In a surprising twist for fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the complex relationship between Angel and Spike has now been officially recognized as a romantic connection. Both characters, who have historically vied for the affections of Buffy Summers, have exhibited a tumultuous history marked by rivalry—fighting over women and debating who is the superior vampire. Despite their animosity, a significant segment of the fanbase has long entertained the possibility of a deeper relationship between these two vampires who possess souls.
Though implications of this romance were previously hinted at during the series’ run, it has been explicitly confirmed in the canonical comic series that followed. In Angel #26, created by Brian Lynch, Stephen Mooney, Tom Smith, Scorpion Studios, and Robbie Robbins, the Buffyverse lore officially embraces a love story between Angel and Spike—but with a Hollywood twist, featuring Nicolas Cage in the leading role.
The revelation brings new layers to the already intricate dynamics between the beloved characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Angel and Spike: The Ultimate Frenemies Turned Lovers?
A Twist in an In-Universe Adaptation
The series finale of Angel titled “Not Fade Away”ultimately wrapped up the overarching narrative of the Buffy universe, following the remaining members of Angel Investigations as they face an apocalyptic onslaught. This cliffhanger leads into the comics, which continue Buffy’s and Angel’s stories. While Buffy’s journey extends into Season Eight, Angel’s narrative pivots to After the Fall, which explores the chaos that overtakes Los Angeles post-finale.
Angel #26 initiates the “Boys and Their Toys”story arc, acting as an epilogue to the After the Fall saga. Now portrayed as celebrities, Angel and his companions find themselves featured in sci-fi conventions, capturing the public’s imagination including the Hollywood adaptation, Last Angel in Hell. Here, Cage plays Angel, while Spike’s character is represented as an amalgamation of his persona and Darla, Angel’s sire. In a moment of meta-commentary, Angel expresses frustration over the inaccuracies, sighing, “They could have gotten one fact correct,”while watching the onscreen kiss between himself and Spike.
Did the Show Hint at a Connection Between Angel and Spike?
A Nod to “That One Time”
The notion of a romantic relationship between Angel and Spike traces back to their initial interactions during the series, brilliantly portrayed by David Boreanaz and James Marsters. Angel, introduced in the pilot episode “Welcome to the Hellmouth,”encounters Spike in Season 2’s “School Hard.”The show quickly establishes their deep-rooted connection, with Angel acting as Spike’s sire—a detail later revised to make him Spike’s grandsire. They shared numerous episodes during the second season, notably when a resurrected Angelus began an affair with Spike’s lover, Drusilla.
All seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel are currently available for streaming on Hulu, along with previous DVD collections. Though their paths diverged for much of the series, with Spike becoming a regular love interest for Buffy after Angel branched off into his own series, their interactions came to a head when Spike joined the cast of Angel. Their chemistry sparked discourse among viewers, with some interpreting it as sibling-like rivalry, while others suggested a romantic undertone. In the episode “Power Play,”Spike humorously quips about their intimacy, remarking, “except that one time.”
One Line that Affirmed the Angel x Spike Fans
And Integrated into the Comics
Many devoted fans advocating for a relationship between Angel and Spike (affectionately dubbed “Spangel”online) seized upon that one pivotal line. The potentiality behind their centuries-long camaraderie within the Whirlwind vampire gang hints at intimate moments that may have occurred, given their shared history with others like Darla and Drusilla. The comics did not shy away from exploring notions of queerness, allowing for references to a potential romantic liaison between the two characters.
While this throwaway line cleverly insinuates a past connection, the comics enable creators to experiment with these narratives, fostering engaging interpretations among the fandom.
Exploring the Parallels: Angel and Spike
And the Comics Recognize It
In the comic storyline featuring Last Angel in Hell, Spike experiences a transformation thanks to dark magic that links his identity to Angel’s. As he dons the Angel persona, Spike reflects on the struggle of being a reformed vampire dedicated to redemption. This self-exploration vexes him, yet resonates deeply with his real-life journey towards atonement. The character Groosalugg acknowledges these parallels, introducing the term “Spangel,”providing a playful nod to eager readers and fans alike.
Once Spike returns to his original form, he expresses dismissal of their similarities, asserting they are nothing alike. However, the audience perceives them as two halves of the same whole—different in demeanor and approach yet united by their quests for redemption. This complexity allows for an assessment of their relationship dynamic, even hinting at notions of romance. Though the idea of a truly intimate relationship between the pair remains subject to audience interpretation, their time together on both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel has established a vibrant and engaging rapport that continues to capture the imaginations of fans.
Angel #26 and #27 can now be purchased from IDW Publishing.
Leave a Reply