Buffy and Angel fans know they can depend on their series to be hilarious, yet innovative and poignant. One of the episodes proving this point is “Smile Time” where Angel is turned into a puppet by a nest of demonic puppets feeding off their children viewers. This episode proves to be hilarious and yet maintain a sinister and soulful air.
In this graphic novel, which stands alone from the Angel: After the Fall series, Spike and Lorne are chosen–outright requested–to stop Smile Time’s new Japanese counterparts (seeking vengeance on Spike for their friends’ defeat at Angel’s hands–because puppets are very loyal to their friends) while also trying to take over the world via morally and educationally stimulating tv shows. Here we’re treated to series in-jokes via puppet versions of almost all the main cast members, fun new support characters Spike earns in his own right, feats of humorous and self depreciating heroics, and…a puppet ninja army.
Hilarious, action-y and a little anti-hero-y Spike: Shadow Puppets is not just a good read, it’s also a silly little slice of hope that our favorite characters are still out there fighting the good fight and ridding the world of demonic hell eggs while still preserving a story moral.