Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine #22

The battle for control of The Deeper Well and the life of Dawn has begun as Buffy and her rag tag band take on the demon defenders determined not to let the Slayer anywhere near the last refuge of magical energy remaining on the planet. In the midst of the battle Buffy will learn of Xander's betrayal as one of Buffy's oldest friends helps Severin and Simone sneak in the well in hopes that the Siphon can gather enough magical energy to reset the past.

As Buffy and her friends fight for Dawn, and after Xander's betrayal the fate of the world, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine #22 also offers a back-up story involving Spike trying to slow Dawn's dissapearance by reminding Buffy's little sister of her life (something which becomes hard to do once Spike realizes he's starting to forget Dawn, too). It comes a little out of the blue, but their conversation reminds fans of the pair's odd friendship that begin even before Spike got his soul back.

Although the battle for The Deeper Well is only begun, the issue ends with all the cards on the table and the fate of Dawn growing more desperate by the minute. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $2.99]