"Buffyverse" is a term coined by fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel to refer to the shared fictional universe in which they are set. Fictional narratives (and works of art exist beyond their completion e Angel is an American Television series, a Spin-off of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. A fictional universe is a self-consistent fictional setting with unique background elements such as an imaginary history or geography and possibly fantasy or science The term has since been used in the titles of published works,[1] and been adopted by Joss Whedon, the creator of the fictional universe. Joseph Hill " Joss " Whedon ( born June 23, 1964 in New York City is an Academy Award -nominated and Hugo Award [2][3] The boundaries of the Buffyverse have grown over the years. The Buffyverse established by these many stories is a place in which supernatural phenomena are undeniable. The existence of vampires and demons is challenged by people willing to fight against such forces.
The term "Buffyverse" is a portmanteau word of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and universe similar to the term "Whoniverse" used to describe the setting Doctor Who and spin-offs or "Xenaverse" used to describe that of Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. The Universe is defined as everything that Physically Exists: the entirety of Space and Time, all forms of Matter, Energy The Whoniverse is the Fictional universe in which Doctor Who, Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures and Doctor Who is a British science fiction television programme produced by the BBC. Doctor Who spin-offs refers to material created outside of but related to the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Xena Warrior Princess is an American Television series that aired from September 15 1995 until June 18 2001
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Alternate terms
The issues over the use of terminology to describe the fictional universe established by Buffy and Angel has not been clear cut, and in fact a number of terms are in use, of which 'Buffyverse' is the most common, used in the press[4] and in published non-fiction.
The main disadvantage of this term is that it might be mistakenly seen as excluding information from Angel. However, many fans argue that "Buffyverse" is appropriate to describe the fictional universe encompassing Buffy, Angel, and further expansions to the mythology, because Buffy was the original show, and all further mythology built upon that starting point.
- Slayerverse/Angelverse
Like "Buffyverse", these can be interpreted as being "tied" to only one particular show (Buffy, and Angel respectively). "Slayerverse" overlooks the fact that relatively few Angel episodes contained Slayers, while "Angelverse" suggests that the mythology built up in Angel takes place in a separate fictional universe from that of Buffy.
- Whedonverse/Jossverse/ME-verse (after Mutant Enemy, Whedon's production company)
The use of this term is growing,[5] however it is often used to describe any or all of Joss Whedon's other work,[6] and particularly Firefly. Mutant Enemy Productions is the Production company created in 1997 by Joss Whedon to produce Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Joseph Hill " Joss " Whedon ( born June 23, 1964 in New York City is an Academy Award -nominated and Hugo Award Firefly is an American Science fiction Television series created by writer/director Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer These other works including Firefly do not seem likely to take place in the same fictional universe as Buffy and Angel, therefore Buffyverse is more appropriate to describe the fictional universe at hand. Firefly is an American Science fiction Television series created by writer/director Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- Buffy/Angelverse
This explicitly refers to both shows. However, even this term does not acknowledge additions such as Fray. Fray is an eight-issue Comic book Limited series, a futuristic spin-off of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The construction of the Buffyverse
The fictional universe known as the Buffyverse is now considered the fictional construct created by hundreds of individual stories told through TV, novels, comics and other media. It was initially created only through Buffy episodes. The TV series Angel first aired in 1999. The popularity of these series led to licensed fiction carrying the Buffy and Angel labels, and resulted in fans beginning to distinguish between what they consider 'real' within the Buffyverse (canon). The Buffyverse canon consists of materials that are thought to be genuine (or "official" and those events characters settings etc
Outside of the TV series, the Buffyverse has been expanded and elaborated by various authors and artists in the so-called "Buffyverse Expanded Universe". For the Robert A Heinlein short story collection see Expanded Universe (Heinlein. The Buffyverse novels, Buffy video games and the vast majority of Buffyverse comics, are licensed by 20th Century Fox, but are generally considered 'less real' within the Buffyverse (apocryphal). Buffyverse novels include Buffy novels, Angel novels, Buffy/Angel novels and Tales of the Slayer Five official Video game adaptations of the Cult television program Buffy the Vampire Slayer have Buffy comics|Angel comics Introduction Buffy comics. These were published by Dark Horse, originally The creators of these works are generally free to tell their own stories set in the Buffyverse, and may or may not keep to established continuity. Unlike some other multimedia Universes, such as the Star Wars Expanded Universe, which uses complicated retcons to be as inclusive as possible in what it considers canon, the Buffyverse often fails to keep continuity over the different mediums. Retroactive continuity is the deliberate changing of previously established facts in a work of serial fiction The numerous Buffy novels often come into conflict with the comics, and, in fact, are often themselves contradictory. Similarly, writers for the TV series are under no obligation to use continuity which has been established by the Expanded Universe, and may contradict it.
The works sometimes flesh out background information on characters. For example Go Ask Malice provides essential information about the origins of the character, Faith Lehane. Go Ask Malice A Slayer's Diary is an original Novel based on the American Television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer Faith
The Buffyverse comics were first published by Dark Horse who have retained the right to produce Buffy comics. Buffy comics|Angel comics Introduction Buffy comics. These were published by Dark Horse, originally Dark Horse Comics is one of the largest independent American Comic book publishers behind dominant publishers Marvel Comics and DC Comics IDW now hold the license to produce Angel comics. IDW Publishing (a division of Idea and Design Works is an American Comic book company. Joss Whedon wrote an eight-issue miniseries for Dark Horse Comics entitled Fray, about a futuristic vampire slayer. Dark Horse Comics is one of the largest independent American Comic book publishers behind dominant publishers Marvel Comics and DC Comics Fray is an eight-issue Comic book Limited series, a futuristic spin-off of the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Its final issue came out in August 2003. Pocket Books hold the license to produce Buffy novels, but their license to produce Angel novels expired in 2004. Pocket Books is a division of Simon & Schuster that primarily publishes Paperback books Buffyverse novels|Angel novels Buffy novels have been published since 1998. Buffyverse novels|Buffy novels Angel novels have been published since 2000 by Pocket Books.
The Buffyverse has also inspired several unofficial Buffy the Vampire Slayer productions. The fictional universe established by television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel and the film Buffy the Vampire Slayer has For example, in recent years fan films have been created for distribution on the internet (considered fanon), and several adult parodies of Buffy have also been produced. This article is not about Literary canons of influential works of fiction but about the concept of a canon which defines the world of a particular fictional series None of these were licensed by 20th Century Fox as official Buffy merchandise.
Characteristics of the Buffyverse
In many ways this world is not dissimilar to ours. However, in the Buffyverse, elements of the supernatural are found throughout the world, though only a small proportion of the human population is aware of this. It is interesting to note that although many unique aspects of the Buffyverse are introduced as "good" or "evil" and are usually treated as such, both "good" and "bad" tend to be forced into more ambiguous "grey areas". A few of the main aspects of the Buffyverse follow.
The Old Ones
The world was originally ruled by powerful pure-breed demons, the Old Ones. Old One is also a term used in numerous fantasy and horror series Old One is also a term used in numerous fantasy and horror series The Old Ones were eventually driven out of this dimension. Any who remained were vanquished or imprisoned in the "Deeper Well", now hidden in England. The entrance is in a tree ("Hole in the World" Angel Season 5). These demons are the object of reverence and worship from lesser demon species.
Vampires
According to legend in the Buffyverse, the last Old One to leave this dimension fed off a human and their blood mixed. In the fictional world of the Television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, a vampire is a species of demon A demon was trapped in the human body in the place of the soul. Giles describes how the being "bit another, and another, and so they walk the Earth" ("The Harvest"). Some elements of traditional vampire mythology are used whilst others are abandoned.
Werewolves
As in historical werewolf mythology, werewolves are people who suffer from lycanthropy. In the Buffyverse, created by Joss Whedon, werewolves are introduced as a type of demonic humanoid. See also Lycanthropy (disambiguation Werewolves, also known as lycanthropes, are mythological or folkloric humans with the ability to In the Buffyverse, werewolf characters are shown to have an animal side which either complements or clashes with their human side. Prominent werewolf characters include Oz, Veruca, and Nina Ash. Daniel "Oz" Osbourne (born 1980 in Sunnydale, California) is a Fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the cult Veruca (last name unknown is a Fictional character in the US Television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer who first appeared This article features minor Fictional characters who appear as guest stars on the cult Television program Angel, ordered alphabetically
Demons
In the Buffyverse, the term "demon" is inexact; it has been applied to just about every creature that isn't a god, robot, unmodified human, or standard terrestrial animal. In the fictional Buffyverse established by ''Buffy'' and ''Angel'', a Demon is a kind of nonhuman life form generally believed to be evil Some classes of creature, such as Vampires and Old Ones, are known to be demons but not always referred to as such.
There are many kinds of demons portrayed in the Buffyverse, of many different natures and origins. Some demons are shown to live and reproduce on Earth (the Bezoar in "Bad Eggs"), but some are extraterrestrial (the Queller demon in "Listening to Fear"), extradimensional (Lorne on Angel), ex-humans (Anya Jenkins was a peasant who became a vengeance demon), and hybrids (Cordelia Chase had aspects of demon fused in her). " Listening to Fear " is the ninth episode of season 5 of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Krevlornswath "Lorne" of the Deathwok Clan, also known as The Host, is a Fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the Television Anya Christina Emmanuella Jenkins, born Aud (formerly Anyanka, the "patron saint of scorned women" is a Fictional character created by Cordelia Chase (born January 1981, in Sunnydale, California, Some species of demon are capable of breeding with humans (Doyle has a human mother and a demon father). Allen Francis Doyle is a Fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the cult Television series, Angel.
Some demons in Buffy are shown to be inherently evil and interested in causing suffering, death, and harm. Other characters challenge this notion however, with demons such as Clem and Lorne who appear basically good. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an American franchise which spans several media and genres
Slayers
A group of shamans used the essence of a demon to produce the First Slayer. A Slayer, in the fictional Buffyverse established by Buffy and Angel, is a young Female bestowed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an American franchise which spans several media and genres She was banished from her own village and forced to fight the forces of darkness alone. When she died another girl was "chosen" in her place. The line of Slayers is maintained right up until some point in the 21st century. The Slayer is given great strength, lightning reflexes, and fast healing powers.
Watchers
The Watchers' Council historically offers guidance to the Slayer, assisting them by supervising their training and by researching existing and possible demonic or supernatural threats. In the fictional Buffyverse established by the television series Buffy and Angel, a Watcher is a member of a secret organization In the fictional Buffyverse established by the television series Buffy and Angel, a Watcher is a member of a secret organization
"The Good Fight"
While most of humanity in the Buffyverse seems oblivious to the existence of demons, other groups and organizations that are waging their own battles against evil come to light over the course of Buffy and Angel and in related media. For example, a group of socially disadvantaged youth in L. A. organized themselves to battle the vampires destroying their community. (See Charles Gunn. Charles Gunn (born 1978 in Los Angeles, California) is a Fictional character created by Joss Whedon for the cult Television series ) And, although some of their methods and goals proved questionable, The Initiative was also aware of the existence of demons and was fighting a secret war against them.
Magic
Magic in the Buffyverse can be used for all manner of control. Spells can be performed by anyone by use of magical items while saying particular words. Witches and warlocks however have more knowledge and power for using it for their purposes. In the fictional Buffyverse established by ''Buffy'' and ''Angel'', a Witch is a person who has great knowledge and power over the use of mystical forces A witch can inherit their lineage from their parents or develop their craft over many years, and neither a witch or warlock must necessarily be human, such as Cyvus Vail. This article features minor Fictional characters who appear as guest stars on the cult Television program Angel, ordered alphabetically
Mutants
While not prominant in the buffyverse, there are individuals who can be clearly described as mutants (similar to the likes of X-Men and Heroes). The X-Men is a team of fictional Superhero characters in Comic books published by Marvel Comics. Examples include Gwen Raiden and Bethany (from the episode Untouched). This article features minor Fictional characters who appear as guest stars on the cult Television program Angel, ordered alphabetically " Untouched " is episode 4 of season 2 in the television show Angel, originally broadcast on the WB network.
Technology
Technology in the Buffyverse is more advanced than in the real world, although the applications of it do not seem to be common knowledge. Examples of advanced technology include:
- The demon Moloch has an advanced robotic body built for him to inhabit "I, Robot... You, Jane. " I RobotYou Jane " is episode 8 of season 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. "
- Inventor Ted Buchannon built a highly advanced android version of himself in the 1950s that was capable of impersonating a human being without drawing suspicion. An android is a Robot designed to resemble a human usually both in appearance and behavior ("Ted")
- Warren Mears builds a life-like android named April as a companion in the episode "I Was Made to Love You," then builds the Buffybot for Spike. Warren Mears is a Fictional character in the US television and comic book series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, played " I Was Made to Love You " is the 15th episode of season 5 of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy the Vampire Slayer is an American franchise which spans several media and genres He later forms and leads the Trio as their technology guru. The Trio is the name of group of Nerds in the sixth season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The trio is shown to use a freeze ray ("Smashed"), an invisibility ray ("Gone"), a Cerebral Dampener capable of removing someone's free will ("Dead Things"), and jet packs ("Seeing Red"). " Smashed " is the 9th episode of season 6 of the Television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. " Gone " is the 11th episode of season 6 of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. " Dead Things " is the 13th Episode of season 6 of the Television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Seeing Red is the debut Album by Canadian Pop-punk band LiveonRelease, released by Her Royal Majesty's Records in
- Pete Clarner is shown to create a chemical compound that gives him highly enhanced strength. ("Beauty and the Beasts")
Additionally, there is much technology specifically geared towards the supernatural, used by the government organization known as "The Initiative" and the demonic law firm Wolfram and Hart. " Beauty and the Beasts " is the fourth episode of Season 3 of the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Footnotes and references
- ^ Ouellette, Jennifer (2006). The Physics of the Buffyverse. Penguin. ISBN 0143038621.
- ^ Porter, Rick. Whedon's 'Angel' Goes Down Fighting. Zap2it. Retrieved on 2007-02-14. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 842 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German swear the Oaths of Strasbourg in the French and German
- ^ Morris, Clint. Interview: Joss Whedon. Moviehole. net. Retrieved on 2007-02-14. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 842 - Charles the Bald and Louis the German swear the Oaths of Strasbourg in the French and German
- ^ Ausiello, Michael. "Exclusive: Charisma Carpenter Nabs Big Fat Greek Gig", TVGuide. com, TV Guide, 30 July 2007. TV Guide is the name of a North American weekly magazine about television programming Events 1419 - First Defenestration of Prague. 1502 - Christopher Columbus lands at Guanaja in the Bay Islands off Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Retrieved on 2008-02-06. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 46 BC - Julius Caesar defeats the combined army of Pompeian followers and Numidians under Metellus Scipio
- ^ The use of the term "Whedonverse" is growing in Internet fandom but is often used to describe Firefly as well as Buffy/Angel (a few examples: Whedon.info, Slayage.tv, and Whedonverse Multimedia Project)
- ^ (Astonishing X-Men, Alien: Resurrection, Firefly, Speed, Toy Story, and Waterworld)
Dictionary
Buffyverse
-proper noun
- The fictional world, or universe, which serves as the setting for the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, consisting of those dramatic motifs, characters, rules, mythology, and other characteristics which define the world in which the dramatis personae of the show live.
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