Someone's going to get chopped.
By its usual standards, Saga’s latest arc has been a relatively quiet affair, with Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples playing the long game in gently nudging their many freewheeling threads back together. Issue #35 doesn’t do much to veer from that formula, but it does offer its first results. Said events change the various status quos to certain and often dangerous degrees, ensuring that the arc’s upcoming finale will be one with plenty at stake.
Much like last issue, issue #35 is split threefold between Hazel, Marko and Alana, and The Will. At this point we’ve a clear idea how these three stories will eventually intersect, but that doesn’t stop writer Vaughan from adding further wrinkles to the unfolding narrative. Rather than force each thread in, writer Vaughan continues to push them out, giving each their own sense of urgency as the three groups continue to work towards their own means. It’s a heck of a juggling act, yet in Vaughan’s hands the pacing never feels off. His strong characterization again drives the read, as each and every action for the most part feels valid and earned. From Hazel’s plans of escape to Marko and Alana’s equally gripping plan to break in, there’s a wonderful synergy to the read that ensures that the sense of drama never dips.
That’s not to say the issue is an entirely seamless experience. For whatever reason, The Will’s storyline feels remarkably thin in comparison to everything else that’s going on. Perhaps it’s simply personal preference, but the driving force of his arc – to enact revenge for The Stalk’s death – feels forced, particularly so given the conveniently handy role Doff and Upsher continue to play. Part of that may be in the way this new version of The Will is portrayed, but his involvement feels less organic. However, where that story falters the other two excel, Vaughan doing an excellent job in further exploring the two sides of Hazel’s impending rescue attempt. Not only has he successfully made power players of new characters such as Noreen and Petri, but his portrayal of the Robot formerly known as Prince continues to steal every page he’s on. And that final cliffhanger? Be still out hearts.
Of course, Fiona Staples only adds to that warm and fluttery feeling, her lush backdrops and fantastic design work again poster worthy in their rendering. As always, it’s the little things – from the wordless back and forth between Hazel and Klara to the emotional exchange between Marko and Alana –Staples’ emotional detail remains second to none. She can also work her away around a cheer worthy splash page, as made evident by the gleeful (and best read spoiler-free) final page. Add in a few subtle but hilarious animal movements (such as the lying cat demanding scraps at the table) and you have another issue that positively demands to be perused with a fine tooth comb.
Few titles play the long game quite so well as Saga, and issue #35 does a great job of capitalizing on the many well placed threads. Vaughan and Staples again find just the right blend of character and progression, culminating in an ending that all but tells you to fasten your seat belts. Consistency is key to a title's overall longevity, and few books remain quite so consistently engaging as this one.
The Verdict
Saga's many planted seeds begin to take root, Vaughan and Staples making ample use of their extended cast. The book's strong characterization and emotional focus again drives the read, it's balanced narrative allowing for a natural synergy as things come together. With Vaughan again investing us in the world and Staples bringing it further to life, issue #35 successfully ramps up the anticipation as we approach the arc's finale.
Editors' Choice
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