Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: brian k vaughan, Comics, entertainment, fiona staples, image comics, saga

New Saga Reader Gets Onboard – Savoring The Magic Of Volume One

Published Fri, 23 May 2014 19:00:00 -0500

By Christine Marie Vinciquarra

If you're looking for a graphic novel that starts off with a bang, I promise you that Saga will not disappoint. This story is so unique that it is impossible to put it down. Saga transports you into a complex magical world filled with fantastical creatures, ghosts, a kingdom made up of humanoids with TVs for heads, and a heart-pounding plot from the moment you turn to the first page.

[*Mild spoilers for Saga: Volume One below!]

Volume 1 collects the first six issues of the series. The story begins on planet Cleave with the birth of Hazel, a baby born from two soldiers who come from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war. Hazel narrates the story from the future. Her words dance around the action filled pages as the epic story of her families' journey begins to unfold. Her mother, Alana the winged Private First Class from Landfall, is wanted for the abandonment of her post and aiding the enemy who happens to be her father, Marko the horned Wreath foot soldier. I found myself immediately rooting for these unique characters, and desperately wanted them to be out of harm's way.

What happens from that point forward can only be described as exhilarating. The plot alternates between two groups of enemies that are separately searching for Alana, Marko, and their newborn baby Hazel. While Landfall employs Prince IV of the Robot Kingdom to capture them, Wreath hires Will the freelance bounty hunter to complete the mission. Not only do we get to witness the journey that Alana and Marko are embarking on, but we also get to experience the journey that the enemies take to get to our beloved main characters.

One of my favorite scenes from the story takes place during Chapter 3. Marko has just been stabbed by the incredibly haunting half spider like creature, The Stalk. While Alana prepares herself to fight off the evil freelance bounty hunter, The Stalk suddenly decides to flee the scene because she can hear "the horrors" approaching. Alana, fearing for her family, doesn't know how she is going to manage to fight off the ghost army until she surprisingly discovers that they aren't going to harm them. Izabel, one of Cleave's "horrors," offers to help Alana heal Marko for a price. Izabel wishes to join them on their journey to escape planet Cleave. However, the only way she can do so is to be bonded to the soul of a living native, Hazel. Alana tries desperately to refuse Izabel's help, but ultimately gives in making Izabel a refreshing and fun addition to their team.

As the plot thickens we continue to learn more about these fascinating characters and all that is happening in this complex universe. It is clear that the Robot Kingdom is made up of harsh individuals which causes a great deal of anxiety for the reader as the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place concerning the location of Alana and Marko. Will, the freelance bounty hunter, has a different ambiance about him. While he is no doubt a dangerous creature, he appears to have a conscience. It is interesting to see the different methods that the characters take as they continue on their mission to capture the wanted.

Just as the volume comes to an end, you think you can allow yourself to feel relieved. Alana, Marko, Hazel, and Izabel have found a ship and are on their way to a new place. They seem to be far from harms way, but this isn't a fairytale. There is never a dull moment in this brilliant story. The ending will leave you wanting more, so much so, that you will immediately run to your local comic book store to pick up the next volume (which is available now, as well as volume 3, released this week).

Saga Volume 1 is Written by: Brian K. Vaughan with art by Fiona Staples

Christine Marie Vinciquarra is a freelance writer and aspiring author of young adult literature. She has a deep passion for all things creative, and enjoys blogging & vlogging about the process of writing, creativity, and imagination. She is currently working on a young adult paranormal romance novel. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @AWritersWay or on her blog writerchristinemarie.wordpress.com.

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