"Angel" finished its remarkable five year run on The WB network this past week, leaving many fans with the question: what comes next?

Last night, series co-creator Joss Whedon paid a visit to fan forum The Bronze Beta to thank everyone for their support and dedication over the last five years.

"I wanted to say thank you one more time, to all of you, except anyone who ever criticized anything ever at all," Whedon said. "I came on these boards in 'Buffy's' first year and the support - and even the criticism - has been more helpful than I can type.

"I set out in television with one simple goal: to purchase a Russian bride. Didn't work out. Immigration stuff - it's complicated."

Whedon went on to offer a sense of hope to all the fans with news of future Buffyverse projects.

"I had dinner with Tim Minear the other night, and we talked about what kind of show we want to make next," Whedon said. "It always comes back to the same themes ... people getting strength. People helping out. People being thankful for whatever they have, be it power, a decent life, or a fun-tastic Russian bride.

"I don't know if the Buffyverse is going to return to TV, but I hope so, and I know we'll be putting something out there. Maybe on HBO, 'cause I like me some cussin'."

Whedon currently is working on "Serenity" based on the cancelled Fox series "Firefly."

Talk about this story on the Airlock Alpha message boards. Click here!.