Saga #43

• Writer: Brian K. Vaughan Artist: Fiona Staples
• Published by: Image Comics Publish Date: May 31, 2017
• Notes: Ongoing monthly series, with occasional breaks

Synopsis:

SAGA returns monthly with a brave new direction, and to celebrate Image’s 25th Anniversary, this full-sized issue costs just 25 cents! In a perfect jumping-on point for first-time readers, Hazel and her star-crossed parents embark on a thrilling new adventure at the westernmost edge of the universe.”

Personal Thoughts (minor spoilers):

Wow, a comic book for 25 cents!! Pretty much my entire life, I would only expect such the price for a treasure on a used read from a bygone time. But here we are now, for a special deal on a very special series. The price signifies every penny a year, back to Image Comics 25th Anniversary celebration. This issue also offers a jumping on point for new readers. Does this all match up for such a meager price, and valuable time for modern appreciators of the sequential arts? What about its presentation for fans who waited over the recent hiatus, and likely read since #1?

Within, is a heavy issue indeed, packed with much for old and new fans. For those jumping aboard, there is that unexpected peek into the strange, unrestrained universe where pretty much anything can happen or raise the limits of the imagination. This first being the subject matter wherein, where things carry on from the very sad ending to the last issue. I can’t recall anytime a comic has dealt with the initial subject matter, in both a practical need for a resolution to Alana’s current condition, while adding dark humor to it all.

And then, a nice little recap for new readers perhaps. But, there feels not enough for me to recommend this particular issue to a friend. It’s better to lend them your copy of the first trade paperback (still, a very cheap $9.99). It might be fun to just buy extra copies of #43 and leave behind at a waiting area of some dental office or barber shop. If really bored, one can stick around for the reaction..then interject for that life-changing reading recommendation.

But seriously, for those new to this series…start from the beginning. Ask for Saga: Volume 1 at your local book retailer.

Meanwhile..

The story carries on with thoughtful conversations on Alana’s miscarriage, Petrichor’s gender identity, Hazel’s biracial concerns, Marko’s guilt. We got a lot of development here, far more within this one issue I think, than the last story arc. Such still leaves good page-turning room for sudden action with the disgusting attack of the “Dung People.” Suddenly, results in another revelation, leaving a new question in the end.

Anyway, Staple’s art is consistent in its beauty, and I appreciate more on her use of stylish fantastical backdrops. Alana’s outfit is badass and worthy of real life cosplay (though the pregnancy detail may be a bit too morbid).

An overall great issue, a bargain indeed worth the price of the usual full admission.