Five Seasons Of Angel: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Discuss Their Favorite Vampire

Smart Pop

by Glenn Yeffeth (Editor)

The constellation of characters and themes created in Angel, the popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer spin-off, are explored in this collection of essays. A vampire author, a sex expert, a TV critic, a science fiction novelist, and Buffy writer Nancy Holder provide essays examining the different issues relating to the series, including Angelus as the prototypical high school bully, Angel as victim, Wesley's many transformations, how Spike fits into Angel, the takeover of Wolfram & Hart, and Lindsey's moral center.

Genres: Nonfiction, Vampires, Pop Culture, Essays, Tv, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Anthologies

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2004

About the author

Glenn Yeffeth is CEO and Publisher of BenBella Books.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, as a whole, delighted me. Considering I've watched this whole series through twice, once in its initial run and once via DVD, and rewatched many episodes many more times than that, I thought I knew the series and Angel's story arc in it pretty well. But, in fact, this book taught me some things about the show, pointing out nuances I hadn't noticed, and was generally as informative as it was enjoyable.

My favorite essays were:

"Angelus Populi" by Don DeBrandt
"That Angel Doesn't Live Here Anymore" by Laura Resnick
"A World Without Love: The Failure of Family in Angel" by Jean Lorrah
"It's Not Easy being Green and Nonjudgmental" by Abbie Bernstein
"Why We Love Lindsey" by Michelle Sagara West
"The Good Vampire: Angel and Spike" by Peter S. Beagle
"Victim Triumphant" by Jacqueline Lichtenberg
"Death Becomes Him: Blondie Bear 5.0" by Nancy Holder
"True Shanshu" by Laura Anne Gilman
"There's My Boy..." by Joy Davidson

Um, yes, that's like half the essays. There were SO MANY excellent ones! If you're a fan of this series, definitely find yourself a copy of this book.

[Torono · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a massive Buffy fan, and of course Angel is also a favorite show of mine, so when I saw this I knew I had to get the kindle of it and so I did. I didn't know what it was, but it turned out to be essays on the characters and production of the show told through the stories and personal perspectives of the fans and whatnot, which is somewhat cool I guess but some of the writing didn't appeal to me. I liked the stuff on Angelus but some of it was just boring so I ended up skipping a bit of it.

[Gaijinmama · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? Intelligent discussion and analysis of a really cool TV show?
Right up my alley. I am an intelligent, educated person who reads books but is also unrepentantly addicted to TV.
I couldn't put this down. I'm pleased that several
of the essays even talk about why the writer didn't like the show. It's not just gushing...really though-provoking and balanced.
Please check out the other offerings in the
Smart Pop Series at
http://www.smartpopbooks.com
If Angel wasn't your thing, they also have books on House, Lost, Firefly, Gilmore Girls and many others.

[Alexandra Michaelides · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a number of Buffyverse books, and this is by far one of the best. The essays are smart, diverse, and engaging. Within the pages you will find well-thought out character studies, examinations of genre, as well as bloody good time. Some of my favorite essays include: "The Assassination of Cordelia Chase" (which perfectly stated everything I loathed about what they did to her in S4), "There's My Boy," and "Jasmine:Scariest Villain Ever."

If you're looking for a smart book about a smart show, this is it.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely made me rethink some of the episodes as well as the character dynamics. A good read that, of course, makes me want to re-watch the show.

[Isblue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some strong essays on the show and it's the characters. Failed, IMHO by not including one on either Fred or Gunn. To which, I can only say, WTF editor, WTF?

[Sybill Shepard · Rating 3 out of 5]

It could be a bit pedantic at times but it was interesting and made me want to rewatch Angel.

[Amy Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable series of essays about the series and characters of Angel. Good overall but with one or two exceptional pieces. For behind the scenes fans..."Angel By the Numbers" and for a humors look at Angel's love life "To All the Girls He Loved Banged and Maimed Before"

[JHM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and insightful anthology from SmartPop.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[William Herbst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good light academic/popular essays on the show.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. As always, some entries were better than others, but overall there were plenty of insights and new perspectives.

[Leah (Jane Speare) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as good as the Buffy collection...but there were some worthwhile essays.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great academic look at a show that has more depth than people give it credit for.