Brian K. Vaughan is the writer and co-creator of comic-book series including SAGA, PAPER GIRLS, Y THE LAST MAN, RUNAWAYS, and most recently, BARRIER, a digital comic with artist Marcos Martin about immigration, available from their pay-what-you-want site www.PanelSyndicate.com
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
*deep breath* Ghüüüüüüüüüüüüüüüüüüs!!!!!!!! YAY! Wow another “season” come and gone already? This year of Saga jumped around A LOT but the forward motion of our ragtag focal fam was quite touching and well done and a ton of plotlines are slowly stirring into motion. But ‘We were living through history and history has a way of shiting on the most carefully laid plans’ (of mice and men) and a big political powerplay has occurred and everything we know about the universe is fucked up now. Well other than the fact that everyone not of the ruling class gets massacred under the weight of the ruling class no matter what gets decided. ‘A balance of power that’s been in place for a hundred generations just got tossed in an effing blender. This changes everything, and not just for you Royals.’ Also theres some of the signature gratuitous violence that is horrifically awesome to look at and we see so many characters again, some I’d forgotten where they were at in the universe so that was cool. Also Ghüs! YAY Ghüs! See you space cowboy.
I am completely over this series as it has gone downhill. I do not care for any of the characters; many of them are one-dimensional. Everyone speaks like they know they're characters. I'm done.
Been reading Saga since it first dropped, I waited the three years during the break. I’ve sat through mediocre entries into my beloved series and I have to say, especially after going three months behind, is one of the most disappointing entries in a very long time. It starts with a big groundbreaking announcement and we do get to check in on some beloved side characters but then NOTHING happens. Some people whine and cry about the implications then it just….ends, and I’m stuck here for probably six months being sad about how this issue was essentially a cheap firework, with a loud bang and fizzed out quickly.
Note: Some spoilers within for previous issues in this series. It’s such an outstanding series, but the issues cannot be read as standalones or out of order.
Saga tells the continuing story of the little family of (the late) Marko and his wife Alana - a mixed-race couple - and their daughter Hazel. The family struggled to stay together in spite of a war between their two races.
Alana was from the planet Landfall, where inhabitants have wings on their backs, and Marko was from its moon, Wreath, where all people have horns on their heads. The two defied all convention (and propaganda, viz: those people have horns on their heads!) and fell in love. Hazel was born with both horns and wings, and it is Hazel who narrates the story.
Marko and Alana just wanted to find a way to be safe and happy and live in peace, but it wasn’t possible. The three of them were pursued throughout the galaxy by a number of beings trying to exploit them or kill them (or first one, then the other).
In Volume 9, however, both Marko and Sir Robert - once an enemy but eventually an ally - were murdered. It is at least three years later, and Alana, Hazel and Sir Robert’s son Squire are trying to make their way through the universe, surviving on scraps and barely escaping all those who still want to kill them.
This issue begins with a Royal Proclamation from His Majesty King Robot. He announces their empire has decided to withdraw from the Coalition of Landfall, adding “We wish the best to our longtime allies.” But effective immediately, the Robot Kingdom stood united with the Moon of Wreath.
The Skipper of the ship on which Alana’s family was traveling interpreted the shocking news for everyone: “Some shit will change, but other shit is eternal. Fucked-up new chaos is coming…and yet, people will always need to get fucked up. So get back to fucking work.
Meanwhile, Hazel, her mom, Hazel’s BFF Emesis, and Alana’s current boyfriend Feld are off on an “adventure” to visit Alana’s father’s new place. As Alana put it, “We’re just going to pop in, have a psychologically trying visit, then get back to the circus boat in time for Squire’s big return.” Alas, little did they know about the tumult happening out in the galaxy.
“We are living through history, and history has a way of shitting on even the most carefully laid plans.”
“After all, it was a time of war. . . isn’t it always?”
Saga #72 concludes an arc in somewhat dramatic but also painfully brief fashion, opening with a proclamation from King Robot announcing they are officially leaving the Landfall Coalition. Call it NATO? Nationalism, Robots First Movement? Global chaos? Lucky we in April 2025 know nothing about anything like that! Ha, it’s just a comic book, kids! It’s all fun and games! That can’t happen here! Everything is gonna be just fine with your 401 K, and world peace is just around the corner!
The Bots also announce that they will begin a new alliance with the Moon of Wreath. As you may know, Landfall has one moon, Wreath. The conflict between the people of Landfall and Wreath has spread to encompass the whole galaxy. That's the war. So, it’s like NATO’s support of Ukraine has been upended by Some Country that has decided to support Russia?! Is it like: Shut up and draw cute furry animals, Vaughn and Staples! Entertain us! More Ghus!
That is Ghus on the cover, but doesn't he look worried instead of just adorable? But that's the point: Everything we love and care about is being threatened. So various groups in the Saga-sphere debate what the lack of a long held coalition might do to the global balance (or continuation of imbalance?) and most seem to agree that well, uh, a ceasefire is not eminent. Duh.
The whole volume which ends with this issue will be available within days or weeks, they say, and the new volume begins sometime this year. Vaughn says the journey of Saga begun twelve years ago is ⅔ over, and they have a plan. I’m in. Five years more of Saga to complete it. Hope I'm still around to see it completed.
Things are going to rev up now that there is a change in whose side the robots will be on and the end of the story arc that will set up the next arc. It's the classic wrapping up as the scenes cut to all of the beloved characters as they react to the news and anticipate what will be next for them depending on where there alliances are.
This is a special issue for several other reasons: first, many love Ghus as a character so having him on the cover is delightful. Second, I ripped out the reader's survey at the back of a previous issue to send to Vaughan and as he published responses to his random questions-- mine made it into this issue. I will covet forever.
This was my second issue in the ‘Saga’ series. While I was unimpressed and confused with the previous issue, I noticed an intriguing foundation. I am happy to say that I enjoyed reading this issue!
The story of this one is a commentary, allegory, or, at the very least, mirrors current events. Topical subject matters always boost my assessment of a story, especially when it is well done like it is here.
The art is incredible. One can hardly believe that Fiona Staples can create this in only two months time. Nearly every panel is bold, colorful, striking, and filled with movement.
I've been looking forward to reading this installment for ages, but have to admit that I was a little worried because Ghüs is on the cover and... well, you know how Saga can be sometimes.
Anyway, this is the season finale and starts off with a shocking announcement that sends serious ripples and consequences everywhere. And that leads to a bunch of characters, scattered all over the place, making an appearance.
I really enjoyed it, but I'm a little worried about where this is going to lead. 😫
Disappointed. Little happened in this "season finale," with only a promise for a great story to come... (Hopefully.)
Or maybe it's me?
Reading Saga in single issues is tough. I'll still buy them to support First Aid Comics in Chicago, IL (shout out!) but I think reading after collecting 5-6 issues first will be better. That's how I initially loved Saga. I need to recreate that experience to love it again.
Another arc ended of my favourite comic book series. This issue felt a little different than the rest. Maybe it felt a little real. We see a huge political announcement made that is shocking and scares a lot of people. Something a lot of us can relate to. This issue was very much the reactions of a bunch of our favourite characters and setting up for what is to come in the next arc. It’s a stressful, anxiety-filled conclusion to these 6 issues, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from this series.
Now I will patiently wait until the next arc is upon us!
PHEWEEE DUDE!! The anticipation begins to see what the next season has in store for us. A huge bombshell was dropped by the Robot Kingdom & we get to see some familiar faces react to the news. Despite TRK switching loyalty from Landfall to Wreath, they didn't warn any of the Robot soldiers stationed on Landfallian stations. Which... 😬 isn't fairing too well for some
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Felt kind of rushed, but nice to check in with all the various groups of characters as we close this arc.
Art was on point.
It was nice of Brian to acknowledge the time in between issues and their plan to be more prompt with the next arcs. Plus getting issue 73 this year makes me happy!
Finally more Saga! I always miss it when it's gone. This was crazy. Some massive, life-changing, series-altering news just dropped. And everyone we have ever seen is shocked. I can't even imagine what will come of it. I can't wait to see!
The Robot Kingdom has announced they are switching sides! How will this play out across the universe?! I bet there will still be death and destruction! We check in with all our characters, seeing many we haven't seen in a while (Ghüs!!!).
Nearly ten years of having this as a constant in my life, yet I’m still thrilled that Brian promises us five more years of Saga, at the conclusion of this two-third mark. ❤️🥹 RTC
And so we wait once again for this story to continue. Think I might go back to reading volumes over single issues - rarely do these stand on their own very well.