Saga #11 Review

This issue has taken the same route as the last few have done. It firstly showed us a glimpse into the past of Alana and Marko, before hitting full stride with events happening in the present. I am loving this kind of set up, and I am just still loving this series in general. It is still an absolute monster of a book, and this chapter was of the same quality of all others that had come before it.

I loved the first section which showed Alana and Marko sharing an intimate moment; that looks like it may have been the moment that created their daughter. The conversation between the two of them after this event was awesome to read as it was just so very human. I am sure many of us have had conversations of this kind with people, and due to scenes such as this, we connect to these characters even though they aren't human.
I really loved some of the language Alana used in this scene. It was something I wasn't expecting, which made me actually laugh out loud at one point, and it also made me fall in love with the character even more. Fiona Staples also maintained her record of shocking us with a first page spread, showing us things that we certainly do not expect to see on the first page of comic books. No complaints coming from me regarding this by the way as I believe it helps make this series what it is.

We then moved on to events in both ships, as they were attempting to get away from the planet that is sucking them in from last issue. So you may think that there has not been much progression in this issue then; but you would be very wrong. For one, a character that I thought got killed off at the end of last issue actually got saved in this issue; which is something that made me very happy.
There was also a very emotional part of this scene that I am sure will have effects on these characters for quite some time. However, I am slightly disappointed that the creators decided to go this way with one of the characters, as I think that he could have stayed with us for a while longer. Oh well, I am sure these guys know what they are doing, so I am not going to dwell on it too much.

After the emotional part of the scene was done with, we saw Marko have a flashback that was all in his native language. However, it was clear what it was showing, as well as clear as to what was being communicated ( even though we don't know the language). This once again shows just how great this team are together at getting their story across. I am sure everyone reading this saw exactly what was happening here. I was shocked that I understood it so well; but I guess I should have expected such great story telling considering it is the best series in comics at the moment.

This was yet another very solid issue. I can't actually imagine a time where this book will actually have a bad issue. It is just so consistent, but not only that, it just has a winning formula. If these guys are smart, then this book will be staying fresh for quite a while yet. For those people who have been in from the start of this book, you will love this issue like all the rest. Get a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy this issue.

Rating: 9.6 / 10

Saga #9 Review

With many new-ish comic books an issue without the two main characters in a single panel can sometimes flop hard. However, with Saga it is seen as a fantastic opportunity to learn about the world that Vaughan and Staples are building. This issue focuses on The Will and Gwendolyn; who is Markus' ex wife. I am pretty convinced that you will not be hearing any complaints from any Saga fans about the lack of Alana and Markus in this issue. It is yet another great example of how comic books should be made.

The first few pages of this issue really confused the hell out of me. We saw a character that we thought was dead seem to come back to life. All was explained later though, and it really helped to set up the issue. What we saw next was a more in depth introduction to Gwendolyn after her brief cameo last issue. The first thing that struck me was just how amazing Fiona Staples has made her look. She has really nailed down Gwendolyns' facial expressions, and after this issue I got a real feeling of just who this character is. That is all down to fantastic writing by Mr. Vaughan, accompanied by great art by the comic worlds favourite artist.

Saga just does everything very very well in general. We had a fight scene in this that was not anything too special on the face of it, BUT we got to see weapons and powers used that we were previously unaware of. This is why Saga is so successful. It makes things very special that have no right to be as good as they are.

I also really enjoyed the character interaction between The Will and Gwendolyn. I wonder if they will get involved romantically in the near future? I have a feeling that they wont though considering Vaughan really likes to surprise us with this series. I just hope he doesn't kill either of these two off for some time to come
if ever.

A character that has all of a sudden become quite key in this series is Slave Girl. What she said at the end of this book has all of a sudden put so much focus on her that I am sure fans of this book did not expect. She has become a vital instrument for The Will and Gwendolyn to use. This is another very intriguing plot point that I am sure will be examined more deeply in future issues.
Oh and who can forget lying cat? The animal that can tell when someone is lying had a couple of moments in here that were hilarious. Who ever thought that such a strange creature could become such a fan favourite. The moments with this animal are well worth admission alone. Speaking of admission, I am in shock that this is still a 2.99 book. It is such a bargain. If you are unfamiliar with this series then pick up the trade of 1-6. I assure you will thank me.

Rating: 9 / 10

Saga #8 Review

I think enough has been said about Saga over the last year; well enough so that everybody knows just how great it is. In fact, I don't think I have ever read or heard about anyone not liking this series. It has also recently won awards from certain websites for being series of the year, which I could not agree more on. So how good was the last issue of 2012? Extremely.

The issue started with us seeing how Alana and Marko first met which was very interesting to see. This is something that I am sure we will see more of, and it could even be a book in itself. Vaughan has got himself a great series here which is obviously based in the present, but he has done a great job to make readers interested in what happened in the past in this world. The relationship between the couple is heartwarming an feels so real; that is a main reason this series is so successful. So, he can write as many issues as he wants that focus on their past and I for one will not be complaining.

The past was not the only thing focused on in this particular issue. We also saw a lot more of the in laws, as they are split between the couple in different locations. The development of the relationship between Alana and Marko's dad was fantastically done. He seems like a very understanding man who will do anything for the ones he loves. Alana has taken to him, and he to her as he can see just how much his son means to her. I am very eager to read more about them as their dynamic is perfect. Vaughn has made readers care about a character who has appeared in a grand total of two issues. Yes, this series is magical.
The less interesting part of this issue was Marko and his mum dealing with a giant monster named Fard. His mum seems like a real judgmental bitch. However, I am learning to love to hate her after only two issues. I am starting to sound like a broken record, but the character development in this book is beyond anything I have read for along time.

Vaughn enjoys his final page spreads to end issues and chapter eight is no exception. The introduction of a new character in the final page actually left me with my mouth open. I then went on to shake my head with a wry smile thinking: "How the hell is this book so good".
Brian K. Vaughan accompanied by Fiona Staples on art delivered big time once again this month with a well written, beautifully drawn issue. This series does not seem to be losing momentum anytime soon. I wonder if it will be win awards for the best series of 2013? I would not bet against it.

Rating: 9.5 / 10