jcschildbach's review against another edition
4.0
A friend handed this off to me years ago, and I can't believe I didn't read it then, or at least sooner, (his recommendations have generally been spot-on). Anyway, this is an entry into the "Slayer" mythology of "Buffy" fame. I saw the original movie in the theater, but didn't follow the TV show or the spin-offs (in print or on TV). I love the build-up, but feel like (with so many other works I read) the resolution is too quick and convenient. The book is not afraid to go dark and upsetting, which churns my guts, but makes me like it that much more. If you like "Buffy", or vampire stuff, or comics, or...well, reading...this is pretty fun.
offbalance80's review against another edition
4.0
I had been trying to get a copy of this TO read for nearly a year now. Having finally read it, I can happily say it was worth the wait. While the story is fairly simple and some of its trappings are nothing new to seasoned Whedon fans, Fray is a great heroine.
I also really loved the artwork - the earlier Buffy Dark Horse books were underwhelming, but this was the first one I remember standing out and showing the potential that has been finally accomplished in the Buffy Season 8 series. Definitely worthy of a read.
I also really loved the artwork - the earlier Buffy Dark Horse books were underwhelming, but this was the first one I remember standing out and showing the potential that has been finally accomplished in the Buffy Season 8 series. Definitely worthy of a read.
mostlyromancereading's review against another edition
This was surprisingly good! I got this as part of a gift exchange. I'm glad I didn't forgo this futuristic visit to the Buffyverse.
foreverbeautifulbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Welcome to my second endevour into the world of the graphic novel. I have to say, this is still a comic to me. It reads like a comic, the art is amazing, like a comic, but it tells one hell of a damned good story. Fray is the story of the slayer of the future. Like two hundred years in the future!
Not only had no one needed the chosen on, or Buffy for quite some time now. The myth and legend of the slayer has been just as dead. Enter Fray. A savvy street smart kick ass female that also seems to be a thief; a really good thief. If you need it, Fray can get it. Then enter her being… the chosen one! Oh yes, two hundred years from now, the now insane council has realized that the slayer is in need, and vampires are still roaming the streets. However, it isn’t the council that calls upon the chosen one—it’s a demon. A pretty cool demon I might add. He is huge, scary, and trains the shit out of our little Fray. He also does some questionable stuff too in the name of making the slayer, well, the slayer.
Another story by Whedon that we can gush over and obsess with, not only does he create a world of utter chaos, but he slaps our delicate little flower Fray with trails of war that will shape and mold one hell of a woman. If you haven’t read this graphic novel, do it! I loved it and have now stolen the name of the future slayer for my review persona.
Not only had no one needed the chosen on, or Buffy for quite some time now. The myth and legend of the slayer has been just as dead. Enter Fray. A savvy street smart kick ass female that also seems to be a thief; a really good thief. If you need it, Fray can get it. Then enter her being… the chosen one! Oh yes, two hundred years from now, the now insane council has realized that the slayer is in need, and vampires are still roaming the streets. However, it isn’t the council that calls upon the chosen one—it’s a demon. A pretty cool demon I might add. He is huge, scary, and trains the shit out of our little Fray. He also does some questionable stuff too in the name of making the slayer, well, the slayer.
Another story by Whedon that we can gush over and obsess with, not only does he create a world of utter chaos, but he slaps our delicate little flower Fray with trails of war that will shape and mold one hell of a woman. If you haven’t read this graphic novel, do it! I loved it and have now stolen the name of the future slayer for my review persona.
dlberglund's review against another edition
5.0
As if a Joss Whedon story could get any fewer than 5 stars from me.
Fray is the new Slayer in a future world where vampires are the least of anyone's problems (or so they think). Fray kicks ass even without a Watcher or knowledge of her destiny. I would watch Fray as a TV show, for sure. Or read more of these books. Why is there no more Fray for me to read about in more "seasons"? An arc of only 8 comic books (plus one chapter in Tales of the Slayers) is not enough for this fangirl.
Fray is the new Slayer in a future world where vampires are the least of anyone's problems (or so they think). Fray kicks ass even without a Watcher or knowledge of her destiny. I would watch Fray as a TV show, for sure. Or read more of these books. Why is there no more Fray for me to read about in more "seasons"? An arc of only 8 comic books (plus one chapter in Tales of the Slayers) is not enough for this fangirl.
_forestofpages's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, Violence, Blood, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Ableism, Child death, and Incest
poachedeggs's review against another edition
3.0
I love Joss Whedon - Buffy, Firefly, Dr Horrible, Dollhouse - and Fray is a good read with lush art. That said, the graphic novel is a little too reminiscent of previous themes in Buffy, though I also know that Whedon means for this story arc to tie in with that of Buffy in the Season 8 comic.
gorybmovie's review against another edition
5.0
Fray is the chosen one of the future. While the world has become something out of Blade Runner, some things never change, there are still vampires, demons, forces of darkness and, as it all began, one girl to stop them all. There is so much to love about this series: detailed world-building, unique characters, and beautiful illustrations. I would love to see this become a movie some day. Fray also makes a reappearance in Buffy Season 8: Time of Your Life so I recommend reading this first. Fray is one of my favorite series (as well as one of my favorite characters) and a must-read for fans of BTVS, science fiction and dystopian.
linneahedvig's review against another edition
3.0
Slayer of the Future!
So I've been reading Buffy Season Eight, which is in comic book form (and still going on!). While I was looking for info about that, I found this book, which is another Joss Whedon comic book, set in the Buffy-verse, but in the future! Melaka Fray is a kick-ass thief in the dystopic underbelly of futuristic Manhattan. It feels vaguely cyberpunk (in my mind, could be just the crazy slang they use and all the flying cars and wacky hair colors--these things mean cyberpunk in Linnea-land).
I liked this, though, because it's very Joss, but it's not like he's trying to make Buffy II--Fray is totally different. It was a really fun all-in-one-sitting read.
So I've been reading Buffy Season Eight, which is in comic book form (and still going on!). While I was looking for info about that, I found this book, which is another Joss Whedon comic book, set in the Buffy-verse, but in the future! Melaka Fray is a kick-ass thief in the dystopic underbelly of futuristic Manhattan. It feels vaguely cyberpunk (in my mind, could be just the crazy slang they use and all the flying cars and wacky hair colors--these things mean cyberpunk in Linnea-land).
I liked this, though, because it's very Joss, but it's not like he's trying to make Buffy II--Fray is totally different. It was a really fun all-in-one-sitting read.
abigaillo's review against another edition
5.0
Fray is actually one of my first forays into the graphic novel genre. (First ever graphic novel: [b:Watchmen|472331|Watchmen|Alan Moore|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1442239711s/472331.jpg|4358649], which is still sitting half-finished on my floor. I love it, but it's just too dense, goddamn it!) The only reason I checked Fray out from the library was because I was looking for a dark & gritty read, and my friend recommended it to me. I thought, "what the hell. You love Marvel movies & TV, so why not try out a couple graphic novels on for size?"Honestly, I didn't expect to like them that much: I'd always thought of graphic novels as "picture books with prettier drawings and more pages". But I'll be damned if Fray didn't surpass all my expectations and more!First, we have to discuss Fray's hair. Does anyone else acknowledge how beautiful and multi-colored and ama
zing it is? Also, I miss the green braid that was in her hair for about the first 2 chapters before it disappeared; it added quirkiness and individuality to her hair. (From the details I noticed, can you tell that I was almost creepily obsessed with Fray's hair for the entirety of the novel?)Second: I loved the pacing and the plot! All the twists were extremely unexpected (although maybe that's just because I was paying more attention to Fray's hair than the plot). And I loved how Whedon didn't just dump 90% of the twists into the end of the book for shock value. The plot was constantly twisting and turning, up until th
zing it is? Also, I miss the green braid that was in her hair for about the first 2 chapters before it disappeared; it added quirkiness and individuality to her hair. (From the details I noticed, can you tell that I was almost creepily obsessed with Fray's hair for the entirety of the novel?)Second: I loved the pacing and the plot! All the twists were extremely unexpected (although maybe that's just because I was paying more attention to Fray's hair than the plot). And I loved how Whedon didn't just dump 90% of the twists into the end of the book for shock value. The plot was constantly twisting and turning, up until th