Saga Vol. 1

Written and illustrated by two of the most acclaimed names in comics, Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, Saga presents itself as a space opera, a science-fiction subgenre that emphasizes romantic adventure, exotic settings and epic characters.

Influenced by the Star Wars franchise and considered a mix between that universe and Game of Thrones, the story follows the adventure of Alana and Marko. From two different alien races, the couple fled from the authorities to take care of Hazel, their newborn daughter, who occasionally tells the story, predicting a life expectancy beyond the first arc.

Alana is a native of Terravista, the largest and most technologically advanced planet in the galaxy. Marko, in turn, comes from Coroa, Terravista’s only satellite, which is why the war between them takes place on other planets, causing chaos throughout the galaxy. However, the story is, above all, about being a parent. Brian K. Vaughan wanted to talk about fatherhood, but he wanted to do so in the context of a more interesting genre story than making jokes about diapers. That said, he decided to create a science fiction narrative, filled with elements of mythological fantasy, which takes place in a universe filled with surreal beings, such as the spider-like freelance bounty hunter The Stalk, Prince Robot IV or the inhabitants of Sextillion.

With the support and talent of Fiona Staples, one of the most highly awarded comics of all time was born: winner of six Eisner Awards, the ultimate honour of Anglo-Saxon comics, an unprecedented feat for an independent comic; a Hugo, a prize that distinguishes the best science fiction published each year; and six Harveys, who award the best independent comics. The reasons for such success relate to both the script and the art.

First, we are facing a subversive and provocative family adventure, about how we can raise a family and a child when the whole world seems to be against us. And it does that without failing to address difficult issues – from cultural issues to the consequences of war, from vegetarianism to joint problems, from racism to sexual and child exploitation – thus becoming, more than a comic book, a biting social critique.

In fact, with a rhythm typical of action stories, there is little time to breathe, but also little desire on the part of the reader: even with a division into six chapters, stopping is a big no and reaching the end of the first volume an inevitable tragedy.

As for Staples’ art, there are no words to do her justice. The design and colours work in an excellent way, in contrast, tones and nuances, and impress in every scene. The characters are so expressive that they don’t even need the support of the dialogues, and yet what’s amazing is the seemingly inexhaustible imagination to create alien races. Like the giant creatures that come across the family path, familiar animals, such as a turtle or a wild boar, transformed into mutants capable of dropping our jaws on the ground. A flawless and very graphic work, not recommended for children or adults who are likely to be offended by sexually explicit scenes or who, on the other hand, are concerned about the amount of blood that stains some of the pages.

Given this, it’s no wonder that Saga is a success. After all, it’s no longer a story about good versus evil. It’s just a couple, like so many others (probably a bit cooler and badass), looking for a better future for themselves and, above all, for their new offspring. With an intelligent and humorous argument, the reader is confronted with the violence of the world through a fictional and fantastic narrative.

I appreciate any book that challenges me. This one did just that. I will say this was one of the most entertaining books I’ve read in recent memory. While it’s not for the faint of heart, Saga does underscore some great themes about family, honor, and raises questions about breaking with the status quo to get to the core of what is right.
I can’t wait to read the next installments of this series.

This was immediately captivating and addicting from the first page. Everything about this world is unique and captivating. I really want to know more about the some of the side characters now, like the mercenary The Will. I want to know his backstory with Stalk.

Marko and Alana are the classic enemies to lovers trope and it was so good. I love their struggle to be new parents on the run from their enemies. I love the fact that baby Hazel is narrating the story and giving some foreshadowing.

Also the artwork is just amazing and I can’t get enough of it.