What do you think?
Rate this book
Serenity #4
Leaves on the Wind
Goodreads Choice Award
Winner for Readers' Favorite Graphic Novels & Comics (2014)In the film Serenity, outlaw Malcolm Reynolds and his crew revealed to the entire ’verse the crimes against humanity undertaken by the sinister Alliance government. In this official follow-up, circumstances force the crew to come out of hiding, and one of their own is captured, setting them on another mission of rescue and resistance...
Collects the six-issue miniseries and the 2012 Free Comic Book Day story.
Collects the six-issue miniseries and the 2012 Free Comic Book Day story.
152 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2014
62 people are currently reading
10277 people want to read
About the author
Joss Whedon
482 books4,351 followersJoss Whedon (born Joseph Hill Whedon) is an American screenwriter, executive producer, film and television director, comic book writer, occasional composer, and actor, and the founder of Mutant Enemy Productions and co-creator of Bellwether Pictures.
He is best known as the creator and showrunner of the television series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)', 'Angel (1999–2004)', 'Firefly (2002)' and its film follow-up 'Serenity (2005)', and 'Dollhouse (2009–2010)', as well as the web-series' 'Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008)'. Whedon co-wrote and produced the horror film 'The Cabin in the Woods (2012)', and wrote and directed the film adaptation of Marvel's 'The Avengers (2012)', the third highest-grossing film of all time.
Many of Whedon's projects have cult status and his work is notable for portraying strong female characters and a belief in equality.
credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_Whedon
He is best known as the creator and showrunner of the television series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)', 'Angel (1999–2004)', 'Firefly (2002)' and its film follow-up 'Serenity (2005)', and 'Dollhouse (2009–2010)', as well as the web-series' 'Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008)'. Whedon co-wrote and produced the horror film 'The Cabin in the Woods (2012)', and wrote and directed the film adaptation of Marvel's 'The Avengers (2012)', the third highest-grossing film of all time.
Many of Whedon's projects have cult status and his work is notable for portraying strong female characters and a belief in equality.
credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_Whedon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 536 reviews
July 9, 2015
Love. This. So. Much.
I feel like I've just watched a top secret, long forgotten episode of Firefly. Following on from the Serenity movie and the previous graphic novel volumes, this story has the substance, style and humour that I loved from the series. I didn't want it to end, and if the next installment follows suit I'll be a very happy browncoat.
If they hadn't added that random little story at the end of the book (both unnecessary and terrible artwork in my opinion) this book would have been flawless from start to finish.
I feel like I've just watched a top secret, long forgotten episode of Firefly. Following on from the Serenity movie and the previous graphic novel volumes, this story has the substance, style and humour that I loved from the series. I didn't want it to end, and if the next installment follows suit I'll be a very happy browncoat.
If they hadn't added that random little story at the end of the book (both unnecessary and terrible artwork in my opinion) this book would have been flawless from start to finish.
March 20, 2017
I am a leaf on the wind.
First reaction? A sequel to the movie serenity? Woooohoooo!
But after reading the story, I found myself a bit confused. Something was missing.
Captain Reynolds and his crew are most wanted individuals in the galaxy. Hunted by alliance because of the "Miranda incident" and sought by resistance for his leadership. Finally, both parties find their own trackers.
Resistance hires Jayne and alliance hires Jubel.
Wait... Jubel, from season 1? Didn't he float away to space like George Clooney?
Apparently, he is back.
I didn't like the story the first time around, but the second time around was much better. Still, the dynamics were way off. The tension between characters have changed and the new characters introduced still lack a solid characterization.
Also, the covers are spectacular, but the story's art sucks. Look at the picture above. That is supposed to be Inara holding a baby and not some random doll carrying a potato!
First reaction? A sequel to the movie serenity? Woooohoooo!
But after reading the story, I found myself a bit confused. Something was missing.
Captain Reynolds and his crew are most wanted individuals in the galaxy. Hunted by alliance because of the "Miranda incident" and sought by resistance for his leadership. Finally, both parties find their own trackers.
Resistance hires Jayne and alliance hires Jubel.
Wait... Jubel, from season 1? Didn't he float away to space like George Clooney?
Apparently, he is back.
I didn't like the story the first time around, but the second time around was much better. Still, the dynamics were way off. The tension between characters have changed and the new characters introduced still lack a solid characterization.
Also, the covers are spectacular, but the story's art sucks. Look at the picture above. That is supposed to be Inara holding a baby and not some random doll carrying a potato!
February 13, 2015
Not a bad extension of the TV series/movie, but it is missing something. I can't quite place my finger on it, but I think it probably has something to do with missing the actors. They provided so much of the life of the show that just seeing the characters as flat words and pictures on paper isn't quite the same. Still, it wasn't disappointing, and it felt like it belonged with the rest of Firefly and Serenity.
October 16, 2014
Bullet Review:
Absolutely fantastic! Some of the Serenity comics have been iffy with me, but this one is just as superb as the TV series.
Only problem is that it is six issues and not a continuing series.
Absolutely fantastic! Some of the Serenity comics have been iffy with me, but this one is just as superb as the TV series.
Only problem is that it is six issues and not a continuing series.
February 14, 2015
Let's get one thing straight: if I were only going off my love of Firefly and these characters, this would just straight up get five stars. And as it is, it was a really, really fun visit back to the 'verse, but it wasn't perfect. Georges Jeanty's art was gorgeous and really captured the characters in some panels, and in others they just looked . . . wonky.
Part of me also ate up every character or reference that popped up again from the series or the movie, particularly But on the other hand, some of it felt like blatant fanservice. Not that I don't love a good fanservice every once in a while, but I also like to feel like the world the characters inhabit is authentic, and fanservice usually messes with that. But also, I squeed when I saw Jayne was wearing his hat? Basically I'm a big fat hypocrite.
My other main complaint was that I liked what story was there, it just felt too rushed. I wanted it to take it's time, get some good character work in. For example, And there just wasn't time for that sort of thing in these six issues.
But again, I can't really complain when this book gives me things like
I really need to get myself a copy, though. Vols. 1-3 are looking lonely up there on my bookshelf . . . plus I'm sure Barnes & Noble would appreciate me actually buying their merchandise, instead of sitting on their floor for an hour and consuming it for free.
Part of me also ate up every character or reference that popped up again from the series or the movie, particularly But on the other hand, some of it felt like blatant fanservice. Not that I don't love a good fanservice every once in a while, but I also like to feel like the world the characters inhabit is authentic, and fanservice usually messes with that. But also, I squeed when I saw Jayne was wearing his hat? Basically I'm a big fat hypocrite.
My other main complaint was that I liked what story was there, it just felt too rushed. I wanted it to take it's time, get some good character work in. For example, And there just wasn't time for that sort of thing in these six issues.
But again, I can't really complain when this book gives me things like
I really need to get myself a copy, though. Vols. 1-3 are looking lonely up there on my bookshelf . . . plus I'm sure Barnes & Noble would appreciate me actually buying their merchandise, instead of sitting on their floor for an hour and consuming it for free.
February 14, 2017
Serenity: Leaves on the Wind (Serenity #4) by Zack Whedon is what my Firefly and Serenity groupie self has been waiting for! For those Firefly and Serenity fans out there, this is your book! This book takes place AFTER the Serenity movie! That's right, we get to know what happens after since no one made a film or restarted the series despite the thousands of fans that wanted more! The pictures are realistic too. Just look at that cover! The pictures are big, not small like a regular graphic novel. Large, wonderful, looks-like-the-actors images, easy to read fonts, loved the story which was easy to follow (again not like a regular graphic novel), and will please all the Malcolm and crew fans. LOVED this book! I got this one from the library but it may have to be a keeper, may have to break down and buy a copy!
April 9, 2018
And the tears keep streaming down my faaaceeee..... and no one will be able to....fiixxxxxx meeeee........
We have sort of reached the end, so far I hope, and all I want to do is cry, we are at par with the film, and that is a depressing sight. I was so angry with what happened here, because I never expected that to happen to my favourite kick-butt, but it did, and I am happy of how it ended, well sort of, I am still bitter about some things, some very obvious things.
I feel the pain in my gut.
When that thing happened to Wash, my favourite, alongside Zoe.
I will cry about it forever until the end of time to all of infinity and beyond for all of eternity.
July 17, 2014
3.5 if I could.
The other firefly/Serenity comics mostly filled in some gaps with back stories and what not. This one, however, pushes the story forward from where we left off with the movie.
I guess the worst part about reading this comic is that I am left wanting more!! I miss this universe, I miss these characters. I would love to see this story take a page from the Buffy comics and continue on with further 'seasons'.
This comic proves that there are still stories that need to be told!
April 8, 2017
This just made me so happy
March 13, 2015
This was such a superb continuation after Serenity that I am in absolute awe. Zack Whedon, you are a god among men.
***Like always, if you have not watched the TV show, and ESPECIALLY the movie Serenity, there will be spoilers. As for the book, you are spoiler free***
This isn't just a volume that was produced for the sake of continuing on a popular franchise and rake in the cash (thought that's probably a big upside). At least that isn't what it feels like. This story line is so well put together, fits in so well with the 'Verse, has pinned the characters perfectly, and reads like a bonus episode after the movie. I am finally in love with this series. After the disappointing first two volumes, Shepherd's Tale and Leaves on the Wind will safely keep me on the lookout for more.
What with mishaps and capture surrounding Zoe, insight into what would have happened to River if she hadn't been saved from the institute, a New Resistance on the rise, and Jayne of course jumping back on board Serenity, this book has it made. Action. Love. Wit. Gorammit, it has everything and more.
My favorite parts of this book:
Mal and Zoe are as close as ever. After Zoe lost Wash the world was devastated. The good news is that I never doubted whether or not Mal would look after her in the best of ways. And of course, he does. Their friendship and love and respect for one another is so incredibly beautiful in this volume that I got a little teary at certain spots.
There are small bits that caught my eye. Things like Wash's dinosaurs staying on the dashboard of the controls. Jayne's hat that is mother made him. The obvious fact that Mal is still sporting his brown coat, along with Bea showing up in hers, proving that this is still a lifestyle and a longing for the world in more than just our beloved characters once again.
I will say, having to see Wash's death drawn on page through Zoe's eyes was heartbreaking. But the look on Emma's face later on almost makes up for it. So much is in this book. I'm not sure if there are more plans in the future (that cliff at the end leads me to think and hope that there will be) but if there aren't I will probably cry myself to sleep for years.
***Like always, if you have not watched the TV show, and ESPECIALLY the movie Serenity, there will be spoilers. As for the book, you are spoiler free***
This isn't just a volume that was produced for the sake of continuing on a popular franchise and rake in the cash (thought that's probably a big upside). At least that isn't what it feels like. This story line is so well put together, fits in so well with the 'Verse, has pinned the characters perfectly, and reads like a bonus episode after the movie. I am finally in love with this series. After the disappointing first two volumes, Shepherd's Tale and Leaves on the Wind will safely keep me on the lookout for more.
What with mishaps and capture surrounding Zoe, insight into what would have happened to River if she hadn't been saved from the institute, a New Resistance on the rise, and Jayne of course jumping back on board Serenity, this book has it made. Action. Love. Wit. Gorammit, it has everything and more.
My favorite parts of this book:
Mal and Zoe are as close as ever. After Zoe lost Wash the world was devastated. The good news is that I never doubted whether or not Mal would look after her in the best of ways. And of course, he does. Their friendship and love and respect for one another is so incredibly beautiful in this volume that I got a little teary at certain spots.
There are small bits that caught my eye. Things like Wash's dinosaurs staying on the dashboard of the controls. Jayne's hat that is mother made him. The obvious fact that Mal is still sporting his brown coat, along with Bea showing up in hers, proving that this is still a lifestyle and a longing for the world in more than just our beloved characters once again.
I will say, having to see Wash's death drawn on page through Zoe's eyes was heartbreaking. But the look on Emma's face later on almost makes up for it. So much is in this book. I'm not sure if there are more plans in the future (that cliff at the end leads me to think and hope that there will be) but if there aren't I will probably cry myself to sleep for years.
August 30, 2015
Leaves in the wind takes place right after the movie and I expected it to be more or less epilog.Instead it starts new story arc so we can expect volume 5 some time in the future.
As huge Firefly fan I am satisfied with comic so far. Writing is for the most part just as good as, I do miss actors ad how the portray their characters, cast was one of big reason show and the movie where so good but since we won't get any more of that I will be happy with more comics.
As huge Firefly fan I am satisfied with comic so far. Writing is for the most part just as good as, I do miss actors ad how the portray their characters, cast was one of big reason show and the movie where so good but since we won't get any more of that I will be happy with more comics.
May 25, 2015
Fantastic job kicking off this book: you think The Alliance got its ass handed to them by our intrepid bandits? Just watch how easily the forked-tongue propagandists slide a little snake oil in your breakfast and make you doubt your very eyes.
Rest of the book isn't quite that...inspired, and they let the premise drop. Rest is breezy fun with a dollop of melancholy:
Return of a few old characters and subplots.
Dealing with the remains of the crew and the lingering pain of losing some favourites.
A few fun twists and some very welcome revenge-ish stuff.
Lots of old-timey western lingo that always makes me feel rewarded for having a few excess brain cells.
And some sexy times between people we were dying to see get nasty.
Not a ton of depth here, not much wrong with it either. It's another episode in the TV series, not more no less. Fun addition to the canon.
P.S. Best tale of the lot was the short with Fabio Moon. Love his crazy art style - worked extremely well for this style of story.
Rest of the book isn't quite that...inspired, and they let the premise drop. Rest is breezy fun with a dollop of melancholy:
Return of a few old characters and subplots.
Dealing with the remains of the crew and the lingering pain of losing some favourites.
A few fun twists and some very welcome revenge-ish stuff.
Lots of old-timey western lingo that always makes me feel rewarded for having a few excess brain cells.
And some sexy times between people we were dying to see get nasty.
Not a ton of depth here, not much wrong with it either. It's another episode in the TV series, not more no less. Fun addition to the canon.
P.S. Best tale of the lot was the short with Fabio Moon. Love his crazy art style - worked extremely well for this style of story.
September 27, 2015
Close to 4 stars, but not quite there. Art was a bit slack towards the end of each issue, the story got a bit dragged and nonsensical in the middle, but it was a very satisfying conclusion and cliffhanger. I was just so excited to see most of my favourite characters from my favourite show, all reunited and cute and stuff.
November 15, 2015
Rather disappointing story about Malcolm and his crew post events in Serenity (the movie). The artwork is subpar and the story feels slapped together with little thought about character or continuity.
Decidedly not something I would recommend to a fan of the series.
Decidedly not something I would recommend to a fan of the series.
November 1, 2015
Minus 1 star bc I strongly disliked the art. Just another Firefly story. Not great.
April 10, 2023
The last two volumes in this series are the strongest. Here we finally get some real action and some real story.
November 18, 2014
Viene a continuación de la pelicula "Serenity".
Conserva la tensión y vueltas de tuerca de la serie, con un final que te deja esperando lo que vendrá a continuación. Echas de menos ver realmente retratados (gráficamente) a tus personajes, pero eso puede considerarse licencia artistica tal vez.
Claro que muchos guiños para los fans como los dinosaurios en la cabina de la Luciernaga.
Y hasta tenemos a Jane viviendo en... ¿la casa de Buffy? XD
Conspiraciones, traiciones, asesinos, y la persecución continua.
Echo de menos esta serie, y a River :(
Conserva la tensión y vueltas de tuerca de la serie, con un final que te deja esperando lo que vendrá a continuación. Echas de menos ver realmente retratados (gráficamente) a tus personajes, pero eso puede considerarse licencia artistica tal vez.
Claro que muchos guiños para los fans como los dinosaurios en la cabina de la Luciernaga.
Y hasta tenemos a Jane viviendo en... ¿la casa de Buffy? XD
Conspiraciones, traiciones, asesinos, y la persecución continua.
Echo de menos esta serie, y a River :(
November 3, 2014
I really wanted to like this more given that Firefly is probably my favourite television series, but the book wasn't quite as strong as I thought it'd be even though it started off fairly well. I read this in single issues, and it kept me hooked enough to read all six, but it was mostly underwhelming and the artwork was weak as well.
March 5, 2019
Big fan of the Serenity Graphic Novel series, excellent art work
July 4, 2016
Picking up several months after the events of Serenity, we find the crew somewhat changed in circumstances.
Of course, some things never change, and Mal & Co are trying to law low and keep off the radar, forsaking jobs and money in the doing so, while the Alliance is looking for them, claiming Miranda was a hoax.
A group of New Resistance is also looking for them, wanting to install Mal as a leader to the cause - because that'll go over well.
We see some familiar faces, including Jubal Early and the Operative, as well as some new ones who have their own agendas for finding River.
The story was interesting, and the reveal at the end felt like it was setting us up for bigger things. My main quibble in this story is that it felt like several vignettes tied together, and every issue was sort of set up and knocked over like dominoes. There never felt like there were any real stakes or danger, because we knew everything would be overcome fairly easily.
But the ending did leave me curious.
As to the artwork, hubbies first comment upon perusing it was that the characters didn't look anything like they're meant to, being modeled after the actors in the series, obviously. And I agree the art is far from picture perfect, but you do get the idea of who is meant to be who, and I suppose that's good enough. Without some of the signature outfits, though, I think they would be nigh interchangeable, especially in certain panels.
I love the special cover art, though. Now that's some picture perfect shit.
Of course, some things never change, and Mal & Co are trying to law low and keep off the radar, forsaking jobs and money in the doing so, while the Alliance is looking for them, claiming Miranda was a hoax.
A group of New Resistance is also looking for them, wanting to install Mal as a leader to the cause - because that'll go over well.
We see some familiar faces, including Jubal Early and the Operative, as well as some new ones who have their own agendas for finding River.
The story was interesting, and the reveal at the end felt like it was setting us up for bigger things. My main quibble in this story is that it felt like several vignettes tied together, and every issue was sort of set up and knocked over like dominoes. There never felt like there were any real stakes or danger, because we knew everything would be overcome fairly easily.
But the ending did leave me curious.
As to the artwork, hubbies first comment upon perusing it was that the characters didn't look anything like they're meant to, being modeled after the actors in the series, obviously. And I agree the art is far from picture perfect, but you do get the idea of who is meant to be who, and I suppose that's good enough. Without some of the signature outfits, though, I think they would be nigh interchangeable, especially in certain panels.
I love the special cover art, though. Now that's some picture perfect shit.
November 23, 2014
Takes place after the movie. Very close to watching the tv show, with good dialog. Somehow Joss Whedon's artists in Serenity and Buffy have trouble drawing people (not X-men) (except for the covers). This is actually volume 4. I don't know why I haven't picked up the other 3. And it seems like the story is not over. Just bring back the tv show already.
December 22, 2017
Great to move on from filling in gaps left by the cancellation of the TV series and instead see what happens following the events of the film Serenity - and also answer a question I had regarding River's fellow abused genius school kids i.e what happened to them...
December 8, 2019
This was the first post-Serenity story I've read, so I was a little nervous about where the plot would go. I'm a little tired of Jubal Early, but I know they only had a small amount of connective tissue to carry over from the show. Overall, I thought the story was pretty good!
I realize it's a personal preference (no offense meant to Georges Jeanty, I know art is subjective), but I kept noticing how disproportionate some of the characters heads were. Mostly Inara, but sometimes other characters, too. It just reminded me of a bobblehead with a teeny-tiny body. The use of light and color is still very realistic like the other books, it looks just like the show. I guess that's why it stuck out to me.
I realize it's a personal preference (no offense meant to Georges Jeanty, I know art is subjective), but I kept noticing how disproportionate some of the characters heads were. Mostly Inara, but sometimes other characters, too. It just reminded me of a bobblehead with a teeny-tiny body. The use of light and color is still very realistic like the other books, it looks just like the show. I guess that's why it stuck out to me.
August 2, 2015
Watch How I Soar Firefly is one of my all-time favourite tv shows, mostly because Joss Whedon somehow managed to create characters I adore. Every single one of the band of misfits aboard the Serenity feels like a friend, which is why I treasure every chance I get to spend more time with them.
This comic, collecting six issues, picks up shortly after the movie Serenity and reads like a proper mini-series. The information about Miranda was released, but the Alliance is powerful and won't topple easily. As always, they have aces up their sleeves, some quite surprising. However, now there's a New Resistance movement (led by new character Bea, who I liked very much), hoping to fight back - if only they had a leader... Unfortunately Malcolm Reynolds, as always, is definitely not volunteering for the role. All he wants is some peace for his crew, not in the least because there's a new addition. As per usual, however, he might not have a choice, and soon our Firefly family is caught up in events and fighting to remain together.
The stakes are high all through the story, and I was unable to put it down until the end - which leaves enough open to make me very hopeful for another run. Of the four stories told in comic-format, this is easily my favourite. And I'm not saying that just because seeing Mal and Inara finally together made me smile big time. :)
This comic, collecting six issues, picks up shortly after the movie Serenity and reads like a proper mini-series. The information about Miranda was released, but the Alliance is powerful and won't topple easily. As always, they have aces up their sleeves, some quite surprising. However, now there's a New Resistance movement (led by new character Bea, who I liked very much), hoping to fight back - if only they had a leader... Unfortunately Malcolm Reynolds, as always, is definitely not volunteering for the role. All he wants is some peace for his crew, not in the least because there's a new addition. As per usual, however, he might not have a choice, and soon our Firefly family is caught up in events and fighting to remain together.
The stakes are high all through the story, and I was unable to put it down until the end - which leaves enough open to make me very hopeful for another run. Of the four stories told in comic-format, this is easily my favourite. And I'm not saying that just because seeing Mal and Inara finally together made me smile big time. :)
August 20, 2016
Leaves on the Wind is longer than previous Serenity comics so enough time was given to develop a deeper plot as well as reintroducing old characters and adding new ones.
Story-wise, it's darker and more serious. There is a cautiously optimistic undertone in terms of relationship upgrades but not a lot of focus was placed on these in favor of advancing the plot regarding the Alliance experiment on River as well as their never-ending chase of Mal and his crew.
It's a welcome addition to the comic book series. If TPTB were to continue with the show this would've been a decent continuation of what happened.
Story-wise, it's darker and more serious. There is a cautiously optimistic undertone in terms of relationship upgrades but not a lot of focus was placed on these in favor of advancing the plot regarding the Alliance experiment on River as well as their never-ending chase of Mal and his crew.
It's a welcome addition to the comic book series. If TPTB were to continue with the show this would've been a decent continuation of what happened.
March 30, 2015
I noticed a funny little detail when I saw a character reading a book,
March 30, 2015
I wanted to like this better than I did. While the chapter cover art was fantastic, I didn't think the interior art was as strong and I couldn't always easily tell who was who. I though the writers nailed most of the characters pretty well, especially Mal and Jayne, but in other places it didn't quite ring true. I also got lost a couple of times with the plot. Some flashbacks occurred that weren't well set up. Worth a read for Serenity fans.
November 26, 2014
Loved it. Loved, loved, loved. That's about all I have to say. Seeing Mal and the crew again made me really happy, but it's not just nostalgia. Serenity: Leaves on the Wind tells a new story set after the events of the movie Serenity, and it's just terrific. Action, heart, humor, and dialogue that's true to the characters we know and love. If you're a fan, you'll need to read this.
December 27, 2014
Read in one sitting. Awesome.
Yes, your favorite (surviving) characters are here, in full form. Some of it may be pandering to the fans who miss the show... but we're not complaining! It's what we wanted: more of the story after Serenity left off. Great job.
Yes, your favorite (surviving) characters are here, in full form. Some of it may be pandering to the fans who miss the show... but we're not complaining! It's what we wanted: more of the story after Serenity left off. Great job.
August 15, 2015
5 stars, 16 fist pumps and a happy dance.
If you wished for a sequel to the movie, wish no longer, my friend. This continued the story in a swell fashion and ended with the possibility of more.
Hooray!
If you wished for a sequel to the movie, wish no longer, my friend. This continued the story in a swell fashion and ended with the possibility of more.
Hooray!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 536 reviews