Spike: Into the Light

Spike: Into the Light
Publication	July 16, 2014
Length	72 pages
one-shot
Publisher	Dark Horse Comics
Writer(s)	James Marsters
Penciller(s)	Derlis Santacruz
Editor(s)	Scott Allie
Cover artist(s)	Steve Morris
Inker(s)	Andy Owens
Colorist(s)	Dan Jackson
Letterer(s)	Richard Starkings ComiCraft's Jimmy Betancourt

Spike: Into the Light is a graphic novel of the Spike comic meta-series. Written by James Marsters and illustrated by Derlis Santacruz, it was originally published on July 16, 2014, by Dark Horse Comics.

Synopsis

He played Spike on the show, and now James Marsters writes a poignant but action-packed story of the vampire who chose to have a soul, and now has to deal with his past while being compelled to play the hero.

Summary

This article needs a plot summary.

Continuity

• The story takes place after Spike got his soul ("Grave") but before he returns to Sunnydale ("Lessons").
• Spike wears what appears to be his duster, which he had left in Sunnydale and would retrieve only after his return ("Get It Done").
• Spike mentions having killed a Slayer in New York City, a reference to Nikki Wood in "Fool for Love".
• Spike mentions that sometimes he still was a poet, as he used to write poetry in life ("Lies My Parents Told Me").
• Spike's behavior during this story reinforces the negative influence the First Evil eventually has on his sanity after his ensoulment, as seen in Buffy season 7.
• After Spike leaves, Dylan will eventually search for him in San Francisco (I Wish, Part Two). The two reunite (In Pieces on the Ground, Part One) and discuss the events from their first encounter (In Pieces on the Ground, Part Two).

Appearances

Individuals

• Darla (Only mentioned)
• Drusilla (Only mentioned)
• Ming
• Spike
• Buffy Summers (Only mentioned)
• Dylan Turner
• Nikki Wood (Only mentioned)
• Unidentified demon (Into the Light)

Organizations and titles

• Slayer (Only mentioned)
• Witch (Only mentioned)

Species

• Demon
• Human
• Vampire

Locations

• England (Only mentioned)
  • London (Only mentioned)
• United States
  • Greenville
    • Dylan Turner's residence
    • Greenville Danceteria
    • Pawn Shop
  • Minnesota (Only mentioned)
  • New York City (Only mentioned)

Objects

• Blood
• Spike's duster (Only in flashbacks)
• Soul

Death count

• Unidentified pawn shop worker, killed by Spike (in flashback).
• The three accomplices, killed by Spike (only mentioned).
• Rats, eaten by Spike (only mentioned).

Behind the scenes

Production

• This is the second comic written by James Marsters, who played Spike in the television show. His debut in the comics had been with the issue Spike and Dru: Paint the Town Red.
• This is the debut for artist Derlis Santacruz on the Buffyverse comics, who would also write the Angel & Faith issue Old Habits.
• Marsters revealed that his idea for the graphic novel had been initially suggested to Joss Whedon for the Spike TV movie that never came to be.
• Marsters himself was born in Greenville, California, the town the story takes place.
• The character Dylan was based on Marsters' then wife, Jasmin Marsters, both in her appearance and personality.
• The publication also features a sketchbook with art by Steve Morris and Derlis Santacruz.

Distribution

• Spike: Into the Light was the 25th best selling graphic novel in its publishing month, with 3,138 sales in July 2014 at comic specialty stores. It also was the 359th best selling graphic novel in all 2014.

Pop culture references

• Dylan compares her name to Bob Dylan's.
• Spike says the demon's blood tastes like Vegemite.

Gallery

Cover artwork

Steve Morris

Preview

Quotes

Spike: "Once... A long time ago, I was a very bad man. I thought I was protecting myself, but I was only hurting people. Now I've... woken up, and I'm trying to help people."