Saga Vol.1 Review

Now this is a first, huh, a comic book review. Now now, don't go running for the hills. I may have never done a comic book review on this blog before but I would like to think I'm well versed in the medium. For reference on my expertise I can tell you I know Superman's other weakness besides kryptonite is magic, I know the name of every Robin (yes, there have been more than one), and I can recite the Green Lantern oath. I would type it but that wouldn't really validate anything as you would just think I looked it up and pasted it here. You'll just have to trust that I'm a non-discriminating all encompassing nerd and I'm obnoxiously proud of that fact. But anyways, I'm sitting here on a Sunday after having just spent roughly 4-5 hours studying for a Law and Ethics class and since this blog is only partially a diary I figured I should review something and this is the only thing I've recently enjoyed and would like to tell more people about. This review will cover the paperback collection of issues 1-6.

Saga is the latest glimpse into the genius mind of Brian K. Vaughan who previously gave us Ex Machina and Y: The Last Man two of the most revered comic book series in the industry. The two series earned him 13 Eisner Awards and a Hugo Award the highest honor of works within the science fiction and fantasy  realm. An award shared by The Watchmen considered by many to be the single greatest and most important graphic novel ever conceived. So when Vaughan got started on his latest creation my interest was peeked especially since he expressed an interest in telling a story that spanned a greater length of time on a massive scale. I picked up the first issue and was blown away, the sincere emotion and subtle humor Vaughn is known for is on full display emphasized by the indescribable insanity that is the design of the world and its inhabitants. Fiona Staples demands a lot of the praise as well as her art is jarring and demands inspection it also very humanly expresses subtle emotional nuances, an important feat in a book littered with so much insanity.

Saga tells the story of the newlyweds Alana and Marko as well as their recently born daughter Hazel as they traverse the galaxy dodging mercenaries and side-stepping an all out war between the inhabitants of the planet Landfall and its moon Wreath. There is a lot of back story and while at first it may appear overwhelming it is doled out slowly enough with emphasis remaining on the new parents making it easy to follow. The story is sometimes cleverly narrated by Hazel as recalling the story in the far off future. The series is supremely well written with sharp naturalistic dialogue and a deep history and lore that further fills out the world as each issue delves a little deeper into this odd universe. Staples art is also something to behold, especially given how strange some of the things she has to draw are from a ruthless aristocrat who happens to have a television for a head to a femme fatale spider assassin. Saga is still early in its life and only time will tell if the inventiveness and engaging familial drama keeps up but as of the first volume (issues 1-6) it's looking like another modern classic from Vaughn. I highly recommend Saga for those interested in a comic that's comfortable in left field and doesn't mind reveling in some of the weirder idiosyncratic elements Vaughn so often brings.

(5 out of 5)