‘Saga: Volume One’ – Vaughan, Staples (Image)

 


Page Count: 160 Pages

I used to own a copy of ‘Saga: Volume One’ but had to let it go during a rough period a good few years ago. Is the copy that I saw in Greenwich Oxfam, a few days ago, that same copy, had a bit of a journey but finally found its way back home? Of course it isn’t but I’m a bit of a soft old fool and like to think that it might be… ;o) Either way, I’ve got a ‘new’ copy that I won’t let go this time and it’s the book that I spent a couple of hours with, last night, after my daughters went home. Let me tell you a little bit about it. Quick thoughts today as yesterday was a tough one and today looks like it could be more of the same…

When two soldiers, from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war, fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous universe. That’s only the first step though, this new family must somehow build a new life for themselves with a price on their heads that just won’t go away…

On the face of it, the first volume of Saga doesn’t look like it promises anything new. A galaxy spanning war? Isn’t there a series of films about just that…? ;o) Star-crossed lovers? Say no more… And once you realise who the narrator is, a pretty big question feels like it has been answered a little too soon. If you haven’t read these books already though, don’t listen to those doubts. Keep going, these opening instalment is something pretty special.

Volume 1 is all of the above but what you find, as you read along, is that it’s also a really touching tale of ‘found family’ and what comes next. In a universe like this, it’s not enough to just belong (although that is cool in itself), you’ve got to somehow thrive as well and Vaughan swiftly proves to be very adept at asking those questions of his cast. Whether it’s Alana and Marko, The Will or Prince Robot IV, Vaughan absolutely delights in throwing them into tough spots (physical and emotional) just to see what they’ll do next. And there is a clear line between ‘the right thing’ and ‘what needs to happen’, making for a tale that not only keeps you guessing but throws up some interesting possibilities for the future. It goes without saying that no-one is safe and there is at least one moment that you just know will have huge ramifications going forwards.

And all of this is not only delivered by one of the most engaging casts I’ve come across, in a comic, it’s all set against an alien backdrop that is beautifully drawn by Fiona Staples. Moments like Prince Robot’s screen betraying his thoughts, or the appearance of Izabel show how alien this landscape is but at the same time, is somehow human enough to resonate with the reader.

I’ve read Volume One a few times but always seem to end up forgetting just how good it is until I pick it up again. And that’s where you find me right now, bathing in the warm glow of a gripping space opera with real heart. And Lying Cat. Lying Cat is awesome :o)

I’ve only ever got as far as Volume Three, the perils of being easily distracted, lets see if I can do better this time…

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