Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: October 10th, 2012
Source: Library

When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old universe. 

From New York Times bestselling writer Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, North 40), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the worlds. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in this sexy, subversive drama for adults

Review: This is not the first graphic novel I've read but this is my first time reviewing one and omgoodness, Saga was an EXCELLENT start to what I think will be a continuing habit. Because yay graphic novels!!!

Alana and Marko come from different worlds (literally) and were soldiers that against all odds fell in love and are now on the run because their union has produced a child which--gasp--goes against everything. The premise actually reminded me a little of Laini Taylor's Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy because Alana and Marko are of two races that hate each other. But despite that, they still dream of a place in the universe where they can be together and raise their daughter safely. So this is where Saga begins--and it gets progressively crazier as Alana and Marko are being hunted down by a bunch of people.

I can honestly say that Saga is unlike anything I've ever read: it has a bit of everything....dark humor, violence, romance, revenge, sex, tender moments, etc. The narration is shared by Alana and Marko and their daughter (who we find out is called Hazel) so the story has this interesting set-up where you follow Marko and Alana but also get hints of what's to come from a grown-up Hazel. Alana and Marko are a really fun couple and they both balance each other out. Alana is sarcastic, brash and fierce while Marko is sweeter and trying his hardest to avoid violence after a long run as a soldier. There are a host of other characters that become antagonists towards Alana and Marko's happiness and I can't wait to see how their background stories develop.

Final verdict: I'm glad I gave this a try because I ended up really enjoying it! It's weirdly wonderful and I've already ordered the next two graphic novels in the series. Word of caution however: if you're not okay with swearing, sexual content and really violent scenes, this series is not for you. Saga is not for the faint of heart, my friends. Fiona Staples (the fantastic illustrator) depicts everything so you will SEE THINGS. But that shouldn't scare you off. The story is what makes this great and if you're open to it, Saga is definitely something to behold. :)

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