Saga #10

Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Art: Fiona Staples
Letters: FONOGRAPHIKS
Publisher: Image Comics

It’s a great feat for an independent comic to get published, let alone make it past its first arc. This week we find Saga sitting pretty with its tenth issue and like the previous nine before, this issue is nothing short of spectacular. Ever since series writer Brian K. Vaughan announced that he would only do creator based projects, the comic world gave each other a collective high-five. Vaughan is a genius, to put it bluntly, and the world is better off just letting him do what he wants. 

When we left off, Gwen, The Will and Slave Girl we’re en route to intercept Marko and Alana. Now we’re back to Marko and Klara, who’ve finally managed to find their ethereal baby-sitter Izabel. After Izabel turns into a giant flaming Gorilla (awesome) the team high tail-back to the ship since the planet is about to hatch. Yes, hatch. It is as cool as it sounds. What strikes me most while I’m writing this review is how straight forward this plot is, something I have never noticed about this series before, yet that is what makes this series work. Vaughan can juggle his overall mythos with excellent stand-alone plot devices that not only help progression, but allow for great set-pieces and quieter character moments. Vaughan puts his character’s first and if you strip away all the drama, all the action and adventure, these characters stand on their own. The next issue could be Izabel sitting around watching whatever version of television they have, and caring for Hazel,and it would probably get a perfect ten. Though that would be too easy, and without conflict, there is no story.

The art, as usual is outstanding. Fiona Staples is now a legend, there I said it. A large part of what makes this book work so well is Staples. She has designed a fully fleshed out universe and memorable characters. Each panel is packed with such admiration for these characters that it’s easy to forget they are just a work of fiction. One highlight is a glorious splash page, featuring the hatching of a planet sized creature. FONOGRAPHIKS lettering once again tops off the books unique visual style. The lettering is a perfect complement to both Staples and Vaughan’s work, excellent font choices, and never obtrusive; a graphic designers dream.

It’s getting harder and harder to review Saga. Each issue thus far keeps getting better. Issue ten continues to raise the bar set by this series itself. The ending is extremely climatic, and heartbreaking, leaving the reader with a dropped jaw and a teary eye. The next issue cannot come fast enough.