Angel: Auld Lang Syne Summary and Reviews

Angel: Auld Lang Syne
by Scott Tipton, David Messina

Angel: Auld Lang Syne
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Book Summary Information

Author: David Messina, Scott Tipton
Brand: IDW Publishing
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2007-06-26
ISBN: 1600100635
Number of pages: 128
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Product features:
  • ISBN13: 9781600100635
  • Condition: USED - Very Good
  • Notes: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!

Book Reviews of Angel: Auld Lang Syne

Book Review: Angel vs. Spike Battle Royale!
Summary: 5 Stars

Angel: Auld Lang Syne is a highly entertaining graphic novel written by Scott Tipton with artwork by David Messina. Of all the Buffy books I've read, this one's my favorite.

Make no mistake--Angel's name may be on the cover, but this is a Spike story, through and through.

Reading this book after the "Spike" graphic novel, it became apparent to me what was later confirmed by reading interviews: Spike is Scott Tipton's favorite character, and it shows. Not that he is unfair to Angel or any other characters in his representation of Spike. It is merely that he writes Spike with love and enthusiasm that is clear on the page. He writes a faithful interpretation of the character, one full of the mannerisms and witty dialogue and attitude that we expect from Spike. He makes Spike's dialogue sound natural, not like he is "trying" or "reaching" to convey the character, nor does his depiction ever devolve into caricature as one could so easily do.

"Auld Lang Syne" takes place at an indeterminate timeline, sometime after Spike has regained his soul and become corporeal in LA, possibly after the end of Angel the Series, but never explicitly stated. Angel and Spike, separately, both encounter figures from their past who are dead, yet are somehow up and about and able to attack them and mess with their heads.

Spike encounters not only his mother, but also the two Slayers that he killed. This makes for fun battle scenes with the Slayers that were all too briefly seen on BTVS. (Later we actually get to see Angel battling the New York Slayer, Nikki Wood, as well. How cool is that?)

Naturally, when Angel and Spike run into each other, they think the other is another fake beastie from their past, and begin an epic mano-a-mano battle that lasts a full 19 pages! It's truly exciting and shows both souled vampires to the best of their fighting abilities. Their fighting techniques match their personalities, Spike being somewhat impulsive and impatient, Angel perhaps a bit more cunning. Their attacks get very creative. The back cover promises the "greatest head-to-head Angel/Spike battle ever," and it does not disappoint!

Finally, of course, though, they realize they're being played by a mysterious villain who set them against each other, and they team up to solve the mystery together. Seeing them help each other is just as entertaining as watching them fight each other. Rest assured it is not a carefree alliance.

Spike actually gets the main focus and glory in the final battle with the villain, though of course not without Angel's help.

The final scene is a searing insight into these former enemies/reluctant allies/eternal rivals. Despite their differences, they always live with one huge commonality, and I'm not talking about their souls.

Scott Tipton understands the Angel-Spike dynamic as well as anyone, and more importantly, he understands how to write them for maximum tension, humor, and drama.

I would really recommend any Buffy books Tipton writes for Spike fans, based on this volume and the Spike graphic novel alone.

(A note on the artwork: While Messina's work is not quite as realistic as Fernando Goni's, rest assured that the characters are drawn to look like the actors, and he does a good job. Angel and Spike are depicted very well.)

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