I've been back into comics in a big way as I fight kicking and screaming my way into middle agedom. I picked this one up in a binge of comics including Alias, Supreme Power, Marvels, Kingdom Come, Batman Arkham Asalyum, and the Ultimates.

Next to Batman Arkham, this is my least favorite. It was too short and too small for the cost. It can be read in under half an hour which is a poor dollar per hour piece of entertainment.

The story is very good, very much a story of Serenity and does well bridging the gap between the shows and the movies. However it is simply too small and limited to be remembered. I liked the story but I am not happy with the purchase. I plan to give my copy to SF friends of mine just to try to squeeze more use out of the $10.

firefly is one of the best shows of this decade. fox sucks for cancelling it. bring on more movies and bring back the show!!!!!!!!!!!

I got hold of this 3-issue TPB after reading the recent mini-series "Better Days" (also from Dark Horse). I was surprised reading the reviews of this collection that fans were disappointed.


"Those Left Behind" is far superior to "Better Days." As other reviewers commented, reading this one is like watching the show. You also see things that they may not have been able to pull off on the show (Zero-G, space graveyard). I also liked elements here that I've wondered about: what about rival merc teams? How close was Kaylee getting Simon where she wanted him? How do Book and Inara end up off the ship?

Ultimately, this was a satisfying read. Unbelievably better than "Better Days" (which should be avoided). Also, the covers and variant covers by various top-of-the-field artists as well as the interior art all of is just purty.

The letter from Nathan Fillion in the beginning of the graphic novel is my favorite part. Wouldn't we all want to be superheroes (even the jaded kind) for awhile? The artwork and story line were a nice bridge between the television show and the film. Nice job!

This chronicles the time between the series "Firefly" and the film "Serenity." The art, story, dialogue, and feel is all the same as the big and small screen renditions. It doesn't shatter any prior ideas or anything, but it was definitely worth the read.

This was so well written, I felt like I was watching the show.

I was only disappointed with the length of it - I could have been, and should have been, a little longer as some parts felt a little rushed... but hey, loved the series... missed the show... this gave me a nice reminder of why I missed it.

Definitely one for any true fan's collection.

This is awesome, especially for any Firefly or Serenity fan...really any science fiction fan. The only dislike I had for the product is the size, it is smaller than I was hoping, but not tiny compared to the comic, and the heavier paper is durable, but makes it less like the comic counterpart. Great quality, but not the traditional paper comic.

If you are a fan of Firefly and Serenity, this is a must-have for your collection! Even if you aren't comic books per say, this bind-up will fulfill your need for the guns-blazing, wise-cracking, space-cowboy fun-fest that is the joy of Firefly! Get your fix and don't forget the new comics out now!

Anyone who is still angry at Fox for canceling Firefly will love this book. It captures the feel of the firefly universe and helps move the story between the TV series and the movie.
The only down part is the lack of new stuff. Anyone craving new story lines from their favorite browncoats will have to wait and hope that this is only the first book of many.
Also, brush up on your Chinese. You'll need it.

SERENITY: THOSE LEFT BEHIND BY JOSS WHEDON: With the incredible DVDs sales and cult success of Firefly, as well as the popular movie Serenity, fans are always looking for something more, which is why they should pick up the beautiful new hardcover edition of Serenity: Those Left Behind. Originally released as a three-issue comic series to link up the end of the Firefly series with the Serenity movie, Those Left Behind features amazing artwork that makes it feel like you're watching the show again.

This edition begins with a great introduction by Nathon Fillion (who played Captain Malcolm Reynolds) as he relives his childhood of reading comic books, how important they were to him, and what it was like to want to be a superhero; and how on the day that Joss Whedon cast him as Mal, he knew his dream had been achieved. Each of the covers from the original comics are shown at the beginning of each issue, making up the entire crew, as it is explained how Inara and Shepherd eventually chose to leave the ship, as well as another grand adventure involving the whole crew.

In this edition also is a true gem: a pre-production memo that Whedon wrote for the making of Serenity titled "A History of the Universe, Circa 2516 A.D." Here we see Whedon's ideas for where the characters came from, their histories, and what led up to them all being on the same ship. The history of the universe is also explained, with the creation of the Alliance and the rebels who fought for freedom. Also included is some original concept artwork for the movie.

Serenity: Those Left Behind is a wonderful graphic novel that goes much further than the story told in the original three-issue comic series, with incredible artwork, and gives fans and readers a sliver of hope that maybe, one day, there may be more to be told about Serenity and her special crew.

For more reviews, please to go www.alexctelander.com.

It covers what one episode would cover in about 10 minutes. But it's fun, and has really cool art, plus a fun intro by Nathan Fillion.

Many reviewers seem to have missed that "Those Left Behind" is the beginning of a series. (Note the "1" on the spine.) A second three-part story, entitled "Better Days," is due in March 2008 in single-issue form. A trade paperback version should follow soon after.

Bottom line: The folks who are upset because this book is "incomplete" will be happy to know that the story isn't over. Personally I didn't care for the story enough to care how it ends.

Most reviewers seem to have missed that "Those Left Behind" is the beginning of a series. (Note the "1" on the spine.) A second three-part story, entitled "Better Days," is due in March 2008 in single-issue form. A trade paperback version should follow soon after.

Bottom line: The folks who are upset because this book is "incomplete" will be happy to know that the story isn't over.

I enjoyed the story for what it was. It did not have the personality that the actors brought to their characters, but the basic Firefly storyline was there. Of course it had the brief and mysterious qualities of a comic book, but I like comic books. All in all, I enjoyed the comic, the art, the prologue for the movie, and, most especially, the introduction by Nathan Fillion.

Gave it as a gift to my daughter, a complete Firefly fan. She loved it.

A "Cash in on the fame" product. Not really explaining much as the title suggests. However, if it helps the possibility of a Serenity sequel.....
keep buying. :)

love the tv series and and movie, the comic is shorter than i expected however highly enjoyable the story style suits comics

This cool comic shows what happened between the end of the show firefly and the movie continuation, serenity. What happened the the crew, the "hands of blue" guys and any other story elements that might have been left out.

I love this book. It doesn't answer all the questions and loose ends between the movie and the show, but the art is beautiful and it's a great episode. If you're a real Browncoat, you'll love it.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel creator Joss Whedon's much beloved Firefly received an untimely fate, but that didn't stop Whedon from taking the crew of Serenity to new heights with the 2005 feature film, which was nothing short of spectacular. Those Left Behind bridges the gap between the end of the Firefly series and the beginning of Serenity, and finds Captain Mal Reynolds and his crew under dire straits as usual. Without giving too much away, Those Left Behind does a good job bridging the gap between the series and the film, and features Whedon's penchants for snappy dialogue, inventive situations, and surprise twists to boot. While it's instantly enjoyable as a whole, this TPB isn't without it's flaws: the artwork by Brett Matthews and Will Conrad is a mixed bag, and the TPB as a whole is too short. Negatives aside, Those Left Behind does it's job well, and while it doesn't reach the lofty heights of greatness set by the series or the film, it is definitely worth picking up or checking out for Browncoats everywhere alike.

If you want an intro into Joss Whedon's world of Firefly, buy the DVDs, not this book. If you want to know how FIREFLY led to the movie SERENITY, then you must buy this book now. Done as a graphic novel, this book shows what happened to the "men in blue, two by two," and it shows how/when Shephard Book and Inara left the ship. It's the perfect bridge between the TV series and the movie...my only wish is that it was longer.

I dig Joss's writin' and Firefly is hands-down my favorite tv show because of its great storytelling and innovative, risky stylistic choices. I bought this book hoping for the same sort of brilliance, but something's missing. I was left a little cold by this tale, and found its telling a little stilted (which is easy to say because I'm not the writer of the thing, I know). There's supposed to be more Serenity comics on the way, and though I don't buy funny books anymore generally speaking, I'll pick the next book up even though I didn't think this one was outstanding. I have to admit, the bar is raised pretty high in my mind as far as follow-up material to the film and tv show. And this book doesn't pick up after the film, which I'll admit is what I was hoping for. But no matter. "When ya can't walk, ya crawl. When ya can't crawl..." Well. We're still here Joss and co. We'll carry you, and Serenity, whenever you come callin'.

If you liked the show you will like this book. If you didn't like the show..........what is wrong with you?

This trade is an important bridge between the show and the movie. The story is well told and vintage Joss. The only issue is that the artwork is less than spectacular.

This explains lots between the early demise of the TV show Firefly and the major motion picture Serenity. The biggest flaw is how short the book is. While it seems to thicker than a regular comic (it is, because its four issues combined), most of that action and plot could have been summed up in two issues leaving room for more action.

Overall, this is a MUST HAVE for any Firefly, Serenity, or Whedon fan.

Call it Serenity or Firefly, either way this is THE finest series on the big or little screen. 'Nuff said there. The comic is intended as a (shaky) bridge between the TV series ending and the movie beginning. Nicely done, excellent artwork, able to capture the look of the series without obsessing on matching them (ever see the Batman movie adaptations? they try so hard to match the movie they miss the opportunity to tell the story in a fresh way). With such a short life-span, Firefly didn't have time to create a market for browncoats with cash burning a hole in their pocket, so the few items like this are great comfort on those cold nights when you look up at the stars and realize Firefly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But we were there.

I love Firefly. Now, that's not to say I've always loved it. When the show first premiered on Fox, I thought it was silly. Then again, I only saw one episode and left it at that. Well, Joss Whedon's universe finally dragged me in kicking and screaming, and I've been a devoted fan ever since. This graphic novel (or comic book to those of you who don't like fancy words for simple things :D ), fills in the gaps between the Firefly series and the Serenity movie, and it does so quite well. I felt like I was truly watching a lost episode of Firefly, and it nice and neatly wraps up a few loose ends that seque right into Serenity. I highly recommend this graphic novel. It's a must for anyone who truly loves Joss Whedon's "Firefly".

J.

For a graphic novel, I just found this too short. I suppose that goes along well with the short run of the series, but as a fan who can't get enough, I wanted more.

A great "new episode" for the series! Really surprised me who returned. The story is perfectly in line with the 'verse and a great additional for any Firefly fan!

I received my order in just a few short days, much quicker than expected. The product was in perfect condition and exactly as the website described.
May all sellers be as good as this one:)

I think the title says it all, but this book is genius and fills in many of the gaps between the end of the story told in Firefly and where the movie Serenity picks up.

The art work is also wonderful.

As a huge fan of both Serenity and Firefly I had huge hopes for this comic book, but it was poorly written, and the characters were very inconsistant.

This was a nice little piece for those of you who crave more of the Firefly story. My only negative comment was that it was simply too short. The art is amazing and the story engaging.

Even if you're not a comic lover, you should check out this trade paperback. From the multiple covers to the action-filled pages the art is absolutely gorgeous and the writing - courtesy of Joss Whedon himself - is so true to the show tat you can practically hear the actors voices.

Best of all, this short arc fills in much of the gap between the end of Firefly and the beginning of Serenity. Including why Shepard Book left the ship and why the blue-handed suits were replaced by the operative.

While the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight" comics make me feel like I'm hanging out with old buddies, this trade paperback feels more like a phone call from an old friends. Not that I was ever as big a Firefly/Serenity fan as I am of Buffy/Angel, but I won't say I didn't expect a little more from this.

POSITIVES
All of the characters are written and drawn pretty well, and each is given the amount of screen time they deserve. The comics (there are only three of them) collected in this book tell interesting stories, and the end is particularly poignant. It reads like a lost episode of Firefly, bridging the series and the movie, and there's nothing wrong with a new Firefly episode.

NEGATIVES
I don't know if it's just me on this, but it irks me that the size of this book is different than that of normal trade paperbacks. I'm not talking thickness, I'm talking height. This is a short book, closer to the size of a DVD than a trade paperback collection. It looks kind of out of place next to my other trades, and I find myself wishing it was bigger. But, I digress. The only real complain I can think of is also something I mentioned in the positives: "It reads like a lost episode of Firefly, bridging the series and the movie." While that is good and all, the fact is that it reads like an OKAY episode of Firefly.

I love Joss Whedon and I (with perhaps a bit of a bias) believe he is the best writer of our age, but I am not as enthusiastic about Firefly/Serenity as the Browncoats (super F/S fans). The show was great, the movie was great, but I just think that Buffy and Angel were better. I liked this trade, and I'll read the next one if there ever is a next one. However, I'd be lying if I didn't say that I wish Joss would just concentrate on the getting "Buffy Season Eight", "Angel Season Six", and "Astonishing X-Men" out and into our hands.

7/10

As a faithful fan of Whedon's 'verse, it pains me to say I was disappointed in this book. I cannot believe it is supposedly 100+ pages. The format is so small and the book so thin, that I thought it was missing from the shipment. The sad thing is that the artwork is breathtaking. Dark Horse did the artists --and Firefly fans-- no favors with this shrinky-dink. Whedon's creations deserve a larger canvass. Save your money and buy the beautiful Official Companions to Firefly.

The fact that firefly was cancelled is a crime. I am glad to see graphic novels are still being made. This is masterfully drawn and the story is in true Joss Whedon style.

This is a great graphic novel that really captures the spirit of the show. The dialog is spot on; you can almost hear the actor's speaking the lines. The story is good and feels like an episode that never aired. It fills in some of the blanks between the show and the movie, but doesn't answer everything (that's a good thing in my mind). The artwork is very skilled as well. I especially liked the artist's rendition of Shepard Book; it looks just like Ron Glass. All in all, five stars.

As a fan of the Firefly series and the Serenity movie, I was looking forward to reading this, the story that links both together. However I was a bit disappointed with the comic, as the story jumps around somewhat, and feels a bit short for what needs to happen. Artistically it varies too, with close up characters generally good; but characters in the background losing definition. But it's hardly expensive so if you are a fan then you might wish to part with your tenner.

fans of firefly will love this. the story and the art are great. the story stays true....you can "hear" the words.

The story of this graphic novel takes place in about the same time span as a single episode of Firefly might. However, this is no episode of Firefly. I suppose it is the fault of the comics genre, but things in this comic are far cheesier and less believable than anything in the show or the movie. I knew that was going to be the case as soon as I saw Shepherd Book driving in a red monster truck (I kid you not). Not much later, they show us the main villain: the Alliance agent from the first episode of Firefly that Mal shot in the face is back, now with a mechanical eye and a complete obsession with killing Malcolm Reynolds. As I said, cheesy and overblown. No real character development takes place either; the comic never really gets past "introducing" us to the characters. The artwork is pretty good, but a bit odd in places, and some parts of the comic's action were a little unclear and poorly done, I think. I bought this comic because I wanted to see how it tied together the TV show Firefly and the movie Serenity... but all in all, I was better off filling in the gaps with my imagination. This comic doesn't really satisfy a fan of those far superior productions.

I found "Those Left Behind" to be a great buy. The price was right, the illistrations were fantastic, and it helped quench my Firefly thirst after seeing the entire series and movie. You won't regret buying this, and you'll find yourself reading through it again and again.

I found "Those Left Behind" to be a great buy. The price was right, the illistrations were fantastic, and it helped quench my Firefly thirst after seeing the entire series and movie. You won't regret buying this, and you'll find yourself reading through it again and again.

The show simply picks up right where it left off in this compilation of Whedon's Firefly comic book continuation. It was written by Whedon himself, so the characters are saying just what you'd imagine them saying in the show. Only problem is, I want more and this just teases me!

Good read and it set up the movie nicely. If you are a fan of firefly/serenity than this is a must have.

The first thing i have to say is BRING IT BACK!!! I want Season 2!

The comic book is very well drawn - very real to the way the characters looked in the series and movie. I can hear the dialogue coming straight from the characters. Great addition to the series - I just wish it was Season 2!

Look... I'm a HUGE Firefly fan. It's my favorite tv show of all time. Seriously! However the comic just didn't do anything for me. It's not that it was bad, it was just forgetful and short and uninteresting. I wanted to love it... I wanted to find something to fill the gap since Serenity, but this isn't it.

This is a must-read for Firefly/Serenity fans. It does bridge the gap between the TV series and the film.

My biggest gripe is that it is just too brief. I'd prefer a novel as I'm not much of a comic book fan. But, I'll take what I can get.

Firefly was a great TV show that didn't get a chance b/c of some pinhead TV executives. I sure hope the story can continue, but watching the TV show makes one ache for what could have been...

If you loved the story of the series, get this book. Great artwork, and more about the universe we probably won't see again.

Those Left Behind ties up some loose threads from the Firefly and introduces the principal villain in Serenity. The story is okay but not great. Unfortunately, the comics medium doesn't lend itself to the rapid-fire banter and subtle interplays between characters that set Firefly/Serenity so far apart from most other sci-fi series.

The real standout here is Will Conrad's artwork. My experience with the computer-aided coloring that's become so popular the past few years is that it makes everything look very pretty but leaches away an artist's individual style. Conrad uses realistically-posed characters and detail-crammed panels to buck this trend.

This won't win over any converts to the Firefly/Serenity universe, but if you're already a fan, it's worth checking out.