Joss Whedon The Complete Companion by POP matters is not
complete, as Whedon’s career does not seem to be anywhere near over. That said I cannot imagine a more thorough
collection of thoughts on the man. With
over 40 authors the book covers Whedon’s overarching themes with technical comparisons
of his scripts versus the finished products.
TV, webisodes, comics and films are all covered in detail. Some of the material is examined with an eye
for storytelling tones, braking it down to a philosophical degree. Other essays cover insider technical deatails
of how the shows and films came to light.
Whatever your mood, if it involves Whedon you will be covered.
This book however is not simple hero worship. One aspect I found very interesting as an
Alien fan is the chapter ‘Alien Resurrection, the Script that Shaped Joss
Whedon’s career.’ This is generally accepted
to be the weakest film in the series, and Whedon does not get a pass. As an avid geek is interesting finding a
source with new insight and information on an older film.
In full disclosure I am a big fan of Whedon, except
Buffy. I loathe to an unfair degree
stories surrounding high schools. That
being said I still found incite to appreciate in the essays provided. I am however a huge Angel fan. The essay, ‘The Strength and Conviction to
lose So Relentlessly,’ summed up perfectly everything I found so appealing
about Angel. Included is this enclosed
quote from Angel in episode 2:16 Epiphany.
“Well, I guess I kinda…worked it
out. If there’s no great, glorious end
to all this, if nothing we do matters, then all that matters is what we do,
because that’s all there is, what we do.
Now today.”
POP Matter’s book is cited to a meticulous degree, allowing
you to easily find the episodes or comics you seek, because despite the
acknowledged flaws and weaknesses in his work.
This book will make you want to revisit old stories told by Joss
Whedon. Now if you’ll excuse me I feel
the need to watch my old Angel DVD’s.
If you seek an examination of Joss Whedon’s career I would
be shocked if you could do better.
Personal Note;This review feels incomplete to me, because there is so much information contained within its pages.
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