#BuffySlays20: Fanbase Press Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’

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#BuffySlays20: Fanbase Press Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the premiere (March 10, 1997) of Joss Whedon’s television series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which brought to the small screen Buffy Summers played by Sarah Michelle Gellar. Resourceful, perky, and The Chosen One, each week viewers became familiar with Buffy and her Scooby Gang, which included Willow (Alyson Hannigan), Xander (Nicholas Brendon), her Watcher Giles (Anthony Stewart Head), and eventually even Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter). These were all characters introduced in the first episode; however, it was always about Buffy, who provided the audience with a flawed, yet strong, female character to care about each week.

For seven seasons – 144 episodes – Whedon’s series followed a general format: each episode followed a self-contained story that built upon an overarching season story. The series retained a freshness about it, because even though it followed a largely paranormal narrative, it was often blended with other genres with efficiency and grace. Themes often focused on and explored the dynamics of the characters’ relationships; the emotional experiences and the individual journey of each character still resonate with viewers today.

Although the series concluded in May 2003, Buffy continued to thrive in comic book form. Dark Horse Comics writer Christos Gage is currently writing Season Eleven and is joined by artists Rebekah Isaacs and Geroges Jeanty, as well as colorist Dan Jackson. In addition, Buffy’s vampire love interest, Angel (David Boreanaz), was spun-off to his own series in 1999 – aptly named Angel – and lasted five seasons (110 episodes) before going off the air in May 2004. Like Buffy, Angel has continued in comic book form, also from Dark Horse Comics. Novels, magazines, collectible cards, a role-playing game, and video games have combined into what is affectionately known as the Buffyverse. Not surprisingly, the fandom gives no indication of slowing down. In fact, there is an annual WhedonCon (this year, May 19 – 21 at the Warner Center Marriott in Los Angeles) in its second year, and as recently as 2014, the Slayage Conference on the Whendonverses explored Whedon’s work in an academic setting.

While you can check out the way others are celebrating Buffy’s 20th anniversary here, Fanbase Press also has a number of exciting offerings that Buffy fans won’t want to miss!

First, we’ve posted a number of special #BuffySlays20 editorials by the Fanbase Press staff and contributors to help celebrate this special occasion.

Second, be sure to check out and enjoy all of the free Buffy-focused content that was already available on Fanbase Press! Fanbase Press has had the opportunity to interview a number of Buffy actors, writers, and creators involved with the TV series and comic book continuation. Below are some links to our personal favorite Buffy-related interviews conducted by Fanbase Press over the last few years.

Happy anniversary to Buffy and a huge appreciative thank you to Joss Whedon, whose drive to create a strong female character has led to an enduring fandom!

NEW! #BuffySlays20 Editorials:

#BuffySlays20: Life Lessons I Learned from Buffy the Vampire Slayer
#BuffySlays20: The Death Is in the Details
#BuffySlays20: A Newbie’s Perspective of Season 1