Angel and Faith #1

I have no intention to give you a review, recap or blah of Angel and Faith #1. If you want one it's not here. Okay, maybe that's not entirely true if you include review to mean discussion of stuff other than the plot. 

The first issue of Angel and Faith ~ Live Through This ~ Part One came out recently and it's made me start to think about the potential futures of these beloved characters, yes, go all critical on the issue's plot, yes, identify the marketing ploys, yes... but most importantly started my train of thought on the art of which comic illustrators that have moved me the most.

Of course, I have already praised the truly miracle artistic works of Jo Chen. But I have not yet really thought about the art of each issue, the many varying styles showing the strengths and weaknesses across the many series, miniseries from IDW to Dark Horse publications.

Like many followers, I have come to recognise Buffy in the pen work of Georges Jeanty from the very first image of our heroine in action launching out of an airborne helicopter with her fellow slayer crew. Our first sight of Buffy since the ending of 'Chosen', in paper and ink we get the "money shot" in full double page. A sight like none other. Willow and Faith by Jeanty's hand notably carry the true essence of the characters well too, particularly captured in each ones opening appearances.

In Angel and Faith, I find Rebekah Isaacs' depiction of Faith true to the likeness of Faith. However, I don't see it in Angel. Having read all the the IDW publications of Angel and of Spike I have not come across any artist that has been successful in depicting either characters. I do, however, prefer Isaacs' stylist interpretation of Giles over Jeanty's.

Another of my liked characters is Illyria; and I do particularly agree to a comment I once read that she was the only character the comic medium switch over was made for. Although, I have found that of all the depictions the most convincing have been by Elena Casagrande in Illyria: Haunted and Brian Denham for one of the arcs in season six of Angel.

Lastly, is the demons! The only absolutely remarkable illustrations is David Messina's drawings of the Old Ones and Illyria's former pet in Angel: Only Human. Although, there was a pretty good illustration of Illyria in her true form in Illyria: Haunted. Messina's depictions of lessor demons and human forms are unfortunately weaker.
 
There are so many more comic art that I could discuss about under the big umbrella of Btvs comics but it'd probably go on forever.

I shall round up on the last note of demons and say Pearl and Nash look creepy! in a good way.