Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: brian k vaughan, Comics, entertainment, fiona staples, image comics, Saga: Volume 2

New Saga Reader Gets Onboard – Embracing The Energy Of Volume Two

By Christine Marie Vinciquarra

[*Spoilers for Saga: Volume 2 below!]

Volume 1 of Saga was the beginning of a heart-pounding adventure, so it didn't take long for me to dive into Volume 2 of this highly addictive series. It's very clear that Brian K. Vaughan's writing will never fail to keep you on your toes. This volume collects issues seven through twelve, and trust me, you won't want to put it down. At the start of Chapter 7, we get to take a trip to Marko's childhood. In doing this, the reader gains a better understanding of how Marko was raised and what his relationship with his parents was like.

This of course ties in nicely when we return to the present day story that ended Volume 1. Marko's parents have unexpectedly arrived on Alana and Marko's ship. While this scene is comical, due to Alana being naked wrapped in a towel, it is also alarming. Marko's mother has a frightening reaction when she first sees Izabel and hits her with a banishment spell. This was quite a relief for me, because when I finished the last volume I was afraid she had killed Izabel. So after realizing she was still alive, I took another breath and smiled that one of my favorite characters lived to fight another day.

The flashback to Marko's childhood isn't the only one we get to witness in this volume. We also get to see how Alana and Marko first met and how their relationship came to be. I really appreciated how the flashbacks were intertwined with the present day plot. Two people deciding to love when all of the odds are against them is something I think a lot of readers can really identify with, and that in turn makes us more connected to these awesome characters. But don't worry, Saga isn't centered around romance and love. There's plenty of revolting monstrosities to bring you down from cloud nine, one in particular being the creature Fard. When Marko and his mother encounter this beast while they attempt to rescue Izabel, it's impossible to not cringe a little. Fiona Staples really knows how to draw some terrifying beasts.

Hazel's narration continues to be a guiding force throughout the pages of the story, which can be both comical and sophisticated. Especially when Gwendolyn, Marko's supposed ex-fiance, shows up. In an effort to seek revenge she teams up with bounty hunter The Will and the always interesting, Lying Cat. The Will is reluctant to trust her intentions when they first meet, but after she proves herself and succeeds in rescuing the young slave girl, he decides to trust her temporarily. While she is an impressive, likeable character, it's clear to see that if she gets her hands on Marko it won't be pretty. Slave girl, a mostly silent character, definitely surprised me. She speaks up just in the nick of time and reveals that she is somehow mentally connected to the necklace that Gwendolyn wears. She can hear where its "friends" are, friends being the rings that Marko and Alana have. This definitely makes the clock tick faster as the dreaded reunion appears to be rapidly approaching.

I was really happy that we got to learn more about Alana's attachment to the book, A Night Time Smoke, over the course of this volume. The book is written by D. Oswald Heist, who Alana claims is the smartest person in the universe. At the end of Volume 1 she tells Marko that she wants to go see him because it's never too early to start thinking about her daughters education. So it's fitting that Volume 2 ends with a scene that features D. Oswald Heist. However, it isn't the scene I would have imagined. The visitor that knocks on the popular author's door is none other than Prince IV.

The Robot Kingdom is featured much less in this volume, and I can't say I was disappointed. The last chapter gives readers a heaping dose of Prince IV, sure to satisfy lovers of the TV headed group. Without giving anything away, let's just say their interaction is less than pretty. Volume 2 wraps up with yet another fantastic cliffhanger, and it's off to the comic book store to grab Volume 3!

Saga Volume 2 is written by Brian K. Vaughan, with art by Fiona Staples, and published by Image Comics

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.

Enjoyed this? Please share on social media!

Stay up-to-date and support the site by following Bleeding Cool on Google News today!