Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: brian k vaughan, Comics, entertainment, fiona staples, image comics, Saga #23

Saga #23: The Plot Thickens…

Published Thu, 25 Sep 2014 16:00:00 -0500

by Hannah Means Shannon

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By Christine Marie Vinciquarra

It's always a happy day when I go to my local comic book store to pick up a new issue of Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples. It's an even happier day when the issue is as good as #23! At this point, I'm probably biased because I don't think there's anything that Brian K. Vaughan can do that would make me stop reading Saga. His writing is too good. Plus, when you accompany a great plot with really imaginative colorful artwork, you really can't go wrong. However, you never know…perhaps he will pull a George R. R. Martin and kill all of my favorite characters. That would definitely ruin my Saga love.

[*Spoilers for Saga #23 below!!]

Anyway, when we left off with The Family last, Alana and Marko had just finished an explosive fight. I mentioned in my last review that this was something that was bound to happen for a long time, and wasn't too much of a surprise. It came at the right time because things were starting to drag a little. It's clear now that Vaughan has recharged the plot and we are ready for take-off, literally. Betrayal and heartbreak run rampant in this issue, causing one to question if their will ever be a peaceful time for The Family again. Believe me when I tell you, these characters are evolving. The characters have played with a decent bit of fire thus far, but now we can really see how all past events are affecting their personalities. Alana is a mess, and I find myself losing respect for her character as time goes by. Not to say that I'm okay with some of Marko's decisions, but he appears to have the same core that he has always had.

I really enjoyed reading Izabel's conversation with Alana. She's been one of my favorite Saga characters from the beginning of the series, but she really showed her insides in this issue. No pun intended. She offered up some valid points that for sure made their way into Alana's stubborn head. I could probably read a whole graphic novel solely dedicated to Izabel and her back story. I was happy to learn a little bit more about her in issue #23. We also continue to follow the Robot Janitor, Dengo's, crazy storyline. While I enjoy the suspense he adds to the plot, he's clearly unstable. I think he is a manic terrorist type character, and I worry how his plans and actions are going to affect things moving forward. I've made my feelings about Prince IV pretty clear in past reviews, however, I am glad he's actually being productive about something now instead of hanging out in la la land.

Overall, I think this was an action packed issue. One of the best I've read. While it's common knowledge that nine out of ten issues of Saga end on a ridiculous cliffhanger, you should know that this one takes the cake. I felt like I was being ripped in half as I read it. Dramatic reader? Maybe…I guess you'll just have to go pick up a copy and find out for yourself.

Saga #23 from Image Comics is written by Brian K. Vaughan, with art by Fiona Staples.

Christine Marie Vinciquarra is a writer and bibliomaniac with a love for all things creative. Some of her favorite things include: Batgirl, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Saga, Game of Thrones (the books and the show), Johnny Depp, and all things Disney. She spends her weekends feeding her competitive side while she plays tabletop and/or video games with her husband and friends. She is currently working on a series of young adult fantasy novels. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @AWritersWay or on her blog writerchristinemarie.wordpress.com.

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