Saga (issue #24)

• Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
• Artist: Fiona Staples
• Cover: Fiona Staples
• Published by: Image, February 4, 2015
• Notes: Monthly series, takes a small break after every 6 issues.

Synopis:

“Saga is back, as is almost the entire cast!”

Personal Thoughts:

The wait between issues are difficult enough between months for this fan favorite book. Then, the few months after the last break, stretched that agonizing wait (for me, at least). Yet here we finally are, meeting like old friends; the saga of Saga continues.

Before we dig back into the immediate suspense and dire situations of our space traveling cast; this issue first brings us readers back to the larger picture of the ongoing war. We receive more backstory on the conflict between the planet Landfall and its moon, Wreath. With much in Saga, we see an all too familiar parallel to our current reality. The sadness of what draws people in, and how there are no great reasons. First, a random draft among the young, than eventually economic necessity. As the conflict becomes further distant, both home capital worlds flourish, then somewhat drawn to complacency. While the story features creatures and set-ups beyond imagination, I view this progression as very familiar to our modern times.

Then, we get back to the characters and their growing mixed bizarre cast of characters. Some time has passed since Hazel’s parents split. Marko forms an uneasy alliance Prince Robot VI, both now fathers separated from their children and family. For Marko, a sudden revelation unbeknownst to him (but soon by revealed by Hazel in narration) left me sad, almost in tears. This separation of father and offspring will be longer than expected..

Alana, Hazel, and the in-law grandparents will endure a different situation, dealing with Dengo the psycho kidnapping robot pissed off with government politics. Where this goes in the end, is curious and leaves us hung for more. Meanwhile Gwendolyn, Lying Cat, The Brand, Sweet Boy, and Sophie are on a quest for dragon spunk; to save The Will, the bounty hunter I have missed for too long. This leads to some somewhat campy action involving a beast, whose nature is too natural; which develops a gross situation then heightens the danger. Overall, a great issue which has us readers anxiously awaiting that next issue.

The art by Fiona Staples is once again superb and unique. Her visuals are imaginative by any era of science fiction, with a touch of old school pulp wonder and the new disorder of daring bizarre concepts; notably now with a half-shaped planet and a giant pissing dragon. All this added with the usual fantastic coloring, consistent varied styles of lettering; Saga still holds its own as a fantastic treat for comic fantasy fans wanting more out of comic storytelling.

– Orion T