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!)

 

March Payday Book Haul!

(Minus one book that hasn’t arrived yet. Damnit post office.)

I don’t have a problem I swear.

So in my book haul this month, I bought four paperback novels and seven graphic novels.

In the paperback novels category I got;

The Assassin’s Blade – Sarah J. Maas.

The Assassin’s Blade is the collection of prequel novella’s to the Throne of Glass series. I’ve fallen head over heels for this series, and I’m so happy to have just a little something to hold onto as I eagerly await the release of Queen of Shadows in September!!! I’m also really interested to find out more about Arobynn and how Celaena ended up in the predicaments she’s in at the beginning of the series.

Also once again, gorgeous cover is gorgeous.

Fangirl – Rainbow Rowell.

I’ve heard nothing but praises for Rainbow Rowell for years now; she writes a lot of contemporary, teenagey romance fiction, and all of it is apparently very fabulous. I decided to dive in with Fangirl – I thought the premise sounded sweet, and I hear there’s a tonne of Harry Potter references, which I am a thousand percent here for. I’m excited to read this and hopefully it’ll encourage me to pick up more of her work!

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August – Claire North

I stumbled across this on amazon while adding some other books to my wishlist, and the premise grabbed me right away. This is the story of a man named Harry August, who lives, dies and then is reincarnated with all his memories of his past life. Then in one life, he’s told by a woman the world is going to end, and he has to stop it.

What an amazing premise!!! I went and read some reviews and it’s all been good stuff, so I am really thrilled I picked it up.

And my final novel is The Miniaturist – Jessie Burton

This is a story set in the 1600’s, of a woman in an arranged marriage. As a wedding gift, she’s given a small dollhouse that is a miniature replica of her family home – but then the house starts to reflect some much darker secrets about her home.
It sounded creepy as all hell and I’m kind of a sucker for creepy, thriller-esq stories, so I’m stoked to give this a go and scare the hell out of myself.

Then, come the seven graphic novels, because obviously the several graphic novels and the shelf full of unread single issues clearly wasn’t enough.

Graphic novel wise, I picked up Saga – Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples.

I actually have little to no idea of the premise or anything – I’m pretty sure it’s about aliens and it’s science fiction! But I have been told nothing but really really amazing things, and the cover is already pretty interesting. So I picked it up for pretty cheap and I’ll hopefully be grabbing the next three on the website soon!

Sex Criminals – Matt Fraction and Chip Zdarsky.

When I first saw the title of this, I was skeptical. Then I saw who wrote it. And then I read the premise.

Matt Fraction wrote the wonderful recent Hawkeye series that I also really really love; it’s snappy, fun and he really wrote a great Clint Barton. So when I saw he wrote this, I decided to look into it, and I am so glad I did.

The premise is that there is a woman who has a supernatural ability; when she has sex, time stops. And one day she encounters a man with the same ability; so there’s only one thing to do with this sort of incredible revelation.

Rob banks.

I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to get into this series.

Rat Queens – Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch.

The cover and artwork instantly pulled me in with this one, and again, I hear nothing but good things across the internet. Booktubers have said it’s hilariously funny, and full of really cool epic fight scenes, monsters and dialogue. I’m all about a team of female heroes, and I hear it’s a mix between Lord of the Rings and Bridesmaids; what could possibly go wrong?!

Also the cover is badass as hell.

I Kill Giants – Joe Kelly and JM Ken Nimura.

Again, this was another accidental stumble across while adding other books to my wishlist. But the blurb was instantly gripping to me. Again, female protagonist; who doesn’t just tell people she’s on a quest to kill giants with her gigantic magical Norse hammer – she believes it. But it starts to become clear that Barbara’s giant slaying is a distraction for something much bigger.

I did read this as soon as it came, and I’ll be talking about it in another post!

Ms. Marvel Volume’s 1 & 2 – G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona.

I need more Marvel Comics in my life, and I have, again, heard nothing but great things! I’m so so stoked to read this; because not only is it a female protagonist taking centre stage, she’s a Muslim-American woman. It’s so refreshing and wonderful, and the covers are amazing! The first cover is so powerful and strong, then the second is so utterly playful and creative. I really genuinely can’t wait to get stuck into these and be seriously upset at waiting for Volume 3!

Then finally, the book that hasn’t arrived yet; In Real Life – Cory Doctorow and Jen Wang.

I heard about this from the YouTuber Kristina (previously “I Talk to Snakes”) – and I hear good things, again! The art work looks utterly adorable. The premise is fairly simple. A young girl plays online roleplaying games (sort of, World of Warcraft esq games) and discovers a man who is selling his in-game items for real life money, which is a massive no-no in the rules of the game and could see him banned for life from the server. However, her integrity about the game is challenged when she realises this is the man’s livelihood, and to report him means he will lose his only income.

It sounds short but sweet, and also a topic I really enjoy myself, so I am eagerly awaiting it to come through the door! Come on Book Depository!!!

Also honorary mention to The Wicked and the Divine: The Faust Act – Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie. I was instantly drawn in by the bright and wonderful artwork, and also the fact that both these awesome guys worked on Marvel Now’s short run of Young Avengers which I really thoroughly enjoyed. I picked this up at the beginning of March but haven’t got around to it yet, sadly.

And that is my haul of unspeakable length and a lot of “wow I’m so excited” – because I am incredibly excitable.

Let me know if you’ve read any of these books and how you felt about them! No spoilers though please!

I hope you’re all having awesome days.

Fare thee well,

Fran