Saga - Volume 1

 

Saga, Volume one

Vaughan, Brian K. (Author)and Staples, Fiona (Illustrator) 
Paperback, 160 pages, ISBN: 9781607066019    
Published in 2012 by Image (Berkeley, Calif.)

From New York Times bestselling writer Brian K Vaughan, (author of the hugely successful Y: The Last Man) comes this intensely personal story based in a sprawling stage of an inter-galactic war. This Sci-fi space opera come high fantasy epic follows the story of moth-winged Alana and ram-horned Marko; soldiers from opposite sides of a massive intergalactic war who simply want peace and anonymity to raise their daughter.

Lushly detailed illustrations deeply thought through character designs and immersive world building from veteran illustrator Fiona Staples will wow you while spacious layouts and accurate framing keep the focus on the personal element of the story despite the massive chaotic cosmos they exist within.

Together Vaughan and Staples have created a far-fetched fantasy world with a layer of gritty that makes this story entirely human and relatable yet, still highly alien and exciting.  The compelling and sometimes commonplace dialogue (including burping techniques) show Alana as a realistic new mother, juxtaposed with her wings and initial role as a solider come prison guard give you an impression of strength. Her witty dialogue paired with the image of Alana, baby on hip, revolver in hand cast her in a duplicitous light, of caring mother and wife but also as someone who is going to do what it take to survive.

 This duplicity of real life commonalities and far future marvels as well as the witty well timed dialogue efficiently mixed with some dramatic underlying themes  make Saga a must read.