As I've been watching my new Buffy DVD's (Thanks  Santa) I realized that Xander Harris reminds me of Bruce Campbell.  Now, I don't know if that comparison has been made, but, let's study the facts. Both are the handy comic relief in tense supernatural situations, both are quite inventive and clever under fire, and darn it, they kinda look alike.  [I mean, young Bruce of course -- "Ash" Bruce. And, do I see just a little bit of Peter Petrelli in there too?  I digress...]  Not to mention also that both have taken some serious injury for the team. Ash's arm, Xander's eye. Shame really. However, Ash is nothing if not inventive, and the chainsaw arm really allowed him to handle that boomstick.

What I admire most about Bruce Campbell is that he is the epitome of a humble and humorous B-movie actor who knows and embraces the genre. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him, and the man cracks me up. Bruce has the gift of being likeable during some of the most ridiculous scenes ever put onto film. I feel that type of humor is very indicative of Xander's self-depracating character throughout the Buffy series.  Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a fantastic show because it dabbled in so many genres: horror, comedy, adventure, and all of these were handled beautifully by Joss Whedon, who wrote the quick dialogue and relateable characters to root the supernatural stories in normal adolescence. Xander too, is always likeable, even in the face of danger. All I'm saying is, I'd like one of these guys on my side slaying demons.

Here are just a few great lines from the boys:

Well hello Mister Fancypants. Well, I've got news for you pal, you ain't leadin' but two things, right now: Jack and shit... and Jack left town. 

-- "Ash" Army of Darkness 1992

"I laugh in the face of danger. Then I hide till it goes away."

―Xander, Buffy season 1

There I was. Face-to-face with the mother of all ugly. So I say "Come get some", and BLAM, no more Mr. Nasty Face.

--"Ash" Evil Dead: Fistful of Boomstick 2003

I'm sick of being the guy who eats insects and gets the funny syphilis. As of this moment, it's over. I'm finished being everybody's butt-monkey!"

―Xander, Buffy season 4