Written by Jayse Smith
What is Saga? Saga is a graphic novel by Brian K Vaughan with art by Fiona Staples, which is a combination of western, sci-fi, fantasy, and an intergalactic adventure. Okay, yes, it’s a lot of things rolled into one series, which could be an absolute hot mess, but somehow Vaughan and Buckley have created something which is engaging and keeps you on the edge of your seat, along with the feels this series produces being so intense.
This series is set in space and it has been described as being similar to Star Wars, just add some magic, lasers and killer maniac robots, after all that the plot is actually rather simple. There are two warring species: the Wings from the planet Landfall whose inhabitants all have wings on their backs and the Horns from Landfall’s moon Wreath who all have horns on their heads. Marko (Horns) and Alana (Wings) have fallen in love, much to the disgust of their respective species. They are two soldiers on opposite sides, which also gives Saga a Romeo and Juliet feel, but without the Shakespearean language to hinder it. Within the first few pages we witness the very graphic and detailed birth of Marko and Alana’s child, Hazel. Hazel’s mere existence threatens to unravel the lies which have been fuelling the war for all these years. This event sets into motion the plot to kill Hazel and her family, thus causing Marko and Alana to flee across the galaxy to find some form of refuge.
Saga is the story of family, trying to find their safe place in the world, with massive twists and turns along the way. There are some very dark moments throughout the series, which are paired stunningly with the colourful art Fiona Staples creates. From the television-faced robot race to the endless plethora of unique lifeforms that Alana and Marko encounter along the way are all beautifully drawn. Of course, Saga could have been produced as just another book about family, diversity and fleeing, but the art makes such an impact in a way that only a visual medium could do. This, yes this is what it makes the series outstanding.
So why should you read the series? Well there’s many but we’ve got eight great reasons!
- The art is absolutely stunning.
- The storyline is freaking epic. The ties between these characters and the way they’re tied together is amazing.
- Lying Cat is one of the standout characters and the fan favourite. The living lie detector who says ‘lying’ every time he detects someone lying. He’s obnoxious and will announce ‘lying’ at the most inappropriate time. Plus he’s large, blue, hairless and just so darn cute.
- The bounty hunters and there’s a heap of them from all walks of life. The Will is one of the first we meet and is a constant throughout the series.
- The intimacy, oh my goodness. If you’re shy or not into anything sexual this is not for you. I literally blush a minimum of two times in each edition as there are some full on scenes. Even Saga’s creator Brian K Vaughan describes it in this own words like this ‘Saga is Sexy.’
- Aliens, ghosts and monsters, oh my! The amount of supporting characters in the form of aliens, ghosts and monsters in this series is fabulous. From a spider-like-humanoid bounty hunter to a ghost babysitter, this series has so many interesting side characters.
- Blood, oh so much blood. Wow, the entire series is bloodthirsty, since it’s set in the middle of a long war so it’s a given that there would be some bloodshed throughout. The actual amount and diverse ways the deaths occur is bountiful.
- You can read them in half an hour! Have a short lunch break? Grab Saga, done and dusted in time to have your salad roll too.
So, if the reasons above haven’t piqued your interest, this might! Brian K. Vaughn has spoken very publicly that he is not interested in having Saga turned into a TV show or film, even though he has been approached. Vaughan created Saga specifically for the graphic novel medium so the only way you’ll be able to get into the series is with it sitting in your hot little hands.
Currently there are eight books in the series with the ninth set to be released in October 2018. They are totally worth investing in, if not for the stunning art, but for the unique and gorgeous story line.
You can find the first instalment of Saga, which includes 6 issues, on Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers. Alternatively, you can get an edition which includes the first 18 issues on Amazon and Book Depository.
Do you like the Saga series? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
Saga is an epic space opera/fantasy comic book series created by writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Fiona Staples, and published monthly by Image Comics.
The series, based on ideas Vaughan conceived both as a child and as a parent, depicts two lovers from long-warring extraterrestrial races, Alana and Marko, who struggle to survive amid a galactic war with their newborn daughter, Hazel, who occasionally narrates the series.
