Fray

Fray
Joss Whedon
Published by Dark Horse, 2003; ISBN 1569717516
Recommended reading age: young adult

Summary:
In the future, the line of Slayers has died out. New York has become a wasteland, dotted by flying cars and street kids. There’s also a growing population of “lurks,” otherwise known as vampires. But one day a demon visits Melaka Fray and explains that she’s been called to become the Slayer and save humanity. Although she’s reluctant and doubtful, Fray takes up the Slayer scythe and begins fighting lurks with everything she’s got.

Review:
Fray is obviously geared towards Buffy fans, since it’s from the same creator and the same lore. However, it’s set in the future, long after Buffy’s death. The world is different from our own: cars fly, New York has been destroyed, and mutants roam the streets. After the world has gone years without a Slayer, Fray has been called to take up the scythe and fight the vampires and demons. She’s from the future, so she talks with different slang. I found that a little hard to grasp at first. And being a sort of newbie to graphic novels, I didn’t spend enough time appreciating the art. But a second read made me appreciate Fray much more. And now that Fray has made an appearance in the Buffy season 8 comics, this book becomes even more interesting. I’d recommend Fray to Buffy fans, girls who like graphic novels, and anyone who likes graphic novels filled with fighting and vampires.