Buffyfest's Top Ten Moments of 2011!

Major Buffyverse spoilers for Season 8 & 9 if you're not completely caught up...

Another year is gone. And listen, we were definitely confused about compiling this year's Top Ten list. Did Giles get killed this year or end of last? Did Buffy and Angel conceive a baby universe this year? When did she even have random lesbian sex? Well the answer to all of that is: Not in 2011! Oh no, 2011 was all about restructure and transition in the Whedonverse. The Buffy and Angel stories are all back under one roof, living at Dark Horse, and Joss Whedon was off creating new and wonderful projects for us to feast our eyes on in 2012. Helping us with what will be the Top Ten moments of 2012, assuming the world doesn't end before that.

So now that we have that all figured out, here's a look back at our Top Ten Whedonverse Moments of this year. And a very Happy New Year, readers and friends!

#1 - Photobombed!
This was one of the most embarrassingly huge things that ever happened to us as Buffyfest, so it was definitely landing the top spot this year. Joss Whedon officially became our White Whale. While doing an interview at SDCC, Andrew Chambliss is actually saying the words "Joss is busy with The Avengers" and dude, Michelle, Joss is right behind you. Doesn't get sillier than this!

#2 - The End of All Magic
2011 marked the fallout of Angel and Buffy's universe-creating space sex, which ultimately ended in Giles' death and Buffy needing to break the seed, thus ending the flow of magic on earth. What a long, strange trip it's been.

#3 - Buffyfest 2011
This year we had a fancy brunch featuring Funny Shaped Pancakes, Mr. Gordo Bacon, Oh Hey! Juice!, and coffee from the Espresso Pump, along with all the morning fare one could dream up for a Buffy Breakfast event. Michelle even made a fanvid using the Wham! classic "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go." Good times.

#4 - Dark Horse Goes Digital
With Dark Horse taking over the Angel license, 2011 not only marked the year that Buffy and Angel were back under one roof, but the company finally digitized their full range of Whedonverse titles old and new. Which brings us to....

#5 - Angel & Faith
We're not sure if anyone was prepared for the fabulosity that the Angel & Faith series has become. Angel is arguably one of the most hated characters in the entire Whedonverse at this point (after basically killing Buffy's dad), but man smashing these 2 anti-heroes together has created a seriously compelling story to watch unfold.

#6 - Much Ado About Nothing
Joss writes, directs and produces a whole movie entirely in secret. He may have an evil clone.

#7 - Buffyfest at Comic Cons
Buffyfest once again made the pilgrimage to Geek Mecca SDCC 2011 and it's little cousin NYCC 2011.

#8 - Buffy's Birthday Bash
Buffy had a big birthday on Januray 19th this year, coinciding with Season 8's grand finale...and there were bashes all over the country to celebrate! Our spot? Forbidden Planet in NYC.

#9 - Joss Whedon's Favorite Shirt
Joss wore that two-toned henley to death, from Comic Cons (it's in the photobomb!) to parties to film sets. 'Twas funny.

#10 - Buffy Movie Reboot: DOA
Funny thing is, last year's #10 spot of this here list had the news of the Whedonless Reboot along with the line "It's possible that by this time next year, the reboot release will be a rumor of the past". And now it looks like it is. Life's cute like that sometimes.

Reminder: Buffy Digi-Comics on Sale This Weekend!

Just a friendly reminder that Dark Horse's "very Buffy Christmas" sale has begun! Season 8 Digital Comics, Issues 1-15 are going to be just $.99 each until Sunday.

Also, everyone at Buffyfest would also like to wish all of our readers a fantastic Holiday season. Enjoy the yule time, drink the nog and be merry!

Maven of the Eventide = Best Vampire Review Series EVER

Everybody has their "thing."  For some, it's astronauts walking around on hamster wheels, for others it's jangly folk guitars and unkempt hair.  But you?  You love vampires.  Don't lie.  I know you.  You're on a site called "Buffyfest."  You're not fooling anyone.

It's with that in mind we present a new video series starring everybody's favorite That Guy With the Glasses Makeover Fairy, Elisa Hansen.  This series, Maven of the Eventide, delves into both the best and the worst of what vampire entertainment has to offer.  Today's episode deals with the ever present marketing towards vampire enthusiasts.  It also has a guest appearance by... me - reminding everyone why it's best that I never be on camera.  For any reason.  Ever.

Seriously.

Okay, now watch the video.



Check her other videos, too, where she reviews Interview with a Vampire and Blade.

And I know what you're wondering.  What about Buffy?  Well... all in good time, my friends.  All in good time.  In the meanwhile, you should follow Elisa on Twitter.  But don't follow her around in real life.  That would be weird.  Also, dibs.

Buffyfest: the Comic! Sort of...

A little over a year ago, I started working on a webcomic based on popular youtube personality, brentalfloss.  Never heard of him?  He takes popular video game tunes and gives them humorous lyrics.  I'd been a fan of his stuff for a while and, when we met at NYCC in 2010, I pitched him the idea of doing a twice weekly strip.  Fast forward to now, and you'll find my Buffy interests peppered in ever now and again.  The latest example included a little shout-out to my home away from home - Buffyfest.

We also revealed that the roommate character, Travis, tried and failed to make it happen with Willow one time.

Poor Travis didn't have a chance.  I doubt he could compete with Oz or Tara.  He's way cooler than Kennedy, though.

Anyhoo, we're coming up on 50 strips and, if the spirit moves you, take a look.  There's video game humor, a little fanfiction, and pop culture galore.

Dark Horse is Having a Holiday Sale on 'Buffy' Digital This Weekend!

Talk about your recession specials! If you've been waiting to fill your digital device with Buffy goodness, great news. This weekend, Dark Horse's Digital Store is running a "very Buffy Christmas" sale! Season 8 Digital Comics, Issues 1-15 are going to be just $.99 each all weekend long!

Visit https://digital.darkhorse.com/genre/33/ from Friday through Sunday this Weekend to get your loot.

[Spoilers] Buffy Season 9 #4 Reviewed (Plus Video)

Hey there, ye olde readers of the 'fest du Buff.  I know what you've been thinking.  You've been thinking "Where are those incredibly insightful reviews from Bitsy about those Buffy comics I'm so ambivalent about (yet keep reading anyway)?

Well... get off my back!  I'm busy, you know?  Jeez...

Alright, alright.  Here's a video where I review a bunch of books (it's a weekly series, folks so you should check it out) and then I'll write in some detail, too.  Satisfied?  No?  Whatever, it's what you're getting so merry god damned Christmchannukwanzakah.





Alright.  So that was me talking about the actual Buffy comic for like five seconds.  Here's what I really thought.  It was okay.  I like all the fight sequence stuff.  Unlike Season 8's super hero style, this feels much more gritty and, with the cops just outside, there's a very real and present danger happening both within and without.

I also liked Spike and Koh.  When Spike nearly bites it and Buffy was sad and he was crying... honestly, I didn't even feel nauseous in the mouth area.  And that's nice.  Let's call it personal growth.

What I was less thrilled about was the whole Spike "Buffy wants to be normal which I can never be" speech.  Why?  Because it's not a very Spike-like thing to say, is it?  And I get that there's a very real possibility that the line is set-up for him being turned human but, honestly, I don't know that I want that either.  It feels very (and I can't believe I'm saying this) Bangel-y, doesn't it?  Didn't we already do this with Buffy Season 2 and then "I Will Remember You" later?  I just think that Spike and Angel are different dudes and their stories and reactions to events should be different.  Spike never thought Buffy should want to be "normal."  To Spike, Buffy is special.  One girl in all the world, if you will.  And I don't much think he'd want to be human, either.

Anyway.  That's my rant.  I still like the issue.  Still think it's worlds better than anything from Season 8.  I just think we should get to the Buffy being pregnant thing.  Because that's what's happening.  I'm convinced.  If I'm wrong, I'll eat my hat.  I'll eat anyone's hat.  It'll be a habberdashery buffet.

Anyhoo... what did you think?

Buffyfest's 2011 Whedonverse Gift Guide!

It's a stressful time and we're here to help, dear reader, with our yearly Gift Guide for that special Whedonite on your list. Everyone has one! Whether you're shopping for a newbie who is just discovering Buffy or a Whedonite so hard-core that he'll make a case for why we should be watching Toy Story at next year's Buffyfest Party (Ryan, still looking at you)...there will be a prize on this list to place under their Holiday Bush. And check out our past Gift Guides as most of that loot is still available too.

With only 10 shopping days to go, we give you, the 2011 Buffyfest Gift Guide:

For the Newbie:

Best prices found this week on all the necessary DVDs:

• Buffy "Chosen" Box Set - Splurge on "The Chosen Set". That link has it for $105.
• Angel: Complete Series At $66.49 + Free Ship - A must to complete the full collection.
  
• Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog on DVD (only $7.60!) and on Blu-ray
  
• They'll need Firefly (16.99!) and it's stunning conclusion Serenity (Collector's Edition)
• Dollhouse: Season One and Season 2 (also available on Blu-Ray)
• Comics: Go to TFAW for Dark Horse's Buffy Season's 8 & 9 and IDW's Angel and Spike books, the Serenity series and more. Don't forget Joss Whedon's Fray for the complete Buffyverse story!

For the die-hard Whedonite:

• Every serious Whedonite needs a Jayne hat to fully induct him or her.
• Get a print from Joebot, he who creates the fabulous vinyl cover art of "Buffy and the Scoobies", and the original "River Tam and the Fireflies". I'd love one of these.
• QMX  and ThinkGeek both have the usual impressive amounts of shirts for Whedonites of all flavors.
• Customize their phone with Buffy iPhone Gelaskins, featuring the beautiful art of Jo Chen.
• And of course, they will need a fresh Buffy 2012 Wall Calendar

For the Spuffy:

• If your Spuffy is a Christian, why not send them a Spike Christmas Card where he's dressed like a vampy Santa?
• Or if you can afford it, maybe a 3' tall Spike Bobblehead? He's 3 FEET TALL!
• Now even the baby on your list can be a Spuffy through no will of his own! Check out this Onesie declaring the little one's 'ship.
• If you're a Last Minute Larry and a friend of a Spuffy, maybe download some new music from James Marsters' Band, Ghost of the Robot.
• You even can have your Spuffy's face drawn into a customized sketch of Spike mounting her (or him!) Now that's what I call a Holiday Party!

Recession Specials!

•  It's both inexpensive and a 'Verse Crossover, check out this Buffy vs. River sticker. 4 bucks!
• This is a fantastic Firefly replica key chain. Under $10!
• A "like new" OG Buffy DVD for only $2.99!! Kristy Swanson, Luke Perry, Paul Ruebens and Free Shipping. What more can you ask for? 
• If you're really broke, why not just print out a Whedonverse themed Crossword or Jumble Puzzle? Maybe even make a whole book of them. Free!
• Finally, create your own Whedonverse Ornaments for your fan friend. Check out the Flickr Group from our Whedonverse Ornament Swap for some inspiration.

Last Minute Larry - downloadable and emailable gifts:

• If you're late you're in luck because Dark Horse has finally gone digital! May we recommend Joss Whedon's One-Shot Sugarshock. Even better, get an Android or iTunes store gift card so your fan friend can get the full collection of Whedonverse comics on the quick. Great gift!
• Since it's a pre-order, you won't even technically be late if you purchase this Buffy Season 8 Hardcover - Volume 1. It's set to ship next year.
  
• For your Apple Fanboi friend who's also a Whedonite, instantly download Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog in HD from iTunes, so they can load on their devices and sing along for a mere $7.99!
• And as always, a charitable donation to super browncoat fellowship Can't Stop The Serenity is the perfect instant and feel-good gift. 

For the Super Hard-Core fan who has everything:

If you have a Super Hard-Core on your list like these guys, you'll need to be just as hard core:

• Joss Whedon's favorite shirt of 2011! It's baaaack, and available at Urban Outfitters.
• For the extravagant gift, here is Bittersweets' lovely Vamp Teeth gold ring set. Split them up and share!
• When the fan on your list is hard core, s/he's probably also a trivia hound. If s/he's also a Browncoat, then you're in luck! Get them The Big Damn Firefly and Serenity Trivia Book.
  
• Hard-Core fans of Faith can get stuck in the gut by Buffy just like she did with this printed long sleeve tshirt.
• The Buffy Blanket that's been around for years has now been updated to a Season One Style! Cozying up with Season One is strictly for a Hard-Core, not for everyone.

That brings 2011 to a close. Happy Shopping and more importantly, Happy Holidays everyone!

Shipping Deadline Has Passed for the 4th Annual Whedonverse Holiday Ornament Swap!

If you've joined the 4th Annual Swap, then we hope everyone has shipped out their ornaments or is about to in the next day or so! Now when you start receiving those bad boys, make sure to photograph and upload to the flickr group so we can all bask in their festive, Whedony glory.

Here's the link!

http://www.flickr.com/groups/buffyfestholidayswap/

Finally! 'Cabin in the Woods' Trailer Hits the Web.

Ladies and Gentlemen: It's baffling and no one knows what it's about, it's got pre-Thor Hottie Chris Hemsworth, it's been shelved for years, it's Joss Whedon's Cabin in the Woods! In theaters April 13, 2012!

And it's got a weird digital grid wall type thing. Seriously, does anyone know what the frick is going on in this movie?