Saga #10
Written by Brian K Vaughn
Art by Fiona Staples
Letters & Design by Fonografiks
Coordinated by Eric Stephenson
Published by Image Comics
I cannot say emphatically enough, this is one of the strongest comics that has hit shelves this year. The horror and tenderness of the last few pages will tear your heart out. Brian K. Vaughn has been moving chess pieces around the board since the series inception, with this issue you realize he has locked you into check abruptly. The game you thought you were playing with this master comes to a screeching halt that he has seen coming since the first pawn was moved.
Vaughn’s ability to take life’s most intimate, personal moments, and integrate them into a cosmic scope, which questions everything from social injustice to the meaning of existence; is nothing short of amazing. There is a beautiful moment near the end of the issue where we see a literal manifestation of the paradoxical nature of life and death blooming. Against this intense and unfathomable backdrop Vaughn’s narration and Staples’ art draw focus back to characters and their stories.
This issue is full of emotional highs and lows for the characters. In the beginning of this issue readers are given a window into the beginning of Alana and Marko’s relationship; we are able to see them as they step across the line in the sand, and learn more about the fires that forged the couple. As the action moves back to the present, Izabel rejoins the group, as spunky and sarcastic as ever she was. By the issue’s end, it appears that Gwendolyn’s anger may have gotten the better of her.
From big events to quite moments, humor to tears; Saga #10 delivers on every level. Staples’ artwork remains stellar. She has left her signature so indelibly on the series that, to my mind at least, these characters and this world do not exist unless they are drawn by her hand.
I feel so lucky to be reading this. The imaginations of Vaughn and Staples have blended together to create something extraordinary and mesmerizing. Reading Saga is a completely unique experience that is undeniably special.
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As amazing as Saga has been, I’m right with you – this may be the strongest issue to date. It is absolutely incredible in every way – the storytelling, the emotions, and the artwork. It’s hard to wait month to month but equally rewarding.