I do believe that my obsession with Joss Whedon's Buffy/Angel franchise has grown to where it has become an obsession with Whedon himself! Hence my fascination for his new vampire slayer project Fray. Fray evolved from Whedon's boyhood desire to create comics, but was put on hold because he feared (unnecessarily) he would never be respected in the comic industry if he simply jumped in with a new creation.
For years Whedon believed he would have to create something Buffy-related in order to gain acceptance. As he began to ponder the idea, he soon decided that any project he delved into might tromp all over the continuity of his two (then still-airing) series. So, instead, Whedon invented the character of Melaka Fray, a Vampire Slayer who is summoned two hundred years in the future.
When we join the story, Melaka is a mess, a thief simply because she is good at it--plus provides enough money to stay alive. Her sister Erin, a Sergeant in the local police force of the dirt poor neighborhood Melaka lives in, is doing her best to keep Melaka out of jail. However, Erin cannot seem to put aside the fact that she blames Melaka for their brother's death. Melaka's twin brother, Harth, was in Melaka's care when he was killed by a Lurk (the future's moniker for vampires). Haunted by Harth's death, Melaka chooses her battles, which usually involve her protecting Loo, a crippled girl with Attention Deficit Disorder, who worships the ground Fray walks. Melaka does not want to fight, but will if necessary. That is until she meets Urkonn.
Urkonn, a demon, revealed to Melaka that she is a Vampire Slayer and the first one to be called in about 200 years. In the 21st century, a Slayer who may have been aided by mystical allies (could be Buffy...or not) banished all of the demons from the Earth. There had been no need for a Slayer since then, and all the watchers and their descendants had since gone mad, waiting for the return of the demons to the Earth. Of course they were not wrong for waiting. Somehow, the vampires have returned to the Earth and they are trying to free the remaining the demons. The vampires are planning to attack in full force! Melaka is understandably reluctant to undertake this charge. Until losing someone she loves and discovering someone long lost, is not quite as lost as she thought, make her realize just how much she had to lose.
Melaka Fray was a brilliantly layered character! Tough and snotty with an incredible heart, Melaka is the perfect hero in a world where there are none. Urkonn was hilarious and The One Who Leads the Lurks was deliciously evil. No boring 2D characters to be found here, but then, whom expected any in a story by the talented Mr. Whedon?
Fray's art was beautifully executed, filled from cover to cover with amazing bright colors and characters whose look truly fits who they are, with each frame its own separate work of art. Melaka's character conception was truly the grandest, as Whedon stated in the book's forward:
"Melaka's every pose is real, lived-in. She is hard, defensive, vulnerable, goofy, and yes, wicked sexy. Look closely, you can actually see her maturing from issue to issue…I had come to Dark Horse with pretty much one stipulation: No giant silicone hooters, no standing with her butt out in that bizarrely uncomfortable soft-core position so many artists favor. None of those outfits that casually-and constantly-reveal portions of thong. I wanted a real girl, with real posture, a slight figure and most of all, a distinct face. A person."
Artist Mr. Karl Moline came through on that. He created Whedon's vision, which also happens to be what most comic-reading females want.
Fray is a brilliant addition to the Buffyverse as well as to Whedon's entertainment portfolio. Interesting characters, gorgeous art, and the story of a future where the rich get richer and the poor only get poorer and fight vampires, this comic book team truly hit the nail on the head. The inclusion of forwards by Whedon and comic superstar Jeph Loeb, as well as, a Fray sketchbook clinched this book as a must have. One can only hope that the rumors circulating about a sequel are true!
Send your comments and or questions about this article to jmanzano@ybfree.com.