It's not all about Buffy, after all.

In a world that still hungers for stories about the blond-haired vampire slayer despite the cancellation of her TV series, creator Joss Whedon has devised a new avenue to expand the Buffy mythos -- sans slayer. Tales of the Vampires is a stand-alone collection of stories written by an assortment of writers and artists about the vampires, their victims and a young group of would-be Watchers.

OK, Buffy does appear in one of the tales for a rematch against Dracula over the soul of a bespelled, oddly dressed and emotionally befuddled Xander. But otherwise, these are new characters and stories, ostensibly told by the captive vampire Roche to a gaggle of young Watchers in training. The connecting text surrounding those watchers, particularly the feisty young Edna Fairweather (and her secret heart's desire, the bakeshop boy) is interesting, but it's the varied tales of bloodsucking fiends that are the meat of this collection.

The first is a touching tale simpled titled "Father." Beginning in 1922 Hollywood, a young man is bitten by a fanged flapper. But his demon's heart is calmed by the sight, upon rising, of his infant son. The years roll by and the vampire is wicked, true -- but he always remains a solid father figure, even as his son passes him in apparent age, right up 'til a turn of events in 2003.

"Spot the Vampire" has a jolly Christmas air, and a bit of a puzzle to boot. "Dust Bowl" brings vampirism to Depression-era Kansas, while "Jack" gives a new slant to the Ripper murders of 1888 London and "Stacy" gives a young Tolkien dreamer a feeling of, well, orcness. In "Some Like It Hot," a vampire pays a high price for a day in the sun, while "The Problem with Vampires" introduces us to a pair of old friends, pre-Buffy. "Taking Care of Business" gives us insight into an unholy meeting in the desert; "Dame" is a noirish tale in black, white and scarlet; and "Numb" gives us a peek into Angel's nightmare.

All things considered, I'd rather have a new season of Buffy coming at me from TV Land next year. Or even a Buffy movie starring all the gang. But, lacking those wishes come true, I will continue to enjoy new stories of the Scooby gang, the vampires and their forebears in graphic form. Dark Horse, keep 'em comin'!

- Rambles
written by Tom Knapp
published 15 January 2005