Comic Review: Saga Volume one

There’s not much to be said about Saga, that hasn't been said already. It's funny, imaginative, captivating and oh so epic. Brain K Vaughan and Fiona Staples make a formidable team and on opening up the book the book it's easy to see why the first issue sold out before it even hit shelves.

For those not in the know, Saga is a Sci-fi/ fantasy epic often being described as ' Star wars meets Game of Thrones'. Also taking strong influence from Lord of the Rings and Flash Gordon, Saga tells the story of Alana and Marko, two star-crossed lovers from opposite sides of an intergalactic war.  The story opens with some rather strong language from Alana as she gives birth to her and Marko’s daughter on the backwater planet Cleave. The story goes on from there and the first 6 issue story arc, as collected in Saga: Volume one, follows their exodus from cleave.

The Miracle of child birth put so

beautifully...

As expected Vaughan comes into Sage in fine form. Vaughan is one of those rare writers who has a masterful grasp over both plotting and dialogue. Every conversation feels important and there really is no filler here. His story creates a world that is both insanely engaging as well as rich with its own unique lore. All the dialogue is witty, well worded and economical. Vaughan never uses one more word then he need's to.

In turn his words are brought to life by the evocative art of Fiona Staples. The real genius of Staple's art is her ability to blend the familiar and foreign into one cohesive setting. Everything she draws is vivid and full of life whether it be Alana's horrified facial expressions, the enchanted forests of alien planet’s or even two robots getting it on, as it may be in some cases.

Thanks for the parenting tips floating pink teenager

 To sum it up Saga is edgy, original and just plain brilliant. It is well thought out and executed and I see no reason as to why this won’t become part of the comic ‘must read’ cannon up there with books like Watchman and the Dark Knight Returns. My only sadness about this book is that the fact it is a ‘comic’ will keep some snobbier novel readers from touching it, which really is a pity. So to anyone who usually stays away from the funny books I urge you to pick this one up. I’m willing to stake my life on the fact you won’t regret it!

 10/10