If you are a fan of the television series this original comic book run of non cannon stories can feel a little off, even if they are still fun. The reason for this is that the characters are diluted to a simplistic form rather then keeping the layered and complex characterisations of the series. For example Buffy is overly “girly” going as far as staking vampires with her high heels on a night out. Xander’s sarcastic humour doesn’t quite translate, Cordelia is really off and Willow might as well not exist.
The story revolves around a karate champion come vampire looking for a challenge in Sunnydale - obviously a worthy opponent would be Buffy! In this first issue Xander kind of takes centre stage in an attempt to prove his strength and bravery.