Saga #10 Review


Saga returns with Saga #10, bringing the usual joys of science fiction, fantasy and a narrating baby. In short, everything the average would reader could expect or want.

The official description from Image:

Marko and Alana’s long-lost babysitter Izabel finally returns to the fold, but at what cost?

This issue sees the central cast, expanded with the addition of the Marko’s parents a few issues prior, take the center stage yet again. The group is reunited but, as with anything, this seldom stays peaceful for long. To give its dues, Saga doesn’t stick to one point for long. Its a very fluid and dynamic title, with something new always coming through. Understandably, some readers might not like this, preferring more drawn-out events and developments, but it keeps Saga on its toes. It gives the sense of a setting  that’s exceptionally varied, and that the only way to see it all is by taking it in as fast as you can; there’s no hanging around one environment for long. This is a couple of criminals on the run, after all, it does make some sense.

Fiona Staples art work is as beautiful as ever. The opening pages alone demonstrate this, but you can’t help feeling a little puzzled. Its a fantasy/futuristic setting, yet the prison themes seem so normal. I get that the ball and chain signifies that he’s a prisoner but, hey, least its a futuristic ball and chain, it has lights and everything. That’s kinda cool. But they’re building a long winding railway.. made out of metal and wood. Its that kinda quirk that gives Saga its appeal; it just doesn’t care about every little detail if it means a better plot, setting or scene.

Its also not shy of being epic when it wants to. Splash pages and large panels are common, but the two-page splash in this issue brings this to new heights. Its all about scale. Its a case of “hey, check this out, cool huh?”. A good team knows when to pull the right punches, and when to just let the artwork do the talking. Plot devices aside, it just adds extra depth and scale to the universe, showing side elements of the setting wherever it can.

The Will also makes a stronger appearance in this issue, teasing a confrontation with the titles main cast. He’s arguably one of the strong side-characters in the series, and the writing has demonstrated keen ability to flesh the character out. He’s the typical anti-hero, sitting somewhere in between good and bad. Case in point for Saga #10 would be the chapters ending; Saga is one of the few titles that makes you care about such a minimal character…

4.5/5

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