Saga, Volume 1

Saga, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
Illustrated By: Fiona Staples
Published: 2012
Publisher: Image Comics
Collects: issues #1 – #6

This is a space fantasy, I guess, which is actually a fairly unique genre for me. I’m not sure I’ve read much that involves space travel, magic, aliens, and swordplay. I guess it’s a little Star Wars in that regard, but more on the fantasy side. It’s also a little Romeo and Juliet, having two star-crossed lovers from opposing races in a long-running war. She was a jail warden and he was a prisoner, but now they have a newborn together and are trying to avoid the armies of both sides, bounty hunters, and a sexually frustrated cyborg with a monitor for a head.

I love the imagination that went into this. This is the first I’ve seen of Fiona Staples’ art, and it really brings this bizarre world together. The story is interesting, and while there are a couple cliche moments (a sex planet?), I always wanted to know what was going to happen and often found myself surprised. I also cared about these characters from the first page, which is a feat in itself. Most of all, though, I love the dialogue. It’s hilarious but still feels completely natural.

Here are the first two pages. Click to make big:

 

I wasn’t planning to start a new comic series until I caught up on the few I have in progress, but I saw this first trade on sale at the local comic store and had to give it a shot. I feel like I’ve been hearing about this for ages now, and the excitement never seemed to die down. That amount of hype at first can be misleading, but it’s been consistent since the first issue was released, so that’s usually a good sign. The cashier mentioned it’s his favourite comic out right now as well.

I’m pleased to say, the first volume lived up to the hype for me. I loved this. I immediately ordered the next two trades when I’d finished. Only the three are out now, so once I’m finished those it’ll be a waiting game. Brian K. Vaughan is best know for Y: The Last Man and Ex Machina. I liked the first volume of Y, really disliked the second, and never made it any further. This makes me want to revisit that series as well and give it another shot.