Paperback: 496 pages- Publisher: Titan Books
- ISBN-10: 085768986X
- ISBN-13: 978-0857689863
Synopsis:
THE ESSENTIAL UNOFFICIAL GUIDE TO THE WHEDONVERSE. Joss Whedon’s importance in contemporary pop culture can hardly be overstated, but there has never been a book providing a comprehensive survey of his career as a whole – until now. The Complete Companion covers every aspect of the Whedonverse through insightful essays and interviews, including fascinating conversations with key collaborators Jane Espenson and Tim Minear.
Over 40 contributors have been brought together by PopMatters, the acclaimed international magazine of cultural criticism, to provide an irresistible mix of analysis, interpretation and sheer celebration. Whether you’re a student looking for critical approaches to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or a Browncoat who follows Nathan Fillion on Twitter (or, let’s face it, both) there is plenty here to enjoy.
Covers all the TV series, movies, and comic books, including:
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, Fray, Astonishing X-Men, The Avengers… and more!
Joss Whedon. His name sparks excitement in the hearts of fan boys and girls everywhere. And why shouldn’t it? If you like good storytelling, character development, and clever dialogue then Joss has your fix. And if you don’t like his work, then you don’t like good things, and I feel sorry for you ‘cos you’re dead inside.
But the rest of you know what I’m talking about. One of the most amazing things about Whedon fans is our diversity. Never before have comic book nerds, musical theater enthusiasts, twelve year-olds, and college professors all shared common ground. His writing is more than just entertaining. It’s wickedly smart and peppered with cultural and academic references that enrich the quality of his work, but aren’t necessary to enjoy it.
Comprised of interviews with writers and actors and some intelligent but accessible critical essays that examine different aspects of Whedon’s work, Joss Whedon: The Complete Companion is wonderful celebration of Joss’ career. Examining work such as Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Astonishing X-Men, Fray, Runaways, and Dollhouse, the authors tackle subjects like the essence of heroism, the ethics of outlaws, contrasts in masculinity, and feminism. I really enjoyed reading this book; it reminded me of why I first fell in love with Joss’ work and why I need to revisit almost every moment of it at my earliest convenience. One of my favorite sections of the book examines Whedon’s work in comics, particularly Patrick Shand‘s 2 essays that involve a retrospective of Angel: After the Fall and an analysis of fallen heroes and redeemed villains in Buffy Season 8 and Angel: After the Fall.
This book is good for all types of Joss Whedon fans. If you’re an intellectual Whedonite, JWTCC is a wonderful conversation piece to share at your next watch party or at parties. Even if you only enjoy Joss’ work because it’s just so much darn fun, this book is a wonderful opportunity to obtain a richer appreciation for stuff you like anyway.
I give Joss Whedon: The Complete Companion Five out of Five Stars.
Pick up your copy of Joss Whedon: The Complete Companion at Amazon, using the link below!
[AMAZONPRODUCT=085768986X]
