A other than human drama on television, Buffy the Vampire Slayer played from 1997 to 2003. It follows the actions of the Selected One, Buffy Summers.
She has the strength and skills to face demons, vampires, and other beings from above. As Buffy gets more mature, she has to deal with both the darkness and the struggles that come with being a teenager and beyond.
She has family and friends around her who support her in her efforts.
You can now carry on with the journey by reading comic books. Some comics refer to situations and events not seen during the run of the show, while other comics continue the characters’ story after the official run of the show ends. Not all of them are genuine.
Death of Wolverine Reading Order
What should I read or watch before Angel and Buffy comics?
You must be comfortable with Buffy Summers from at least the television series Buffy the Vampire Series if you are here. Before becoming a powerful heroine of her own television series and comic books, our heroine started in the 1992 picture Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It goes without saying that before reading the comic books, you should have seen both Buffy (seasons 1–7) and Angel (seasons 1–5) at least once.
Comic books based on Buffy the Vampire Slayer were first released during the television series’ run. A great deal of those stories from the time period happen together with the events in the series. That being said, not all of them are known as official.
Following the show’s finale, The publisher’s name started releasing new seasons and related products that were officially accepted as material to the program and were written and/or overseen by creator Joss Whedon.
Suddenly Studios’ Buffy/Angel Reading Order: Left behind Edition
Dark Horse Comics produced Buffy comic books till the middle of 2018. Now that Boom! Studios owned the Buffy permission, all of the Dark Horse Comic books were republished Report Phrase in the Buffy Left behind Edition. This is a continuous collection.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer Legacy Edition, Book 1
Set against the backdrop of the third season, this collection brings together issues #1-10 of Buffy The Vampire Slayer from Dark Horse Comics. It also includes additional stories like MacGuffins, Dance with Me, Rogues Gallery, Hello Moon, Cursed, Dead Love, and the three-part arc Play with Fire.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer Legacy Edition, Book 2
Set amidst the events of the third season, this compilation gathers Buffy the Vampire Slayer issues #11-19 from Dark Horse Comics. Additionally, it features several short stories including Stinger, the concluding parts 4–6 of Play with Fire, The Latest Craze, Bad Dog, and Killing Time.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer Legacy Edition, Book 3
Following the conclusion of the third season, this collection brings together Buffy The Vampire Slayer issues #20-29 and Angel #15 from Dark Horse Comics. Additionally, it includes the miniseries Haunted.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer Legacy Edition, Book 4
Taking place amidst the events of the sixth season, this compilation gathers Buffy The Vampire Slayer issues #30-39 and Angel #16 from Dark Horse Comics. It also includes the stories Punish Me with Kisses and Spike and Dru: Who Made Who?
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer Legacy Edition, Book 5
Taking place between the fifth and sixth seasons, this volume brings together Buffy the Vampire Slayer issues #39-50 from Dark Horse Comics. Additionally, it includes the short stories Willow & Tara: Demonology Menagerie, Rock ‘N Roll All Night, Mall Rats, and Angels We Have Seen on High.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer Legacy Edition, Book 6
Traveling back to the summer of 1996, this collection comprises Buffy the Vampire Slayer issues #51-63.
Angel Legacy Edition
- Angel Legacy Edition Book One
Diving into the events of seasons 1 and 2, this compilation features Angel issues #1-9 from the Dark Horse series, along with Angel: The Hollower, “Point of Order,” and Lovely, Dark and Deep.
- Angel Legacy Edition Book Two
Taking place amidst the initial two seasons of the Angel television series, this volume compiles Angel issues #11-17, Buffy the Vampire Slayer #29-30, Angel: Long Night’s Journey #1-4, alongside stories from Dark Horse Extra.
Dark Horse (and IDW) Comic Books’ Buffyverse Series
The comic books produced by Dark Horse and IDW Editions over the years are included below, since The Legacy Edition is still running. While some are no longer in stock, they are still available to purchase used.
The Slayers through time: Fray and Other Tales
Stories about Slayers from various times, including the past, the future, and featuring the iconic Buffy herself.
- Fray
The story unfolds in a distant future, hundreds of years ahead. It’s advisable to read it before Tales, especially as Fray contributes a story to it.
- Buffy Omnibus: Tales
A collection of short stories delving into the lives of various Slayers and vampires across different eras. Caution: This compilation includes two tales from season 8, which may contain spoilers if you haven’t read it yet. Notably, The Thrill and Carpe Noctem occur after issue #21, Harmonic Divergence.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus Volume 1
These stories occur before Buffy’s arrival in Sunnydale and feature her origin story, based on Joss Whedon’s original script for the 1992 movie. While initially not considered canon, it’s now accepted as part of Buffy’s official backstory.
Dark Horse also released four volumes of a series called Tales of the Slayer, which gather written short stories delving into the mythology of past Slayers.
Buffy: From the first season until the seventh one
a. Buffy: The Years in High School
The High School Years, written by Kel McDonald and created by Yishan Li, takes place in between episodes The Collect (1.02) and The Pack (1.06) of the first season of the television show. Three graphic novels and one short story from the series have been issued in time for Free Comic Book Day.
- Buffy: The High School Years 1: Freaks & Geeks
- Buffy: The High School Years 2: Glutton for Punishment
- Buffy: The High School Years 3: Parental Parasite
- FCBD 2017 Buffy The High School Years
b. The Omnibus Edition
Dark Horse published a number of Buffy stories (before season 8) between 1998 and 2004. The Omnibus versions are promoted as the final collection, bringing together all of the content released through time, in line with the TV show’s storyline. Just before is a warning of the first book. It is Important to note that some of the stories in those omnibuses are accepted as genuine.
- Buffy Omnibus Vol. 1
These stories occur before Buffy’s arrival in Sunnydale and feature her origin story, which is based on Joss Whedon’s original script for the 1992 movie. While initially not considered canon, it is now accepted as such.
- Buffy Omnibus Vol. 2
From before season one to the beginning of season 3, this collection gathers issues sixty to sixty-three, along with the graphic novels “Ring of Fire” and “The Dust Waltz.” Additionally, it includes the one-shots “Angels We Have Seen on High,” “Spike and Dru: The Queen of Hearts,” and “Spike and Dru: Paint the Town Red.”
- Buffy Omnibus Vol. 3
During season 3, this collection features the Buffy stories “Play with Fire” and “Spike and Dru,” along with issues #1-#8 of the original Buffy series.
- Buffy Omnibus Vol. 4
Spanning the conclusion of season 3, this collection brings together Buffy issues #9-11, 13-15, 17-20, along with Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Bad Dog, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Spike and Dru – Who Made Who, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel: The Hollower.
- Buffy Omnibus Vol. 5
Entering season 4, this collection gathers Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Haunted, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Blood of Carthage, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Autumnal, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Oz “Into the Wild,” along with DHP 2000: Buffy the Vampire Slayer “Take Back the Night,” and DHP #150: Buffy the Vampire Slayer “Killing Time.”
- Buffy Omnibus Vol. 6
As Season 4 wraps up and Season 5 begins, this collection comprises City of Despair, Jonathan: Codename: Comrades, Giles: Beyond the Pale, One Small Promise, Punish Me With Kisses, Past Lives (crossover with Angel), Out of the Woodwork, WannaBlessedBe, Demonology Menagerie, and False Memories.
- Buffy Omnibus Vol. 7
Throughout Seasons 5 and 6, this compilation brings together the tales Roll All Night (and Sleep Every Day), Wilderness, The Death of Buffy, Reunion, Withdrawal, and Hellmouth to Mouth.
Angel (and Spike) World
a. The non-canon stories
It appears natural to observe the same happening on paper, just as Buffy on TV gives birth to an Angel company. In as well as stories about popular vampires, the Buffyverse is past the Slayer.
After Dark Horse lost the rights to Angel, they were purchased by IDW Publishing, who used them to create an official followup to the Buffy spin-off set among other unofficial stories. 2010 saw Dark Horse return the rights to create further official titles.
- Spike: Into The Light
Penned by James Marsters, this narrative unfolds before Season 7 begins.
- Spike Omnibus
Primarily set during the events of Season 5 of Angel, with the exception of “Spike vs. Dracula.” Additionally includes “Lost & Found,” “Old Wounds,” “Old Times,” “Shadow Puppets,” and “Asylum.”
- Angel Omnibus (Dark Horse)
You can dive into this collection between volumes 5, 6, or 7 of Buffy. These stories unfold during season 1, with one tale extending into season 2. The omnibus comprises Angel #1–#14, #17, Angel: Long Night’s Journey #1–#4, Dark Horse Presents #153–#155: “Hunting Ground,” Dark Horse Extra #25–#28: “Angel,” and Angel: Point of Order. Notably absent from this omnibus is the crossover with Buffy, “Past Lives,” which is included in Buffy Omnibus Vol. 6.
- Angel Omnibus Vol. 1 (IDW)
Gathers Angel: The Curse, Angel: Old Friends, Angel: Spotlight, and Angel: Auld Lang Syne. These stories unfold during and after season 5, just before the events of After The Fall.
- Angel Omnibus Vol. 2 (IDW)
This omnibus brings together adaptations of multiple episodes from season 5, featuring Smile Time, A Hole in the World, Barbary Coast, Only Human, and Not Fade Away.
Angel: Season 6: After the Fall
After the Fall, also referred to as Angel Season 6, is the official continued use of the final season of the fifth season of the television series Angel. It was published by IDW between November 2007 and February 2009. It happens just before Buffy Season 8.
- Angel: After The Fall Vol. 1
Collects issues #1-5 in one volume.
- Angel: After The Fall Vol. 2
Collects issues #6-8 in one volume.
- Angel: After The Fall Vol. 3
Collects issues #9-12 in one volume.
- Spike: After the Fall
Collects issues #1-4 in a single volume.
- Angel: After The Fall Vol. 4
Collects issues #13-17 in one volume.
- Angel: Aftermath Vol.5
Collects issues #18-22. Please note that this collection is non-canon.
- Angel: Last Angel in Hell Vol. 6
Collects issues #23-27 and Angel Annual #1. Please note that this collection is non-canon.
This Angel arc has also been compiled into a two-volume set titled “Angel Season Six, Vol. 1” and “Angel Season Six, Vol. 2.“
- Angel: The End
Collects issues #28–44 of the series along with the Angel Yearbook. Additionally, it includes Angel: Immortality for Dummies, Angel: The Crown Prince Syndrome, and Angel: The Wolf, the Ram, and the Heart.
- Angel: The John Byrne Collection
Collects all the John Byrne stories in one volume, featuring Angel vs. Frankenstein, Blood and Trenches (set before Buffy season 1), and After the Fall: First Night (occurring between Angel season 6 and The End).
- Spike: The Devil You Know
Occurs before Angel issue #29 but after #33.
- Illyria: Haunted
Takes place between the second and third arc of The End and the Spike series.
- Spike Complete Series
Collects issues #1-8, serving as a prequel to Dark Horse Comics’ Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight.
Season Eight of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The official finale of the television show written by Doug Petrie, Steven S. DeKnight, Brian K. Vaughan, Drew Goddard, Joss Whedon, and Jane Espenson, among others. Pencilers: Eric Wight, Karl Moline, Cliff Richards, Georges Jeanty, and Paul Lee.
- Buffy: Season 8 Library Edition Volume 1
Gathers issues #1-10, under the title “Always Darkest.”
- Buffy: Season 8 Library Edition Volume 2
Brings together issues #11-20, titled “Willow: Goddesses and Monsters.”
- Buffy: Season 8 Library Edition Volume 3
Gathers issues #21-30 of the series.
- Buffy: Season 8 Library Edition Volume 4
Gathers issues #31-40, including the story arc “Riley: Commitment through Distance, Virtue through Sin.”
This season of Buffy has also been compiled into a two-volume set:
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 Omnibus Vol. 1
Gathers together issues 1–20 along with some extra content.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus: Season 8 Vol. 2
Assembles issues 21–40 along with additional bonus material.
Season Nine of Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Angel and Heaven
Season nine of Buffy the Vampire Slayer takes place in connection to events in Angel & Hope, Willow: Wonderland, and Spike: A Dark Place, two company episodes.
Written by Angel & Hope and Willow with Jeff Parker’s Christos Gage, Jane Espenson, Scott Allie, Joss Whedon, Andrew Chambliss, and Victor Gischler (Spike).
- Buffy: Season 9 Library Edition Volume 1
Gathers issues #01-10, along with the space-faring adventure “In Space No One Can Hear You Slay!
- Angel and Faith: Season 9 Library Edition Volume 1
Gathers issues #01-10.
- Angel and Faith: Season 9 Library Edition Volume 2
Brings together issues #11-15 along with the miniseries Spike: A Dark Place.
- Angel and Faith: Season 9 Library Edition Volume 3
Gathers issues #16-25 into one volume.
- Buffy: Season 9 Library Edition Volume 2
Gathers issues #11-15 alongside the miniseries Willow: Wonderland, recommended for reading after Angel & Faith #14.
- Buffy: Season 9 Library Edition Volume 3
Gathers issues #16-25, featuring the storyline “Love vs. Life”.
Season Ten of Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel and Trust
Buffy returns to kick ass with writers Christos Gage and Nicholas Brendon, while Victor Gischler and Kel McDonald follow the story of Angel and Patience.
- Buffy Season Ten Library Edition, Vol. 1
Brings together issues #01-10.
- Buffy Season Ten Library Edition, Vol. 2
Gathers issues #11-20.
- Buffy Season Ten Library Edition, Vol. 3
Assembles issues #21-30, titled “Where Are They Now?”
- Angel and Faith: Season 10 – Volume 1: Where the River Meets the Sea
Gathers issues #01-05 into one volume.
- Angel and Faith: Season 10 – Volume 2: Lost and Found
Brings together issues #06-10 in a single collection.
- Angel and Faith: Season 10 – Volume 3: United
Gathers issues #11-15 into one volume.
- Angel and Faith: Season 10 – Volume 4: A Little More Than Kin
Gathers issues #16-20 into one volume.
- Angel and Faith: Season 10 – Volume 5: A Tale of Two Families
Compiles issues #21-25 into a single collection.
Season Eleven of Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel
While Corinna Bechko writes a new season of Angel, Christo Gage continues to write Buffy.
Along with those happenings is the miniseries Giles: Girl Blue, which will be released with season 12 (see below!).
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 11 Library Edition
Gathers together issues of Season 11, spanning from #1 to #12.
- Angel Season 11 Library Edition
Gathers together issues of Season 11, spanning from #1 to #12.
Season 12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The original Buffy the Vampire Slayer storyline ends with this season. Written by Joss Whedon and Christos Gage, with artwork by Georges Jeanty.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 12 Library Edition
Brings together Season 12 issues #1-4 along with Giles: Girl Blue #1-4.
After Dark Horse’s The Buffyverse comics, what should I read?
All good things come to an end, as Buffy and those who knew parted ways with Dark Horse Comics after 20 years of service. Boom! Studios has purchased the rights to a Buffy restart. Check out our reading order for Boom! Studios’ Buffy Remake to learn more about it.
