Review: SAGA #19

SAGA #19
Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Fiona Staples
Published by Image Comics
Release Date: May 21, 2014

Saga_19Saga is back! It seems to be getting harder and harder to wait for this book, but breathe easy because Saga #19 is here and it’s ready to make you feel. Writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Fiona Staples are making the comic to end all comics. The story of lovers from opposite sides of the battlefield being hunted by multiple parties for multiple reasons has garnered praise from everyone in the comics community and rightfully so. Issue 19 maintains that level of excellence and is a great start to a new arc.

This issue slows things down a little bit. After the jump forward in time at the end of the last issue it was smart to slow things down, bringing readers up to speed on the new status quo. Marko has begun to take Hazel out into the world to give her some form of a normal childhood. Alana is now working as an actress/cam girl. It’s clear that their present situation has put a strain on the relationship, as Alana is struggling with her job as well as Marko’s willingness to go out in public. The issue accumulates to a heartbreaking last page, one that makes me both fearful and excited for the future.

Brian K. Vaughan makes his characters so human. With the start of this arc he really seems to be tapping into what it feels like to be a young couple with a child. Vaughan’s portrayal of the very real world struggle of one parent working while the other stays at home and takes care of the kid feels honest and true. This is miraculous considering the fantastical world Saga takes place in. Also, Alana struggling with her job feels grounded as well. This issue is somewhat of a tonal shift from the previous issues. The issues that came before focused on the family being hunted and pretty much always had some form of suspense or action. That is devoid in Saga #19. However, where action is lacking Vaughan makes up for it with great character moments throughout which further humanizes them.

The art by Fiona Staples is in a league of its own. She has an unprecedented handle on nearly every aspect of making a great looking comic book. Her designs and the world building she does in each issue is second to none. In this issue while Alana is at work she rocks a massive wig, shoulder pads, high heels, and a green jump suit type thing. She acts opposite a Hercules looking dude with multiple arms and a jet pack. This is creative stuff, and you can tell Staples is having a lot of fun here. It’s always fun to see what she comes up with. She conveys so much through body language. Simply by how someone is standing we can feel if they are menacing or kind, depressed or happy. It’s also worth noting that she colors her artwork. Her colors are on par with the best in the industry, and I continue to enjoy the color palette and techniques she is using. She can do it all.

Saga #19 is a nice slow down that eases readers into the jump forward in time. The story is more relatable than ever as Marko and Alana deal with raising a little girl while also keeping their relationship together.

The Verdict: 10/10

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