Issue #10 of Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples‘ Saga jumps around a fair bit, but their masterful storytelling keeps the plot from getting confusing. The issue begins with a flashback, then jumps between three separate locations and sets of characters. Each segment is interesting, exciting, and revealing.
The first segment is a flashback to Marko’s captivity under Alana. While it’s never said how much time has passed since the first meeting of the two, it has been enough for Alana to read most of her romance novel to Marko, who seems to be enjoying it. As the two discuss the story (which seems utterly ridiculous), it becomes apparent that it is not, in fact, a romance novel, but a coded anti-war novel. This explains how such a silly book could completely change Alana’s whole world-view, as well as why Prince Robot IV knows that she will try to find the author. The two continue to chat, and Marko reveals that he will soon be executed, prompting Alana to free him.
Back in the present, Marko and Mom are on the planet-sized egg, still looking for their babysitter, Izabel. During the search, they are attacked by some creepy crones, but saved by a giant, flaming gorilla – Izabel in disguise – in what is so far her Crowning Moment of Awesome. As the planet breaks up, we see Alana continue her conversation with Marko’s father, still trying to convince him to confess his illness to his wife and son. Finally, back on The Will’s ship, Slave Girl has tracked down the Tree Ship and Gwendolyn immediately attacks despite the planet-sized abomination hatching to destroy them all. Alana thinks quickly, saving her “crew,” but angering the giant newborn outside, who attacks The Will and co, leading to a truly heart-wrenching last page.
Reviewing Saga keeps getting harder, because there are only so many ways to praise this wonderful series. As always the dialogue is crisp, relatable, and witty. There is just the right balance of comedy, drama, action, and weirdness. There’s forward momentum, but not at the expense of slower character-driven moments. As always, the art is just incredible. Fiona Staples really gets to shine this issue with some truly fantastic full-page spreads (the first and last pages), and an even more epic two-page spread in the middle. The facial work is also especially note-worthy, as the same characters have to display humor, worry, shame, shock, confusion, and anger all in one issue. The color work is just as impressive, simultaneously saying “these are real people, but in a very unreal world.” A great balance of realism and sci-fantasy.
Hands down, this is one of the best comics currently being published, and everyone should at least give it a try.
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