Inside Buffy, the Vampire Slayer OMNIBUS, volume 2

Buffy, the Vampire Slayer OMNIBUS, volume 2 is a Paperback/Soft cover book [6 x o.6 x 9 inches/ 23 x 15 cm] with 333 pages. It is published by Dark Horse Comics [first edition: September 2007] ISBN: 978-1-59307-826-3

This Omnibus series, as the back cover states: is the ultimate compilation of Dark Horse's original Buffy comics - including multiple specials, one-shots and guest miniseries - and runs chronologically along th TV series' timeline.

This volume has two stories from the "Year 0" concept (before Sunnydale) until the beginning of Season 3, with some stories from the first and second seasons.

Introduction by the Editor Scott Allie.

This volume contains: "Angels We Have Seen On High", a short story about Dawn and Angel [Script by Scott Lobdell and Fabian Nicieza; Characters: Jeff Matsuda; Backgrounds: Hakjoon Kang and Nolan Obena; Cover art by Jeff Matsuda and Dave McCaig] (first published in Reveal, November 2002)

"A Stake to the Heart", a four chapter story ("Deceit" Issue #60; "Guilt" #61; "Abandonment" #62; "Trepidation" #63), following what happened on Omnibus volume 1. [Script by Fabian Nicieza; Pencils by Cliff Richards; Cover art by Brian Horton] (first published from August to November 2003)

"MacGuffins", a short story that happens between the end of Season 1 and Season 2 of the Tv Show, and it was the first Buffy comic. [Script by Jen Van Meter; Pencils by Luke Ross, Cover art by Luke Ross, Rick Ketcham and Guy Major] (first published in Dark Horse Presents Annual, August 1998)

"The Queen of Hearts", the first Spike and Dru one-shot - Spike & Dru before they went to Sunnydale [Script by Christopher Golden; Art by Ryan Sook] (first published October 1999)

"Ring of Fire", a graphic novel written by a screenwriter of the TV series, approved by Joss Whedon. This story happens after the Tv episode "Passion" but before "I Only Have Eyes for You" [Script by Doug Petrie; Art by Ryan Sook] (originally published August 2000)

"Paint the Town Red", the second one-shot of Spike & Dru. [Script by James Masters and Christopher Golden; Art by Ryan Sook; Cover art by Ryan Sook and Guy Major] first published April 1999.

"The Dust Waltz", a Buffy graphic novel [Script by Dan Brereton; Pencils by Hector Gomez] first published October 1998.

As extra material include two covers from the the issue "Deceit" #60 and "Guilt" #61, by Brian Horton.

Commentary: This volume starts well, with two stories from the "Year 0", one being very cute and the other very mature and kind of complex (unfortunately they are too short). But then, chaos kinda happens! I didn't like both of Spike & Dru's comics. Ryan Sook being the artist does not appeal to me. "MacGuffins", being the only story from Season 1 is pointless and it adds nothing to the Buffyverse. "Ring of Fire" is very interesting, even if I don't imagine it as a real episode on TV and "The Dust Waltz" it's just plain...horrible. 

Overall, this volume is a 50/50 kinda deal, where you have some good stories and some bad stories. If you're looking for canon, this volume has nothing 100% confirmed. But it is important for you to notice "Ring of Fire", written by Doug Petrie (screenwriter of the TV show - Joss Whedon actually liked this story) and "Paint the Town Red" because it was written by James Masters, the actor who plays "Spike" on the TV show.