This graphic novel is based on the novelizations previously mentioned and includes stories about Nikki Wood -- the Slayer Spike killed -- as well as the First Slayer.
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Tales of the Slayers'

Let's get to the Slayer we all know

Forget that movie with Kristy Swanson that supposedly started it all. Donald Sutherland ended up butchering the way creator Joss Whedon REALLY wanted to film it. So for all of you who wonder how it SHOULD HAVE been, here's the graphic novel to show you:
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Origin'

Ever wonder what happened between the end of the movie and the beginning of the TV show? Well, for those of you curious enough, here's the answer:
'Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Viva Las Buffy (Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Dark Horse))'
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Slayer, Interrupted (Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Dark Horse))'
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer: A Stake to the Heart (Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Dark Horse))'

A lot of people read all the novelizations that take place between the episodes of the series and I think that if Joss didn't have creative force behind it, then it's not worth reading. So let's just stick to what we've all come to know and love (NOTE: If you prefer having all-in-one, then try the "Chosen Collection" listed below):
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete First Season'
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Second Season'
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Third Season'
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Fourth Season'
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Fifth Season'
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Sixth Season'
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Complete Seventh Season'

The Spin-Off

For those who fell in love with Buffy's lover Angel, David Greenwalt and Joss Whedon created his own show, full of darker themes and more crime noir stories. Also, besides Cordelia and Wesley moving to L.A. and taking up full-time residence, Sunnydale regulars such as Willow, Faith, Oz, Darla, Drusilla, Harmony and Buffy often make appearances. Also, some of the shows intertwine with Buffy episodes. This series is especially interesting for those fascinated with the origins of Angel, Darla, Drusilla and Spike.

'Angel - Season One'
'Angel - Season Two'
'Angel - Season Three'
'Angel - Season Four'
'Angel - Season Five'

So what happens next?

The ending of the series led to many people wanting the series to continue (especially its counterpart "Angel"). For fans of the Slayer, they can at least read about her and the Scoobies through the novel 'Queen of the Slayers (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)'.

As for Angel, he's survived his stand-off in L.A. and we are privy to his latest adventure(s) in 'Angel: The Curse' and 'Angel: Old Friends'.

So what does it all mean?

Here are a few interesting reads and guides to give explanation to the metaphoric meaning to the Buffy/Angel universe and exactly why Joss Whedon is a genius!!!

'Dusted: The Unauthorized Guide to Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Philosophy: Fear and Trembling in Sunnydale (Popular Culture and Philosophy Series)'
'Joss Whedon: The Genius Behind Buffy'
'Bite Me! An Unofficial Guide to the World of Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
'What Would Buffy Do : The Vampire Slayer as Spiritual Guide'
'Why Buffy Matters : The Art of Buffy the Vampire Slayer'
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Chosen Collection (40 Disc DVD Set) (Seasons 1-7)'

Find out all the origins of all the characters mentioned above -- as well as Giles aka Ripper, Joyce Summers, Jenny Calender, Xander, Anya, Dawn, Tara, Riley, Doyle, Gunn, Lorne aka the Host, Fred, Lindsey, Wolfram & Hart, Lilah, Conner, Holtz, Adam, Ben, Glory, Warren, Jonathan, Andrew, Caleb and the ever-present "First" -- check out all of these volumes and immerse yourself in one of the most addictive, involved universes of all time!