I assume I don't need spoiler tags as it is the issue thread? These are my thoughts, apologies for repetition if you've read them elsewhere!
There were aspects of the issue that I thought were problematic, particularly the idea that Buffy's request was for people to disbelieve D'Hoffryn could write in the book, and that that would work. The belief in what vampires were based on Drac, which obviously helped determine the powers of the new vamps, was something that I think was felt to have a general acceptance and a world-wide belief in the truth of, a great deal more than they could get by asking just a few groups to think an opinion really hard! And another issue I've also seen others comment on was how corporate Arashmahar was shown as, I don't think that worked very well for D'Hoffryn's character.
I thought the page with all the reactions of the others pinned in place when Xander was being berated/attacked was really good, although Willow in her semi conscious state just looked disinterested in comparison to me. Anyway, I'm not convinced at all his death will stick. He may have been made a ghost and it was a way to keep him 'safe' as Sosa mentions, fake Anya earlier in the season was expressing concern to D'Hoffryn about Xander not getting hurt. I know she was later made vengeful by his abandonment but she may not have wanted him dead still and this was a way to protect him, as ludicrous as that sounds, but we don't reeeeally 'know' what she did, just what she appeared to do. Or Dawn may go dimension hopping to 'find' him. I don't know. Some have suggested Willow was talking telepathically with Anya but I'm not sure why she would have tried that, but I can see the possibility.
I strongly agree with
@Priceless that there should be risk though. I thought Fred's end was one of the most powerful things the shows ever did but they undid that this season after so many years after and it was a real disappointment to me. They just had the opportunity to very justifiably dust Dru in A&F too, who is a far smaller character, and I wished they would because her escapes are getting silly and sure enough she was left to run off again for another day. I think it would be really impactful if they really just killed Xander just
because it was such a 'meh' way to go and a pointless belittling death, like what happened to Fred due to her natural curiosity, makes the lives they choose to lead have high stakes and it not be all grand heroic moments that can get you. But I have seen and agree with complaints that having Xander basically say he deserves it isn't good. His death may be what it appears to be, but I'm brimful with doubt and expect it to be reversed somehow. Another point often commented on is that even in the same issue D'Hoffryn said such things are within their powers to change so there are plenty of get outs available.
It is going to be a looooong wait for the next issue.
