And for many fans myself included his step into the world of comic books and superheroes made perfect sense.
Looking back onBuffynow, afterThe AvengersandMarvels Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, these comic-book influences are even more fascinating.
So, what are these influences and similarities?
She was placed into the body of a young boy, Ben, created specifically to be her host.
Now, what about Thor?
They since became separate entities … a luxury Ben never got to experience.
Learning to master the beast but struggling to keep his temper in check?
Its Bruce Banner, right?
By the start of season six, shes strong enough to resurrect Buffy.
Her gradual struggle with her powers and the mounting threat she posed clearly echo Chris Claremonts Dark Phoenix saga.
What saves her, and everything else, is Xanders love for her.
Later, inDoppelgangland, the vampiric Willow arrives in Sunnydale after one of Anyas spells goes awry.
Even Buffy had her evil opposite Faith: her Bizarro, her Reverse Flash.
Its to the shows credit that they didnt overuse this conceit, as some comic books have.
So, what can we take from these points?
That Joss Whedon and his writing team took some terrific cues from some great stories?
That Whedon knew how awesome superheroes were before much of the entertainment world caught up?
That he always had his eye on making live-action versions of the characters he loved?
And the result was an outstanding piece of work thats still well-loved today.
