I can't emphasize how much I enjoyed this graphic novel. Like most people, I was a bit let down by season 8 Buffy comics. I have been following season 9 but not as ardently as I followed season 8. I admit that season 9 has been a improvement; but one thing was seriously lacking in both season 8
and 9 -- Willow! Willow is one of my favorite characters, and I was sad when she was pulling away from Buffy.
I also have to mention that the cover to this?
Gorgeous. So stunning, I find myself staring at it for moments at a time. I love the fact that this is a one-shot. So anyone can read it-- even if you haven't read season 9 at all you could follow this story. I was super surprised at the introduction of Marrak, and really had no idea who he would be from Buffyverse! Definitely didn't see that coming! I just love how they incorporate, like, all the previous characters (no matter how small) and put them in the comics. It's always amazing, and yet also believable.
In season 8 of the comics I remember Willow's magical guide was the gorgeous green woman/creature/mermaid thingy. We never learned what happens to her or exactly who she was; we just knew she guided Willow and also was her lover for a bit. It was amazing to see her again and find out more about her! I was a little worried, was she truly good or did she have sinister interests?
As a huge fan of Buffy and Joss Whedon I have to say...Joss, you're doing a wonderful job. Wonderland was spectacular. I'm going so far as to say it's my favorite comic you've made since season 8 (not counting [b:Tales of the Slayers|271367|Tales of the Slayers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Comic #1)|Joss Whedon|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1385180391s/271367.jpg|1689787] & [b:Tales of the Vampires|199915|Tales of the Vampires (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Comic #2)|Joss Whedon|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327190190s/199915.jpg|193402] and other Omnibus shorts). But that's saying something. I can't wait to read more of Willows story and how she incorporates magic in the world.