The First Time

The subject of this article is non-canonical. While created as part of licensed material, it has not been confirmed as part of the "real" Buffyverse.

The First Time is a prose short story of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Classic comic book series. Written by Fabian Nicieza and illustrated by Paul Lee, it was originally published by Dark Horse Comics on October 30, 2002.

Summary

Dawn is curious about the first time her sister slayed a vampire, so Buffy remembers when she first faced a vampire’s death and how she discovered a young man’s life.

Continuity

• Dawn is already in High School and being trained by Buffy, making this story somewhere after the episode "Lessons".
• Buffy and Dawn have survived weeks of battle in the Scourge Arenas of Doom, defeated in Note from the Underground, Part Four.
• Buffy recalls her first patrol with Merrick, in which she fought Robert Berman and a second female vampire, as seen in The Origin, Part One.
• Buffy recalls events before she moved to Sunnydale, and therefore previous to the series’ debut episode "Welcome to the Hellmouth".
• Buffy’s memories includes Dawn Summers, only to be created in "Buffy vs. Dracula".

Appearances

Individuals

• Robert Berman (Only in flashbacks)
• Alexander Harris (Only mentioned)
• Merrick Jamison-Smythe (Only in flashbacks)
• Buffy Summers
• Dawn Summers
• Hank Summers (Only mentioned)
• Joyce Summers (Only mentioned)

Organizations and titles

• The Key
• Slayer
• Watcher (Only in flashbacks)

Species

• Human
• Vampire

Locations

• Los Angeles, USA (Only in flashbacks)
  • Cemetery (Only in flashbacks)
  • Summers residence (Only in flashbacks)
  • University of California (Only mentioned)
• Sunnydale, USA
  • Lick-It Ice Cream Shop
  • Scourge Arenas of Doom (Only mentioned)

Weapons and objects

• Mr. Gordo (Only in flashbacks)
• Stake (Only in flashbacks)

Death count

• Robert Berman, staked by Buffy Summers (in flashback).
• Unidentified female vampire, staked by Merrick (in flashback).

Behind the scenes

Production

• The First Time was originally published in the commemorative fifth issue Note from the Underground, Part Four.

Collections

• "Note from the Underground"

Pop culture references

• Dawn refers to pay cable Cinemax as “Skinemax”.
• Merrick was compared to the shopping district Rodeo Drive.
• Buffy’s thoughts were compared to the arcade video game Pong.
• Buffy’s shoes and pants were described as by the fashion brands Gucci and Armani.
• Robert Berman had posted on X-Files online boards.