WINNER OF THREE 2013 EISNER AWARDS!

Two war correspondents stumble onto the biggest story in the universe.

This issue bridges the gap from where we left off a few issues back, bringing us fill circle and up to speed. At first you can be forgiven for thinking this would be boring but.. wow. This issue packs character and thrusts it in every direction – following from last month’s cliffhanger this issue focuses on some more obscure characters, such as the two journalists, Gwendolyn and lying cat. No one in Saga #16 is just a blank face or background character – everyone gets their turn in the limelight and its always worthwhile.

So, hats are coming off for Brian K Vaughan as this issue is superbly written. Some may want to focus on the core cast instead, but this issue smoothly and brilliantly sets up the next issue for some very, very interesting developments. The mix-up in characters plays to Saga’s strengths – it is a title that never likes to stay still and its author clearly enjoys switching things around when it plays into the narrative.

Likewise, what would Saga be without the artwork of Fiona Staples? As ever, Saga #16 is nothing but vibrant and colorful, offering plenty of unique designs and imagery. While this issue offers little new landscapes or settings, Staples shows some excellent talent on character faces and emotion. In particular there’s one panel of lying cat that gets my entire point across – such a character would struggle to hold up without such facial expressions offered here.

So, in other words it is safe to say I’m an impressed. Saga #16 smoothly gets back into things, brings everyone up to speed (mostly through plot but, when it needs to ensure new readers are up to date, a post-narrative baby always helps) and hooks audiences in for the next issue. Or maybe it’s just me. I’m giving this the highest score I can because it emphasizes so many things that are right about the comic industry and how creative the format can be with the right talent.