Why “Saga” Should be on Your Shelf

Saga is a graphic novel series, written by Brian. K Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples. It’s an epic fantasy, sci-fi tale, with 31 single issues published, five trade issues and a deluxe trade edition coming shortly.

And it is possibly the best graphic novel you will read.

Saga is a tale of Alana and Marco, two lovers who come from two different species who are currently at war. Alana met Marco whilst guarding him in a war camp, and soon after, freed him and ran away with him. And this tale begins, when Alanna gives birth to their daughter, Hazel – who is the narrator.

This might sound very Romeo & Juliet but let me promise you that it is anything but. Because their eloping and the birth of their child has caused a political outcry that’s spread far and wide – and now the whole universe is after the child who was not meant to exist.

A quick warning before I continue – this story is probably not recommendable for anyone under the age of 18. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to police what you read, but just be warned there is a lot of sex, a lot of nudity, and a lot of gore. It’s Game of Thrones in space up in here.

Saga is, first of all, a very unique premise. Sure, everyone has heard the “forbidden lovers” story multiple times, but the execution of the story is what makes it so original and special. These species are literally at war. And, to top it off, one of the species belongs to a satellite that used to orbit the planet of the other species. That’s damn intense.

The writing of this story is great. Hazel is a very blunt, honest narrator who doesn’t try and frame her parents and their mistakes (and boy, do they make a lot.) as excusable or okay. She’s very much a narrator who grew up aware of the war and the political implications of her birth, and she’s very blunt, frank and absolutely hilarious. And it’s very strange but refreshing to watch her narrate this story, when during the tale she is very much a tiny child that you watch grow up.

What I also love about this story, are the themes dealt with and the way in which they’re handled. Thus far, in the five trade issues I’ve read, we deal with child trafficking, prostitution, drugs, addiction, domestic violence, childbirth, sex (lots of it.), monsters, war, politics and love – and I imagine, so much more. The story also handles these issues with a lot of tact and a great moral compass – everything is handled bluntly, honestly, but with a lot of tact about it. The story knows how it needs to frame these issues, and that’s what makes it all the more engaging and exciting for me. I especially love that with this war, the two actual planets of the Waring species are entirely peaceful – but the rest of the galaxy has inserted itself into this war and keeps it thriving and new.

Character-wise, this story is a full cast of completely fascinating, well-thought out, complex persons who are all interesting. I don’t find a single character boring, even if I find their actions deplorable. They’re all well written with intense motives. Even the side characters are a delight to read about! Once again, Hazel’s narrative helps with framing a lot of them – Hazel, although knowing they were enemies of her parents, frames them as people who had their own issues, morals and instructions when chasing their goals. Even when they’re messed up, twisted and say downright messed up things, ultimately they are real and they do have emotions and ways you can sympathise with them. It’s honestly fantastic and refreshing.

Fiona Staples illustrations are also (no pun intended. Maybe.) out of this world. They’re so beautiful, sharp and well laid out. Every page is an absolute delight to read, with jaw-dropping scenery and characters who look so unique and suit the writing so, so much. I mean, look at this.

Look.

I can’t even emphasise enough how well done these illustrations are. They’re so unique and they fit the Saga world so perfectly.

That and Fiona won’t shy away from the grim and gore. Emphasis on grim.

Yes, that is a giant monster’s swollen, pus covered testicles. Staples sat down at a table, picked up the appropriate equipment, and created this. With the go ahead from Vaughan. And if everything else I listed isn’t reason enough to check this out, I think the pus covered genitals should do it.

On a serious note; Saga is without a doubt one of the best pieces of literature I’ve engrossed myself in over the past year. It’s got this incredible story that’s executed with stunning illustrations, gloriously written characters and a unique narrative. It’s got so much heart, so much emotion and just a tonne of really incredible idea’s behind it, put together by two really imaginative and talented creators. It’s funny, it’s sharp and it’s deeply emotional.

So if you want to get into a new graphic novel series but not a clue where to start; start here. And brace yourself for one of the greatest journeys.

Fare thee well,

Fran

(PS: This article was also written to go up on the website skatronixxx.com – it’s all things nerdy and great and it’s got a swell little team so far!)