"Well, 40 issues was always the goal, and that’s how we’re playing it. We’re around issue 30 now, we’ve got about 10 to go, five of which I have to write, so I have to get on that. Then we’ll pause for breath and then we’ll start Season Nine" he mentions.
Those familiar with the series will notice many changes when season nine officially begins its run. Whedon says, "I have had for a long time a conception for Season Nine that is very different from Season Eight," he added. "It may not run as long, because 40 issues sounds great until you realize that it’s four or five years."