Growing pains.
If you were looking for yet another reason to pick up Saga, this issue’s 25-cent cover price fits the bill. Released in conjunction with Image Comics’ 25th Anniversary, the latest from Fiona Staples and Brian K. Vaughan gets first-time readers caught up to speed even as it sets new wheels in motion.
This issue is billed as a jumping on point for new readers, and while it’s difficult to imagine anyone out there not already reading this series (who are you people?), it certainly does the job. Coming off of hiatus, writer Vaughan dedicates the early part of this issue to recap territory. Detailing both the overarching themes of the series and its more immediate developments, the refresher does a nice job of crafting an opening for new readers to hop on board, assuming they get past the first jarring page. While long time readers may find the backtracking unnecessary, at a price point of 25-cents it’s tough to argue with the direction of the content.
Of course, there’s plenty more than just history in play, as Vaughan uses this return to explore the lasting physical and emotional effects of Alana’s recent miscarriage. The book’s aforementioned opener makes it clear that Vaughan intends to pull no punches with this examination, but at least here he shows restraint, the full breadth of Alana and Marko’s loss evident but not yet overwhelming. Somewhat surprisingly, it’s actually the relationship between Hazel and Petrichor that gets the majority of the issue’s more immediate development. Petrichor has really come into her own over the last few arcs, and in her Hazel finds a kindred spirit. With so much going on Hazel’s own lineage often gets lost in the shuffle, and with this issue we’re reminded that while she’s of two worlds she’s unwelcome in both, a sentiment Petrichor seems to relate with all too well.
Even with the recap pages there’s a lot to unpack here, and again Fiona Staples makes it look easy. Perhaps it’s simply the result of the long delay between issues, but this round of visuals look even more layered in their color and depth, Staples offsetting her detailed character work with less established backdrops. The end result makes for a stark visual contrast, and puts the book’s emotional layers at the forefront. The exchange between Hazel and Petrichor is strong on body language alone. With Hazel in particular, Vaughan has a way of dealing with big themes in straightforward ways. Staples takes that even further, instilling an awareness in the character that allows her reactions to feel genuine and earned. Add in a dynamite sequence featuring a new-look Alana to close the issue and you get another standout artistic installment.
It’s always a good day when Saga returns, and its latest looks set to bring new readers into the fold. The issue’s recap heavy opener is the very definition of new reader friendly, while it’s layered look at the aftermath of recent events opens entirely new avenues. Toss in the absurdly low price of 25 cents and this book darn near recommends itself.
The Verdict
Saga #43 makes for an excellent jumping on point for new readers. The opening recap structure allows for easy comprehension, where the back half of the read details the kind of well developed characterization the series is known for. Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples appear set to turn their narrative on its axis yet again, and at the sweet, sweet price of 25 cents, this issue is an easy sell for readers new and old.
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