Exclusive Interview: Dark Horse Editor-in-Chief Scott Allie at SDCC 2014

It was a wild and frantic Friday night at San Diego Comic Con. Parties were raging, traffic was bumper-to-bumper, the Hall H line for the next day's Marvel panel was longer than we'd ever seen it... stretching all the way across the bridge, INTO the bay area, past the basketball courts (for SDCC virgins, this is an area where it should never be!)

Directly above, in a cush room at the Hilton Bayfront overlooking this crazy scene, sat a semi-tired (but still totally on point) Super Scott Allie, Editor-in-Chief at Dark Horse Comics and overall Buffy boss. He's been doing this SDCC thing for over 20 years; perhaps this is why he seemed largely unfazed by the near-apocalyptic level of energy around him. We grilled him about all things Buffy Season 10. Check out the resulting interview below:

After our interview ended at 2 am, we decided to brave the Hall H scene to finish shooting a little documentary about that mess. As we were leaving, we asked Scott if he was going to sleep for the night. His response? "Nah, I'll walk out with you guys... I'm going to meet up with some colleagues at the Gaslamp."

What can we say? That Scott Allie, he's a pro.

Scott Allie Interview Teaser!

Coming up tomorrow, don't miss our #SDCC continuing covering where Dark Horse Editor-in-Chief Scott Allie reveals all! Robert Pattinson will cry tears of joy, Sesame Street will throw a block party. Our Comic Con coverage isn't even close to being done yet!

 

SDCC Day 4: Famous Bros, Broken Toes and Last Day Woes...

This is a little belated since we're already home, broken and jet lagged...but while we're getting all of our interviews edited we still wanted to recap our final day of Comic Con!

After waking up early, we headed over to the Supernatural Hall H line (Thanks so much to Tommy for holding our spot!) So lucky because that line was bonkers, as usual. But little did we know what surprises were ahead!

Like for instance how when frantically running at the Hall H line, I got turned around, bumped into someone who then accidentally stepped on my foot and broke 2 of my toes!

After seeing stars, we finally got on the line at which point Misha Collins (aka Supernatural's Castiel) came out and hung out with thousands of screaming fans on the line...taking pics, signing stuff, etc. Then he brought out coffee for everyone for like 2 hours! When he finally got by us, he graced Buffyfest's Ryan a cup 'o joe. It was AWESOME! And behind him was a bunch of assistants wearing coffee aprons with different little compartments saying "more cream? Sugar? Stirrer? Napkin?" Good service! Heh.

Misha Collins in the Hall H crowd. So brave!

The Cas Coffee Cup!

SPN Cosplayers!

On to the panel, I've said this before, but the single best thing about procuring a press pass is the Hall H experience. You still have to wait on line like everyone else, but even if youre at the back of the line it's ok because when you DO get in you can walk allll the way to the front Press Box where you get this vantage point:

Our Amazing Press Box Angle!

The Supernatural Panel:

 

So, that panel was awesome. I swear all the SPN guys are cuter than ever. Panel included EP Jeremy Carver, hottie Jensen Ackles, cutie Jared Padalecki, coffee fairy Misha Collins and the hilarious Mark Sheppard aka Badger. They showed a clip from S.10 and a blooper reel. The actor that plays Kevin Tran even pranked them by showing up on the Q&A line!

SPN's Osric Chau in the audience!

After that, we planned on hitting the Nintendo Gaming Lounge at the Marriot (which was great) but we got sidetracked along the way by a fellow con-goer who expressed concern over my ever blackening toes. Guess they really were broken! Thought I was just being dramatic. Off to First Aid, who were helpful but their bedside manner could use a little work. Guess they had the SDCC Sunday blues. Either way, thanks for your help, Comic Con medic squad!

Proving I may be becoming a better geek than Joss Whedon himself, I power limped through the crowd determined to not let some broken appendages ruin my Comic Con. Turns out Joss had been injured in London and decided to stay back, canceling his Marvel panel appearance and his scheduled Sunday 1:30 signing in one fell swoop. But maybe I don't deserve too much credit because it was at this point we decided it was best to skip Buffy "Once More, With Feeling" sing-along. I didn't think standing on line anymore was a good idea. Wah! Heard it was a good time though!

After playing some games in the Nintendo Gaming Lounge, that was pretty much it! Took the trolley out of the crowds and headed back to the east coast. We're editing all of our videos now, so check back for our exclusive interviews with Nick Brendon, Scott Allie and more!

Dark Horse Panel at San Diego Comic Con 2014

Earlier today was Dark Horse Comics' panel at #SDCC entitled "The Whedonverse." Panelists included Dark Horse editor-in-chief Scott Allie, Buffy season 10 writer Christos Gage, actor/writer and all-around Buffy alum Nicholas Brendon, writer Jane Espenson, and Buffy/Serenity artist Georges Jeanty. Some fun soundbites, especially from Nick Brendon and some nostaligic tales from Jane Espenson See below for the full panel. 

 

SDCC Day 3: Tech Problems, Tiny Crowns and Talky Panelists

Ohhh we had so many issues here at Comic Con today. Don't get me wrong it was still a fun time overall but we had gremlins in our machines like you wouldn't believe. Basically the tech problems ranged from crappy wifi (the usual) to a random computer virus (less usual). We still haven't successfully uploaded our interviews with Nicholas Brendon, Christos Gage, Georges Jeanty. Too much tech drama!

Oh and lets not forget Scott Allie...we met up with him at 11:30 pm last night for a fantastic interview. Then, after we left him we did a whole story on the epic Hall H line until 3 am...man was that crazy. I don't think SDCC has ever seen anything like it. People were all the way past the basketball courts in the bay area. And then Joss Whedon didn't even show up to the Marvel panel due to surgery he had on his ankle! We would've been so pissed if we waited on that line. Poor Joss though....missing Comic Con and stuff. Marvel panel was good though!

Anyway, here are some shots from today taken during today's Dark Horse panel. We'll have that video up asap.

 

Nicholas Brendon, of course!

Buffy's Christos Gage

and our fave, Super Scott Allie!

San Diego Comic Con: Day 2 - Boreano, the Coveted SPN Bag and more!

SDCC has been a whirlwind so far. Today we interviewed the hilarious core Scoob alum Nicholas Brendon (squee!), Buffy writer and fan-fave Christos Gage and artist Georges Jeanty! Look out for those posts in the coming days.

Now if you're following us on Twitter, you may have become aware of my desperate plea in search of a an official SDCC Supernatural bag. Well thanks for nothing, tweeps! I got no bites from that tactic! But by hook or by crook I was getting that mutha. In the end I had to play out a very complicated trading process with these picky and stingy con-goers (myself included!) This meant starting with a Hobbit bag, trading for an Originals style one...back to a Hobbit and then finally I accosted a poor family and pressured the father and his fabulous purple-headed wife to trade for his Supernatural bag while the horrified children watched on. 

And while that was HUGELY satisfying, the highlight of the day had to be a David Boreanaz sighting!! In all of our years of Buffyfest, this is the one of the few people we haven't seen at a panel or interviewed. Saw him randomly as he wasn't on the scheduled and swooned hard!

And then steps down from that booth, the fake Angel on Dark Horse Booth wall. Still swoon!

Good day so far! 

San Diego Comic Con Day 1- Whedonverse Exclusives!

Today is San Diego Comic Con day! Well, for us anyway…we skipped Preview Night this year. But we're so psyched to be here - and one of the reasons to attend any reputable comic convention are the merch exclusives of course! Check out some of the cooler ones we can expect to see this weekend below:

FUNKO is bringing 87 exclusives to SDCC. EIGHTY SEVEN. What in the world? Way to blow the rest of the toy companies out of the water! And some of them are extra-fab. Check out beaten and bruised (but still stylish!) Buffy in her Season 1 gear. Some awesome Firefly ones too.

CineQuest.com and Benson Entertainment have joined forces to offer a Buffy “Triangle” Tara Exclusive Figure at SDCC. Originally released as a signed edition to support Amber Benson’s film Lovers, Liars and Lunatics a few years back, this unsigned version of the figure is now being offered for the first time as a 2014 SDCC Exclusive. Limited to just 300, the figure includes a purse, potion bottle, candle, and book. The figure comes blister-carded in a white box mailer.

TITANS has announced their “Welcome to the Hellmouth” collection - a series of vinyl collectibles based on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This set of 12 vinyls includes all the core cast – Buffy, Willow, Xander, Oz, Giles, Faith, Angelus, Spike, Drusilla, the Mayor, the Master and Buffy as a vampire. There won't be any exclusives here at SDCC from tho sline (from what I can tell), but since the press release came out around the same time as everything else, we still wanted to share.

Slated for release in December 2014, the figures will be 3″ vinyls in blind-box format, with character-specific accessories and 4 hidden chase figures to seek out with “one random figure supplied” for the collection.

And of course, as previously reported, Dark Horse's Comic Exclusive! 

 Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 10 #5 San Diego Comic-Con International 2014 Variant Cover 

Price: $5.00 Print Run: 1,000 Limit: Five per person

SEASON 10: LOVE ACTUALLY /// Issue 5 {SPOILERS}

ISSUE 5

Dracula gets really batshit. The book of VAMPYR is rewritten and Dracula comes back in the form of Maloker (huge monster - last seen in Season 9). Maloker is also enormous and takes a lot of effort to take down. Buffy and company freak out. Fight ensues. Dawn returns to giant mode (a la Season 8) for a few pages. Elaborate but kiiiiiinda funny plot to stake Maloker/Dracula with Stake-Shaped building. Also some sexy (lame perv weirdo here) butt shots of Dracula....for a comic book. If you were watching the TV show - this issue would be happening around the 8:45-9:00pm mark.

Porny

The thrust of this issue is mainly about Xander dealing with love. Xander has to make some choices when it comes down to Dracula and Dawn. "Ghost Anya" makes an appearance to remind Xander about what's important - serving as a voicebox for his subconscious (Six Feet Under-style). ALSO....I get the feeling Anya might be making more of a comeback this season. But I'm not exactly sure.... I am an amateur reviewer not a psychic.

Questions.

The issue ends with Buffy keeping the book of VAMPYR. It seems like this season will involve a lot of intrigue regarding the book. There is a sweet beat at the end with Spike and Buffy on a rooftop. I do miss the way the TV show ended. Where it would have a quick cut to black and the credits rolled.

Will She? Or Won't She Come Back?

Issues 3-5 play out as an episode. I have said it before. I enjoy the job that Christos Gage and Rebecca Isaacs are doing. We are really getting back to the tone and shape of Buffy the Vampire Slayer tv show. The beats in the new season are very respectful of what the show was about. Also I haven't talked about how Rebecca Isaacs really gets Buffy's "stylish" wardrobe and "funkaay" hairstyles. There's such a fun and bouncy vibe to this new season, it is hard not to like. It's real refreshing to get these stories. The style is reminiscent of the prior seasons where it wasn't so complicated with the new status quo and the blah blah blah. It seems to respect that there have been changes - but also wants to regard what was important. As a fan - THANK YOU. Although, it seems like one of those cases where you need some variety. I don't know if I could just read this Buffy comic if it was ALWAYS reminiscent of other good eras in Buffy. And to be honest, all Buffy seasons are pretty different. What it really comes down to is ...Can We Relate to Buffy and company? We get to see the characters go through something deeply human but we enjoy it through a really fun horror action comic. Like Friday Night Lights - It's about the lives of the people around the Vampire Slayer.

Add caption

I think people new to Buffy would be able to jump in. I think it's real important to know it from the start. At the same time, I don't want to be one of those backward looking nostalgic people where the best days were yesterday. It's hard to have that attitude with a comic based on a TV show that ended over 10 years ago. But as Buffy thrives and is still going through changes - Just like Life....I am curious to see where this all goes.

Next Month: ISSUE 6

SEASON 10: MAN SLAVES // Issues 3 & 4

Previously on the last Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 Review......

Dawn and Xander head to Transylvania to see Dracula. The actual Dracula - by Bram Stoker. Xander and Dawn go over to see what is up with the Vampyr book and how the book is being rewritten since Magic is now being reestablished. Xander becomes Dracula's man-slave. Man-Servant. What have you. It's been awhile since I saw the Season 5 episode starring Dracula. But I do remember Xander falling under Dracula's spell and that bordering on being kinda gay (in the best way of course).

Issue 3

Nicholas Brendon is collaborating (writing-wise) with Christos Gage on this story arc. I think it is an interesting choice to have a star of the show help write the comic. Having someone like Drew Goddard, Jane Espenson or David Fury help out on the comic is old-hat by now. Now, retaining some of the voicing of the show through its' actors is a new selling point. I can see the influence of Nicholas Brendon in this comic. Judging from his persona on twitter, the writing tends for the jokier and the hornier. The "Tuesday Night Orgy" joke, for instance.

However, as the issue stands - it is still an enjoyable read. So far, I am on board with the new team of Gage and Rebecca Isaacs. Their collaboration retains the voicing of the show that I enjoyed. This particular issue has a similar feeling to that of an earlier season. It feels serious but silly. The framing of characters seems very human and humble in this new season - thanks to Rebecca Isaacs. Gone are the Jim Lee-esque (you know who I am talking about?) poses and shots of Season 8 and 9. Isaacs is certainly a master at capturing the tone.

*SPOILERS*
In Issue 3, Dracula comes back to San Francisco and visits with the Scooby Gang to hear about the new breed of Vampires. The kind of Vampire that can change shape in the sunlight instead of running back into the dark. Xander and Dawn are experiencing some trouble in paradise. Xander still suffers from some guilt about not loving Dawn enough - from their experiences in Season 9. Buffy and Willow bond and have some girl-talk. Andrew becomes a fun Dracula man-slave. At the end, a fight ensues when Dracula wants to rewrite the book of Vampyr in his vision and he successfully nabs the book from Kid Giles, Spike, Dawn, and Xander.

Issue 4
*SPOILERS*

Dracula is on the loose - rewriting the book or having Xander rewrite the book. Dawn has a tear soaked moment explaining to Buffy that since she doesn't exactly feel that she LOVES Xander, which is actually rather touching. Xander meanwhile is giving Dracula baths and pedicures. We get a little peek at Kid Giles' burgeoning sexuality, which is funny. At the end, Dracula has rewritten himself to be the biggest, baddest Vampire. A lot of fighting ensues. I know I've left Spike out of my recap thus far. But he is definitely around as comic relief and helping the fight against Dracula.

Also - I particularly liked Xander's flashback to a prehistoric time when monsters ruled the Earth.

Overall - I am really liking the new season of Buffy comic. Again, I got used to the style of Seasons 8 & 9 - I assumed that was the new normal. Isaacs' drawings have always been good, I just wasn't sure if I was ready for them here. But I can see that I am growing with this new season and I am growing to really love her work here. Gage's writing seems to really tap into the voice of the show that I really loved. He is really nailing the balance of action, drama, and comedy that the show on the WB had. You can still hear the actors speak when you see them with word balloons. Also helps when you have Nicholas Brendon on staff.

THIS WEDNESDAY: ISSUE 5.

Buffyfest's Whedonverse Schedule for #SDCC!!

San Diego Comic Con can be a wild and maddening place for any Whedonverse fan. There are too many fantastic titles at this point in the game - and the events for each one all overlap with each other, just to ensure our collective nervous breakdowns. Firefly panels crossing over with Buffy things…and now Marvel-verse screenings coming in to c-block as well! It can drive a con-goer insane.

Lucky for you, dear reader, we gotcha covered. With SDCC just a few days away, we finally have all of our interviews planned, dinner reservations handled and most importantly, the crucial event schedule in order! We made a special extra one just for you guys so you don't have to fend for yourself. Every little Whedon-related morsel should be on the below schedule. Check it out, pick and choose what is most crucial to see and kill the other babies. Wah!

Oh and Right Click the image below>Open in new tab to enlarge or print the high-res version! Good luck fellow SDCC attendee!

San Diego Comic Con Happenings!

We're gearing up for #SDCC! The schedules have been released and info is scattered all over the internetz. It can be very confusing! But don't worry if you're having trouble scouring for all of the fun to be had, we are here for you fellow con attendee. Look out for our full schedule in about a week which we promise will detail every. single. thing. No stone will go uncovered! And if you're not going, you can rely on us for live-tweets of course! Until then, here are but a few things to do for a Whedonverse lovah:

Thursday, 7/24/14, 6:30p.m. – 7:30p.m., Room: 24ABC
Experience the first live demo and walkthrough of the game Firefly Online: Bringing Back the Verse, as well as a first look at a new trailer. Fans in attendance will also get the scoop on many other elements of Firefly Online’s world building plus a chance to interact with the game producers. In Firefly Online, players assume the role of a ship captain as they hire a crew and seek out adventures, all the while trading with and competing against other players to try to survive in the Verse.

Friday, 7/25/14, 3:00-4:00 p.m. Ballroom 20
To prepare for its fall return at the new time of 9:00 p.m. ET Tuesday nights, Comic-Con International will be hosting a panel with all your favorite agents to talk about Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and "Marvel's Agent Carter"! Join moderator Jeph Loeb and Executive Producers Jed Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen and Jeffrey Bell, along with cast members Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson), Ming-Na Wen (Melinda May), Brett Dalton (Grant Ward), Chloe Bennet (Skye), Iain de Caestecker (Leo Fitz) and Elizabeth Henstridge (Jemma Simmons). Plus, learn more about midseason series “Marvel’s Agent Carter”, in this can’t miss Q&A panel that will take you behind the scenes and into the future of Marvel's live action television series.

Check out an autograph session for “Marvel’s Agent Carter” preceding the panel from 1:00-2:00 p.m. PT at the Marvel Booth (#2329) on the Convention Floor. Plus, on Saturday, July 26, meet the “Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” cast and Executive Producers for an autograph session from 10:00-11:00am at the Marvel Booth (#2329).

Saturday 7/26/14, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Hall H 
Marvel Studios President and Producer Kevin Feige and special guests will provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe! No details as of yet, but speculation has been run amuck about appearances by some or all of director Joss Whedon and stars Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson and Mark Ruffalo. Fingers crossed!!

SEASON 10: LET'S KETCHUP // Issues 1 + 2

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 10 "New Rules"

I feel if you are coming to this site you are probably aware of where Buffy has gone since Season 7 ended on TV in 2003.

Season 8 - started in 2007 and ended in 2011. Season 8 brought Buffy's vampire slaying campaign global. She had an army of slayers. Vampires were more socially acceptable - thanks Harmony. Thanks True Blood too? Slayers were then seen as a global threat. A ton of old characters came back: Ethan Rayne, Amy (that witch), Harmony, Warren, Andrew, Riley, Oz, Faith, Spike, and Angel. In my opinion, Season 8 was fun to read, at times - a chore. It went on a bit long. There seemed to be a lack of relatable stories being spun - I mean Buffy is at its' best when the story being told connects on some deeper level to the reader. Needless to say - I thought season 8 was kinda fun, kinda weird, meandering, and the art: spotty.

Season 9 - Buffy has rid the world of magic at the end of season 8. She was trying to save the day in the end. Buffster relocates to San Francisco. Dawn and Xander get domestic. Willow is magic-less. The Slayer Army loses their power. There's no Giles. Buffy feels adrift. Buffy has some Real World issues. She gets pregnant...or so you think? Everyone is angry with her, because now that there is no magic - everyone's life is fucked in the Buffyverse. Season 9 is a much better read. The stories hit home. You feel for the characters. A gay boy vampire slayer is introduced. I don't have a big opinion on him - speaking as a gay guy. The art is much better and cinematic this season. Also - they just reign it in. And tell Buffy stories like they used to.

SEASON 10 - SHIT FEELS EVEN MORE FAMILIARRRRR. Thanks to Christos Gage and Rebecca Isaacs - Buffy speaks and you hear SMG. Willow speaks - you hear Alyson Hannigan. Et cetera. Also, Buffy speaks in her old quippy ways - like she's Spiderman/Peter Parker. Also, the art! Rebecca Isaacs' style is much more suited to the style of the TV show. It feels more "WB", if you will. Season 8 & 9 tried to get too comic booky and give Buffy a more outrageous feel. The show was low budget. It was on a syndicated network. It wasn't James Cameron's ALIENS, you know? You can read this comic and actually feel like you're watching the show.

Here Buffy is fighting off Zompires. Since magic disappeared, Zombie/Vampire hybrids appeared. Is this to tie into the trend of Walking Dead? Probably. But whatever. Vampires now have more abilities and are even trying to slay off Zompires. Basically Buffy is recounting what the status quo is now in voiceover. The Scooby Gang is back, with some new additions. Gay boy vampire slayer Billy has joined the ranks. Xander feels super-complicated because he feels guilty about betraying Buffy and thinks losing Dawn is next on the agenda. Then Anya comes back!!! I am not sure if it's an actual spirit or if it's like a Six Feet Under (HBO) trick of speaking to dead characters that are really apart of your subconscious? I shouldn't get stoned reading this, huh?

Anyways, the best part is the reunion between Buffy and a kid named Giles while in battle. I actually choked up reading this one. The expressions that Isaacs gives Buffy and Lil' Giles are heartbreaking. Soon enough, Faith shows up. Eliza Dushku in full force. Gage & Isaacs really retain the "Fonz-iness" of Faith, which I respect.

Issue 2: The gang finishes off their battle with the Zompires. Mega 90s styled Vicki the Vampire tries to form an alliance with Buffy, but B's not so into that. The Scooby Gang reconnect with Lil' Giles. By reconnecting, they really just overburden this child character with their problems and Giles HAS HAD IT. The Gang still want to believe Giles is their father figure - but Giles admits that he isn't what he used to be and they all have to get used to it. I liked that point in the story. It makes me think of how at some point, children realize their parents have changed with age. Anyways, I like that choice that Gage made.

Also, Buffy deals with Dowling, her sorta love interest from Season 9. He's a regular guy - he's a part of the SFPD. Buffy explains to him that her dating regular guys just doesn't work out. Her life is too complicado for them and the guys (por ejemplo Riley) just break. Spike continues his flirtation. So there's some of that "Will they? Won't they?" tension happening. The issue ends with Dawn and Xander visiting Dracula. I suppose it's to find out how he's rewriting the rules of Vampyr, now that magic is being reestablished. Hence, "NEW RULES."

Overall, I really like what is happening. I was getting used to the tone of the Joss Whedon (or whoever) & Georges Jeanty team working on the comic book. So this feels a lil' jarring, but it is welcome. The art is fun. Very animated series feeling. I am really liking the writing thus far. So how about this? Much like Pizza and Chinese Food, it's all kinda good. But I think this seems really promising, if not fun and I want to see how this develops.

Till Next Time. Kevin.

Announcing Our New Blogger, Kevin Alvir!

As we roll out our re-launch, we are excited to announce today a new member to the Buffyfest team! Our new blogger Kevin Alvir is a huge Buffy fan, comic book fan and all-around funny guy. He will be the boss of all things Season 10 here on Buffyfest, amongst other things. Check our our interview with him below where we discuss his favorite Buffy moments (Kevin is a rare Season 4 lover!) his awesome band The Hairs and his webcomic, American Cheese.

Please join us in welcoming Kevin to our humble internet home…..

Buffyfest: Kevin Alvir, we are so excited to have you on board as our new blogger and dedicated Buffy Season 10 comic lord! Can we be so bold to ask, what attracted you to this role at Buffyfest? 

Kevin Alvir: Thank you for the warm welcome!! I am excited to join the team. I was excited about Buffyfest because .....no surprise I am a big fan of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer show and I enjoy the comics. I have a lot of thoughts about Buffy and I just felt like I'd want to share them.

Buffyfest: How did you get into to the Whedonverse and what do you love about it?

KA: I got into the Whedonverse a few years ago. I did watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer [the film] when it came out in theaters in 1992, opening weekend. I know that version of BTVS was not what Joss had in mind, but still the idea was There! Anyways - I was recommended to check out the show by a trusted friend and became a believer. I had seen a handful of episodes while it was on and liked them. But I think I needed to watch the show from start to finish to get the thrust of the characters and the story.

As for what I love about it, Buffy specifically - I think you have everything in one show. It's funny, scary, romantic, girly, butch, action packed, character driven, serious, ridiculous. It just feels really complete to me.

Buffyfest: We love the OG Buffy movie around these parts too. Respect the Swanson. So Kevin, you are the songwriter and lead singer of the critically-acclaimed Brooklyn indie band The Hairs. For those not-in-the-know about amazing music, why don't you give them a little schooling on your rad band?

KA: Why thank you!! Yep, I make music. I like to think of it as weirdo pop songs that I treat as if I were Joni Mitchell or something?? I guess I'm just trying to speak my mind through odd lo-fi pop noise. I think of it as a platform for my comedy and my stories filtered through my musical brain. I am working on a new solo project that I am not ready to talk about. But The Hairs have music out there on the internet and on iTunes and record labels. It might be up your alley. Also we have some music videos that I'm real proud of. Check it out, Yo!!! 

Buffyfest: You also write notable webcomic American Cheese, give us the cheddar on that, will you?

KA:  THE CHEDDAR of American Cheese - well I started doing it last year. I had been a comic book fan since I was a kid. I've always wanted to do comics. But I have ideas that are better for music or some other platform. ANYWAYS - It's a place where I can come up with characters that I feel are some extension of me and have them go through little adventures or tell jokes. I was surprised when I came up with just one comic - and now I have like 80 comics amassed in the past year? 

credit: Kevin Alvir - American Cheese 2013

Buffyfest: Singer, songwriter, comedian, illustrator & comic writer…you're a quintuple threat. Where does all this creative energy come from?

KA: This makes me blush. All this creative energy??? Where does it come from? If I can lay on my shrink's couch. I guess I've just been absorbing all these ideas for the past 30+ years and always feeling like i couldn't or shouldn't participate. And I got tired of sitting on the sidelines and keeping my mouth shut. I just wanted to do my own thing and get my own ideas out there. I have a love for comics, music, comedy, acting, and telling stories in general. So I just wanted to get out there and speak my mind before...I die or something….

Buffyfest: What comic books did you like growing up?

KA: As a kid, the comics that really got me were Peter David's run on X-Factor, Incredible Hulk, and Spider-Man 2099. When those comics were released - those were my favorite times of the month. His writing had a lot of character and had a certain charm. I am also a huge fan of the Batman animated series from the 90s - the stories by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm still have a lasting impression on me.

As I progressed, my tastes got a bit more alternative. I got into Neil Gaiman's Sandman and all of those related titles, Grant Morrison's Doom Patrol, The Invisibles and Animal Man. The Watchmen (of course - everyone says that). Then I got more "indie" with Madman by Mike Allred (whom I am glad to see becoming the superstar I always thought he was). I also read Strangers in Paradise, THB, Bone, Tales of Beanworld, SIN, Atomic City Tales, Hate, Eightball, Milk & Cheese, Flaming Carrot, the Spirit. I know there were so many more.

I know I got into a lot of the Dark Horse / Legend imprint and any Slave Labor Graphics, Fantagraphics, Kitchen Sink, Tundra, Vertigo comics.

Nowadays: I like Lose by Michael DeForge, the Adventure Time stuff, Sex Criminals, Saga, Young Avengers, She-Hulk, FF (until it ended)

Buffyfest: Your thoughts on Joss Whedon's take on The Avengers?

KA: You know I was not really a fan of The Avengers (comic book) as a kid. It seemed like "too much." I barely read comics as a child. I only looked at the images. I think the look of it was a lot of colored costumes, muscles,and no reference point of why they were all together.

However, these new movies really simplified what these characters' existences were about. They made them relatable. I knew Joss Whedon would definitely nail it. He made something that - much like Buffy - was really ridiculous and action packed - seem very real and relatable. I like the personalities that they've forged in the movies. Captain America has an air of tragedy and a lack of home. Iron Man is fun because he's so cocky and also kind of a fuck-up. Thor is well....a strong guy that is a fish out of water on Earth, and the Hulk - who is the rage problem superhero.

Anyways - I am excited to see where Joss takes Avengers 2 and how he'll humanize these characters that used to seem so wooden to me. If anything - it's about the characters and where their situations take them.

Buffyfest: As a long-time comic appreciator, how do you feel about the Dark Horse Buffyverse comics? I love the idea of extending the show past its' run and giving it life in comics. I think that is a really cool idea. The comics are really enjoyable. I am more partial to certain seasons and issues more than others. I like how the series has evolved through the comics. I am excited to see where they take Season 10. The feel of it so far really takes Buffy some place familiar and kinda new.

Buffyfest: Finally, what's your favorite Buffy moment?

KA: My favorite Buffy moment. There are a lot. I mean I liked seeing Buffy go to college in Season 4. She wasn't so sad and actually had a lot more fun. Season 5 was my favorite season of Buffy. Although Buffy having fun is great. I do like seeing her go through the ringer. (Not a pun regarding that show SMG did a couple years ago on CW.)

But my most FAVORITE: I loved "Who Are You" - where Faith and Buffy have a "Freaky Friday" experience. I was floored by the amazing impersonations that Eliza Dushku and Sarah Michelle Gellar did of each other. But I thought it was cool to see Faith (while inside Buffy's body) get a sense of how people saw her. Faith started to realize that her biggest enemy was herself. I have seen the good guy / bad guy brain switch happen before. But I liked how complicated and real it was in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer world.

BTVS Season 4's "Who Are You"

Kevin, thanks so much for joining us, we're so happy to have you on board! And readers, check out The Hairs and American Cheese - and of course upcoming posts of Kevin's on Buffyfest where he'll be reviewing the Buffy S.10 comics and so much more...

Dark HorseSDCC 2014 Exclusive Buffy Cover Variant!

And with this, our #SDCC coverage has officially begun!

DARK HORSE UNVEILS THE FIRST WAVE OF 2014 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL EXCLUSIVE BOOKS AND PRODUCTS!

July means the most anticipated event of the year in pop culture is just weeks away! As we rapidly approach the doors opening to the world on July 23, Dark Horse announced today the first wave of 2014 SDCC exclusives, available in their expanded Exclusives Store at booth #2615!

A set number of exclusives and limited editions will be portioned for each day of the show…available only at the Dark Horse 2014 Exclusives Store at San Diego Comic-Con.

 Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 10 #5 San Diego Comic-Con International 2014 Variant Cover 

 When Buffy and crew try to wrest Xander from Dracula’s control, they begin a battle supreme with the terrifying demon that Dracula has become . . . 

Christos Gage, Nicholas Brendan (writers) * Rebekah Isaacs (artist) * Dan Jackson (colorist) * Andy Park (cover artist) 

Price: $5.00 Print 

Run: 1,000 Limit: Five per person