Comic Book Review – Saga #19

Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Illustrator: Fiona Staples

So chances are, if you’re reading this review, you’re probably already familiar with Image Comics’ mega hit series, Saga.  Brian K. Vaughan’s latest foray into science fiction beautifully realized by Fiona Staples has been met with critical success as well as better sales than anyone could have hoped for.  Part of the key to the book’s success is the occasional hiatus.  This issue comes after the most recent hiatus.

More often than not, a hiatus is something to be dreaded in comics.  Usually it means people getting frustrated, dropping a book, concern over whether the book may be facing cancellation, amongst other things.  In the case of Saga, I’ve found it’s one of the few books to go on hiatus that people don’t seem to mind the wait.  That’s because the quality of the book is so consistent.  I’ve even heard a fellow comics enthusiast refer to Saga coming back from hiatus as a mini-Christmas.  This issue was no exception.

Part of what makes this issue great is how it jumps right back in without rehashing what we’ve already been through.  Often a post hiatus book uses too much page space to recap stuff you’ve already purchased.  Here, we’re reintroduced to the characters organically by seeing where our heroes (and villains) are some time after the last issue.  We get more background on Prince Robot the IV (one of my favorites) as well as what Alana and Marko have been doing to get by.  Fiona’s brilliant cover featuring Alana is one of her best outings with a Saga cover yet.  And, in traditional Saga fashion, the issue ends off making you only want to read more.

Score: 7 (out of 7) Saga hasn’t lost any of it’s power.  If you’re only been reading it in trades, this is a great opportunity to pick it up in floppy or digital.  It’s worth it.