attitude, which contrasted with Buffy’s more disciplined and cautious approach to the monster slaying. Where Buffy saw killing as a necessary evil, Faith initially enjoyed it, and her moral struggles and willingness to cross the lines Buffy wouldn’t ultimately lead her down a darker path.
And even though she’s friends with Buffy in Season 3, she ends up betraying both the eponymous Slayer and her friends, siding with the villainous Mayor Wilkins, whom she saw as a father figure. Faith made one significant appearance in Season 4, after which she was imprisoned, and wouldn’t appear in the series again until Season 7. However, she did receive a redemptive arc in Angel, a Buffyverse spinoff series. She first appeared in Angel Season 4 — which coincided with Season 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer — where we saw her deal with the guilt and the consequences of her past actions.
Season 4 of Angel was a significant turning point for Faith, as she started to understand the potential for personal growth and change, gradually developing a more profound understanding of her role as a Slayer. This paved the way for her reintegration into the main series, in which she helped Buffy defeat the First Evil in Season 7. So, her storylines and character development on Angel actually complimented the events happening in the seventh season of Buffy. However, she continued to make an appearance in Angel‘s Season 5, even after the main series had ended.
The Buffyverse didn’t end with the conclusion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Sure, the series didn’t broadcast anymore, but the narrative was continued in the Dark Horse comic series. In the comics, Faith’s development continued past that of a secondary character, or even an anti-hero, and into that of a full-blown hero in her own right. The comics saw her take on a leadership role by working with both Giles and Buffy to train new Slayers since her unique experiences — particularly her past mistakes — made her an excellent mentor who was capable of guiding new Slayers through various challenges they might face.
However, not everything was rosy for Faith either; throughout the comic series — which narratively covers Season 8 through Season 12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer — Faith often struggled with feelings of inadequacy and guilt over her past actions, especially the events of Season 3. Yet, she continuously strove to make amends and be a better person, demonstrating surprising levels of resilience and determination given her outwardly tough or harsh exterior. Her love for being a Slayer faded over the years, though she did take contractual jobs from Giles, especially assassinations of rogue Slayers that were a potential threat to Buffy.
Faith was given a prominent spot in the comic series’ narrative, and her journey took her all around the world. She went on innumerable missions with Giles and Robin Woods — someone she actually seemed fond of — most of which revolved around dealing with rogue Slayers or helping them on their own paths to redemption. So, it’s safe to say that her journey and quest for redemption didn’t end with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer television series. Instead, she continued to grow, change, and make amends for her past.
Faith’s metamorphosis from a reckless and self-centered young Slayer to a mature and responsible leader is one of the most compelling arcs in Buffyverse. Despite her traumatic upbringing and the personal demons and consequences she faced, Faith proved that it’s possible to overcome adversity and make a positive difference in the world. Her journey to redemption serves as a reminder that even the darkest of paths can potentially lead to growth and eventual salvation.
Despite the lack of Faith-centered series — and the fandom has been clamoring for one — Faith Lehane’s made a lasting impact on the Buffyverse. Her character continues to resonate with the fandom thanks to the captivating blend of strength, vulnerability, and the enduring quest for redemption. And though she might’ve started as a character defined by what she could take, Faith ultimately became a character defined by what she could give — guidance, wisdom, and a second chance, not just for others but for herself as well.
May is here and I’m baffled…where did the year go?!Oh well, it is time for another seasonal Manga Bookshelf Spotlight. From some indie picks ranging from apocalyptic setting to coming-of-age, I was busy reading. Here is a perfect time for a seasonal check in to spotlight a few gems on my physical and digital bookshelves for anyone looking for some new manga to read! Otakus who love flowers, twisted families, queer longing, body snatching and more–you name it! I got it!
Crescent Moon Marching
Creator: Hamachi Yamada
Publisher: Azuki
Genre: Seinen
Age Rating: TEEN
Available Formats: Digital
Ongoing or Completed: Ongoing
Localization Team: Arthur Muira (Translation & Adaptation) Bari Shager (Lettering), Gergő Rácz (Proofreader)
D.S. Jay (Quality Assurance), Glen Isip (Cover Design)
To escape the stress of city life, high school, and her overbearing mother, Mizuki runs away from home to spend spring break with her aunt in the countryside. The teen missed the chance to make friends at the beginning of the semester, she’s always in a cramp school and most shockingly– she realizes that there’s nothing that she’s passionate about! She’s led a dull life guided by her strict mother who commands good grades above all. At her aunt’s coffee shop, she meets Akira, a high school trumpet player who introduces her to the world of marching band! Crescent Moon Marching introduces Mizuki, whose life was missing color, passion, and anything that made her heart sing and come to life!
Shoutout to my fave manga app, Azuki, for once again making this season’s manga bookshelf list! Hamachi Yamada’s series had such a strong first chapter that stunned me: I love a good coming of age manga where the young adult characters find that spark, that one thing that just clicks for them. Like Yatora in Blue Period stumbling across that painting, here Mizuki is forever changed after seeing Akira’s high school marching band in action.
Crescent Moon Marching is an amazing story of a teenager who never committed herself to anything and starts discovering who she is through the comradery of the marching band she joins. Wanting to be on the same page with others means she’s yearning to take the first step and the next and the next. With Yamada’s expressive artwork that highlights facial expressions, it is easy to be enamored with just the first few chapters that dive into the intricate details of musical instruments, marching band need-to-know, and Mizuki’s dive into belonging.
Recommended for: Those who love the coming-of-age and slice of life vibes via manga, band geeks, and their fans approved manga
Moebana
Creator: Hidari Yokoyama
Publisher: Shueisha
Genre: Shonen
Age Rating: 12+ (TEEN)
Available Formats: Digital
Ongoing or Completed: Completed, published on the MANGA Plus app
Localization Team: Ella Donaldson (Translation) YKS Services LLC (Lettering), Katherine Tran (Editing)
High-schooler Tsukumo Fukakusa is a lovable teen obsessed with an anime called Bouquet Garden: that features human idol characters based on flowers. There’s a place at school that he regards as his “Holy Land:” the back entrance of his school where he always secretly admires the flower arrangements displayed there. One faithful day, he goes from being the boy who looks at the flowers to being recruited by the school’s ikebana club. Ikebana, known as the centuries-old Japanese art of arranging flowers, is a new world for the happy-go-lucky boy with a knowledge of flowers to enter and find new challenges and happiness. Hidari Yokoyama’s manga, which took me by surprise, is sold as an “Ikebana x Coming-of-Age School Life Drama.”
Tsukumo, who is described as a bright and cheerful person, meets and is paired with the gloomy and socially awkward Tsubasa Dewakuni. Moebana is a Shonen manga with a surprising twist that is uniquely Japanese and full of heart and a lot of fun, truly. It does have its familiar Shonen beats with competitions and rivals, and it is quite wholesome, if not a little short (less than 28 chapters). It has an engaging narrative about an outsider, a newcomer entering an already established world set with legacies, emotional histories, and traditions with a backdrop of loving flowers. I loved Moebana for the rich storytelling and the way that we are connected with our loves, here it is a love of flowers.
I adored the way both Tsukumo and Tsubasa found ways to use their great love of arranging flowers to comfort, inspire, and encourage others, including themselves–the beautiful twist in the last chapter that connects two of my favorite characters is a subtle one that just may be one of the best twists in all of the more recent manga.
Recommended for: Folks who love manga about otaku, fans who like their Shonen in small bursts, people who want an introductory to Ikebana or love reading about the Japanese art and pastime
Heavenly Delusion
Creator: Masakazu Ishiguro
Publisher: DENPA BOOKS
Genre: Science Fiction
Age Rating: 16+ (OLDER TEEN)
Available Formats: Digital & Physical
Ongoing or Completed: Ongoing, Five Volumes as of May 2023
Localization Team: Ko Ransom (Translation), Patrick Sutton (Proofreading) Glen Isip, Nicole Dochych, Brandon Bovia (Production)
I may not love living through an apocalypse, but I sure do love reading about them! Heavenly Delusion switches through the point-of-views of two groups: Tokio and children inside a special facility and Maru and Kiruko who are out fending for themselves. The manga takes place after some calamity has befallen Japan, and the place is mostly a wasteland with survivors here and there, eking out a living. Tokio and the other children he’s grown up with have been raised in a nursery-style setting by robots and a few adults, safe from the ravages of the wasteland outside its walls. Maru and Kiruko have been traveling across Japan on a special mission that constantly keeps them in danger and discovering new things of a time before, searching for a place called “heaven.”
Masakazu Ishiguro’s work successfully had me intrigued by the end of volume one and wanting more. This apocalyptic land is an interesting one with man-eating creatures that are hauntingly terrifying, promising offerings by survivor camps of humans, and the mystery of the place called heaven. There are several reveals in just the two volumes of manga that I devoured that have surprised me, shocked me, wrecked me, and made me happy that this is my gateway to this mangaka’s work. Existing and thriving in the science fiction genre, but also slightly fantastical, I am immediately invested in this engaging dark story of survival, growing up and living a life–manufactured or not. Also, there’s an anime adaptation!
Recommended for: Folks who love post-apocalyptic stories, people who read manga centering mostly child characters, lovers of science fiction, and shocking reveals
The Girl That Can’t Get a Girlfriend
Creator: Mieri Hiranishi
Publisher: Viz
Genre: Autobiographical
Age Rating: TEEN
Available Formats: Digital & Physical
Ongoing or Completed: Completed, One Volume
Localization Team: Arthur Muira (Translation & Adaptation) Bari Shager (Lettering)
I don’t believe that the manga industry is lacking when it comes to LGBTQIA+ content, yet I feel a little victory chant in my heart every time I see more releases. The Girl Who Can’t Get a Girlfriend “is an autobiographical journey about one lesbian mangaka’s search for a hot, short-haired girlfriend,” claims the back cover. Based on true events, it follows the queer awakening of the creator and her challenging journey of finding love, losing it, and moving forward. Look–there’s cringe, severe second-hand embarrassment, and a lot of discovery and growing pains on the pages here in Mieri Hiranishi’s manga debut.
I am really enjoying this flood of autobiographical manga being published, and the gems we’re able to read. It is a refreshing take on a queer woman figuring out who she is and making an effort to acknowledge that romanticizing others and relationships gets her nowhere. Originally, the first version of The Girl Who Can’t Get a Girlfriend was published online to webcomic fanfare, cheered on by fans. (Which I’m finding is not uncommon for manga nowadays, as it was for I’m a Terminal Cancer Patient, But I’m Fine.) I think what I love the most about Hiranishi’s manga is the very sincere and honest way she shares her story via manga. Her retelling of her navigating her first attempts at a love life and figuring out her sexuality is an endearing ride that left me rooting for her.
Recommended for: Fans of autobiographical manga, readers who love romance, folks who want more comedic manga to read
What manga is a must read on your bookshelves this Spring? I’d love to know. Sound off in the comments or via our social media channels! See past Seasonal Bookshelf spotlights here!
Love manga? So do we! Check out more manga reviews and related content here!
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I remember when Guardians of the Galaxy was coming out back in 2014. I thought to myself, “I love niche/lesser known characters but what are these dudes bout to do on the big screen?” The movie came out, and I promptly shut the hell up. Guardians of the Galaxy was an example of as long as the story is good, you don’t need well known characters to headline it. The story will push the audience to care about the characters. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a culmination of nine years of storytelling, and my god did they stick the landing here in more ways than one.
The premise of the movie stems around the Guardians of the Galaxy as a found family. We enter the film as Rocket (Bradley Cooper) takes a stroll through the space city of Knowhere and get a glimpse of the community that he and his teammates have built here for its citizens. As Rocket continues his stroll, the contrast of the life booming outside gets juxtaposed against Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) alone in a room drinking due to losing the Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) the team knew, and the Gamora that remains has no idea of her previous life or love with Peter. The team is at a loss for how to deal with Quill, but they don’t get much time as they are suddenly attacked by Adam Warlock (Will Poulter). Warlock’s attack sets in motion a race against time as Rocket is gravely injured, and the key to his survival lies in the Guardians delving into their teammate’s past.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Doesn’t Break the Chain
I refer to the Guardians of the Galaxy as a team but the better word would be a family. Where in Vol. 2 the focus was on the father/son dynamic, this movie focuses on aspects of family. The good, the bad, and the frustrations of dealing with family are present within this movie spectacularly. We see it in how Peter snaps out of his loathing when his friend is in trouble and everyone else follows suit. The audience gets a barrage of dynamics between all these characters. From Nebula’s (Karen Gillain) frustration with Drax (Dave Bautista) not following orders, Mantis (Pom Klementieff) not looking before she leaps, and Groot (Vin Diesel)…no notes, you’re doing great. However, we see how from Mantis’ point of view, Nebula criticizes everything. James Gunn did a great job with these issues everyone has with one another boiling over at the climax of the movie.
Gamora’s dynamic within the group is that she doesn’t have one, save for her relationship with her sister Nebula. Zoe Saldaña did an incredible job of showing us exactly who Gamora is had she never got involved with the Guardians. This Gamora will literally blow your brains out to get what she needs. No joke. I loved ever interaction of Peter trying to get Gamora to return to him and the Guardians being met with resistance. This Gamora is selfish, un-empathetic, and everything the Gamora we knew, was not. Peter is surprised by this, but Nebula isn’t. Nebula is the only person familiar with this version of Gamora. I thought this was a brilliant touch on Gamora and Nebula’s dynamic, while keeping the audience wondering if this Gamora was ever going to come around.
The Dog Days Ain’t Over
Something that I really appreciated throughout this film was how the issue and feeling of loss is addressed. Peter Quill has been going through it since he was eight, fam. Lost his mom, taken from his world, lost his adoptive dad, then his partner. At this point, Peter got his own section in Hallmark cards cause the trauma is at an all-time high. With Rocket’s life on the line, we see a man on a mission to save his friend. Quill is very adamant about not killing folks en route to save Rocket until he sees glimpses into Rocket’s backstory and what was done to him. Once Quill sees what was done to Rocket, when faced up against those responsible, his feelings switch up real quick.
Speaking of Rocket, though he is incapacitated through the majority of the movie, his backstory is used as a narrator as well as a break in the humor and adventure. Again, I won’t spoil his past, but James Gunn stuck very closely to the source material for Rocket’s backstory in terms of what makes him so great. Gunn was able to show that Rocket has a brilliant mind, just in case the audience may have forgotten. We also see, just like Peter Quill, how vicious Rocket can be when friends and family are threatened.
Now let’s get into the villain of the hour. The High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji). I don’t say this about many people or villains but this the most mother fucker muh fugga I done ever met. He’s got a pretentious upper echelon charm but my god, what an asshole. High Evolutionary is basically a being that’s been pushing the evolution of his subjects and is trying to create a higher society. His name rings out through the universe as someone you do not want to mess with. Chukwudi Iwuji’s performance really brought this villain to life.
I found this man vile, cruel, and in desperate need of a punch to the face. High Evolutionary truly sees himself above all, especially the subjects of his creation. The dynamic between him and Rocket explains a lot of Rocket’s nature. There’s a blaring theme of oppression and classism here that’s thrown into the mix for this movie as well. Subjugation, liberation, freedom, and value are all brought into the mix with High Evolutionary as the big bad. Not to compare and contrast villains….as I’m about to compare and contrast villains but I could see High Evolutionary as a the Guardian’s Kang level threat. Regardless, High Evolutionary had no redeeming qualities and is not a justified villain at all. Mans is just a straight up jerk, which is fine. It’s nice to go back to a villain being bad just because it’s who they are for a bit.
We Love the All, the All of You
I enjoyed the movie, but it’s obviously not without its flaws as well. There’s a lot of campiness going on, but it’s balanced by the earnestness of the film. There are certain tropes that take place where I wish there was a different spin used to approach a cliche shot or line. There’s a “believe in yourself” scene with Kraglin (Sean Gunn) that you know is coming. However, none of this was enough to turn me off from the film or make me call it a bad movie. There was always something that was funny, witty, or heart wrenching that covered for any cliché that appeared. Kraglin was a great support character that comes into his own within this film, right alongside Cosmo (Maria Bakalova). They are a great pair together, and their interaction with the group and each other was yet another display of all the different dynamics at play in this film.
I have no problem watching this movie again, and a big part of that stems from the journey that we take with this cast. There’s something to be said about the ending of the film as well. There was a way they could have gone with the ending of the film, and I am glad that that path was not taken. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is fun, man. I can’t tell you otherwise. It’s a great balance between humor, loss, and the next chapter. I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed the film. Don’t get me wrong, it’s wacky, it’s weird, but the fact that the movie leans into that makes it enjoyable as well. You’re goin’ wanna put this movie up high on your playlist.
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