Review: Saga Volume 2

Cover

Marko, Alana and Hazel continue their struggle for freedom. As if being persecuted by both sides of the war wasn't enough, now they have to deal with one of the most powerful and disruptive force in the Universe. Alana's parents-in-law.

After their sudden and abrupt acquaintance in the last chapter of Saga. Alana has the difficult task of getting to know her parents-in-law. At the same time Marko and his mother set out to rescue Izabel, their ghostly nanny that got banished by Barr (Marko's father).

How is it?

Meet-cute

There are two main themes in this volume, Marko and Alana's get to know each other story and a meet the parents arc. Brian K. Vaughan manages to write both of them in a very interesting light. He takes the opportunity of writing an origin story and enhances it with enough sociological background for the reader to get a better understanding of the scale and meaning (or lack there of) of the war.

In the meet the parents section BKV does something a bit different. He doesn't play the angle of the conflict between Alana and Marko's parents very much. Sure there is tension, they come from different sides of the war after all, but BKV goes beyond it. Instead the story focus more on how Marko's parents try to reconnect with their son and how they'll face a terrible secret together.

In fact family is a common theme for all characters in this book. Even the antagonists have to deal with family issues. Some to remember what they lost, other to confirm their resolve.

What this volume manages is to enlarge Saga's Universe by adding new characters, while at the same time fleshing out the existing ones. BKV gives the reader a deeper insight into Marko and Alana's relationship and also at the conflict between their races. He is paving the road for the long run. Saga is being built on solid ground, if BKV and Fiona keep this creative flow going we're going to have top list series.

Art wise Fiona Staples keeps the same art style from the previous volume. She draws Saga with a very consistent style. If by now you're still feeling jarred by the art style, then this might not be for you. But in all honesty, and this comes from someone that found the initial pages of Saga unpleasing to the eye, this art direction is an acquired taste. An easily acquired taste. If you give it a chance, you'll surely fall in love with it.

Personally I love the character designs the most. I love how unique and detailed they are. Not only there are different humanoid races, but the characters are truly unique. On the other hand the coloring is fantastic. The pastel colors fit the art like a glove. Nothing is muddy and unrecognizable. Even in the most chaotic of panels everything is distinguishable.

Meet my wife

Verdict?

The first volume told a good story and promised a great series. This second volume confirms that promise. This is a great series for any comic book reader. I can't recommend this enough.


Publisher: Image Comics
Year: 2013
Pages: 144
Authors: Brian K Vaughan, Fiona Staples
ISBN: 1607066920

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