Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Untold Story of an Underrated Watcher’s Joyful Afterlife

In the realm of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, achieving a happy ending is a challenging endeavor. Both the main series and its spin-off, Angel, frequently concluded the journeys of beloved characters with sorrowful farewells. However, the comic book continuations of these narratives have revitalized many characters, granting fans the satisfying resolutions they longed for.

Wesley Wyndam-Pryce in Angel: After the Fall

Wesley as a ghost in Angel after the fall

Wesley Wyndam-Pryce reveals his ghost form

Despite significantly tragic events, Wesley Wyndam-Pryce’s narrative evolves. In the Angel comic series, his influence extends beyond death, allowing him to guide Angel from the afterlife while ultimately discovering a form of happiness.

Wesley’s Death: A Transformation for the Complicated Hero

Wesley warns of Wolfram & Hart's fake Fred in Angel After the Fall #7

Wesley’s ghostly presence is first established in Angel: After the Fall #1; however, it is After the Fall #7 that reveals the events immediately following his demise in “Not Fade Away.”In a poignant moment, Illyria takes the form of Fred, his lost love, creating a bittersweet farewell as Wesley is confronted with the reality of his lingering attachment to the world. Instead of transitioning peacefully, he finds himself trapped in a limbo connected to Wolfram & Hart.

As a ghost, Wesley witnesses chaos unfold in Los Angeles, now transformed into a hellish landscape. He must navigate his obligations to Wolfram & Hart while offering crucial support to Angel. Obligated to report back, he struggles with the remnants of his contract, striving to guide Angel towards redemption.

A pivotal moment arises when Wesley informs Angel of a foreboding vision linking him to an apocalyptic future. This revelation spurs Angel into a desperate plan, and ultimately leads to a series of events that render Wesley’s contract meaningless. As Angel defies destiny, he inadvertently grants Wesley the chance to find peace and move on into the afterlife in After the Fall #16.

Wesley’s Final Fate: The Attempt to Allow the Character to Rest

How the Angel Comics Honored Wesley’s Legacy

Wesley speaks to Spike about the afterlife in Angel After the Fall #16

This poignant moment in the comics signifies Wesley’s definitive departure from the series, a departure he never escapes from in subsequent narratives. Fans who journeyed with Wesley from his timid beginnings in Buffy the Vampire Slayer to his refuge as a battle-scarred survivor may find themselves reflecting on the bittersweet nature of his fate. As Wesley walks towards the light, he acknowledges their shared destiny, affirming that despite the chaos, he and Fred can finally embrace an eternal togetherness.

His acceptance of death symbolizes the culmination of his long journey towards inner tranquility—one he struggled to achieve in life. The union with Fred in the afterlife restores the joy that was snatched away during their lifetimes together. In tribute to Wesley’s impact, Angel honors his memory by dedicating part of the local library as the Burkle-Wyndam-Pryce Wing, solidifying Wesley’s legacy even after death.

Tragically, The “Angel”Comics Undermine Their Own Happy Ending for Wesley

Eldre Koh struggles with Fred's return in Angel and Faith Season 10

Following the resolution of After the Fall, the saga continues in the Angel & Faith spinoff, intertwined with events from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. A significant conflict emerges during the Twilight arc, when Buffy destroys the Seed of Wonder, annihilating magic itself. Although magic eventually returns—thanks to Willow and Angel’s son Connor—the magic reset inadvertently restores Fred to life. However, Wesley, tragically, does not share in this resurrection.

As Fred reclaims her life in a shared existence with Illyria, Wesley remains lost to his fate. This paradox underscores the stark tragedy of Wesley’s evolution from a cowardly sidekick to a heroic figure who ultimately fails to experience any reward for his sacrifices. Despite his growth and heroic deeds, the world—and the afterlife—remains cruel, depriving him of lasting peace and contentment.

Angel: After the Fall and Angel & Faith Season 10 are available now from Dark Horse Comics, presenting fans with the bittersweet legacy of these iconic characters.

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