Status
Available
Series
Collection
Publication
Image Comics (2013), Edition: 01, 144 pages
Description
Collecting the epic second storyline of the smash hit series Entertainment Weekly called "the kind of comic you get when truly talented superstar creators are given the freedom to produce their dream comic." Thanks to her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana, newborn baby Hazel has already survived lethal assassins, rampaging armies, and alien monstrosities, but in the cold vastness of outer space, the little girl encounters her family's greatest challenge yet: the grandparents.
User reviews
LibraryThing member snat
In the first 6 issues of Saga (which comprised volume 1 of the trade edition), Brian K. Vaughan threw in enough weird ass shit to keep me in a delightfully perpetual state of "what the hell was that?" So much so that I worried the inventiveness might eventually wear thin, begin to feel as though
Hazel, the newborn daughter of Marko and Alana, continues to narrate the story of her parents from an unknown point in the future. Marko and Alana, both soldiers from two warring alien races, have a romance that reads like Romeo and Juliet on crack. On the run as fugitives from their respective races, they continue to search the universe for a safe place to live, love, and raise Hazel. But, alas, bounty hunters continue to plague them and, worst of all, the sudden appearance of ex-flames (an enraged Gwendolyn, Marko's one time fiancée) and in-laws (Marko's parents seek out their wayward child at the worst possible of times, complicating his escape with Alana).
This arc provides background on several significant characters, including how Marko and Alana met, as well as the history of the relationship between The Will and The Stalk, the star-crossed (and bad ass) bounty hunters hot on their trail. For those uninitiated to Brian Vaughan's work, however, be forewarned: there will be sex scenes, giants with pendulous scrotums, and enough deviant behavior to make Sodom and Gomorrah blush with shame. However, I also appreciate the maturity with which the relationships are portrayed--they're real without being romanticized. Saga works beautifully because of this and because of the huge debt the series owes to illustrator Fiona Staples. The work of any other artist could have made Vaughan's ideas too cartoonish, too over-the-top, but Staples's work is the right mesh of quirky and realistic that roots this world in an organic quality that gives it weight and authenticity.
In short, I can't praise Saga highly enough. It's a testament to what comics can achieve when writers and artists are let off the leashes of pre-conceived, "safe" concepts and allowed to chase after their most vivid, fevered imaginings.
Cross posted at This Insignificant Cinder
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it's trying too hard (as I sometimes feel with China Mieville's Dial H), or simply create such a labyrinthine mythology that it's just not worth trying to puzzle it all out. The second 6 issues have definitely allayed those fears as they are as outrageous and genuine as the first story arc, losing none of the batshit craziness or heart.Hazel, the newborn daughter of Marko and Alana, continues to narrate the story of her parents from an unknown point in the future. Marko and Alana, both soldiers from two warring alien races, have a romance that reads like Romeo and Juliet on crack. On the run as fugitives from their respective races, they continue to search the universe for a safe place to live, love, and raise Hazel. But, alas, bounty hunters continue to plague them and, worst of all, the sudden appearance of ex-flames (an enraged Gwendolyn, Marko's one time fiancée) and in-laws (Marko's parents seek out their wayward child at the worst possible of times, complicating his escape with Alana).
This arc provides background on several significant characters, including how Marko and Alana met, as well as the history of the relationship between The Will and The Stalk, the star-crossed (and bad ass) bounty hunters hot on their trail. For those uninitiated to Brian Vaughan's work, however, be forewarned: there will be sex scenes, giants with pendulous scrotums, and enough deviant behavior to make Sodom and Gomorrah blush with shame. However, I also appreciate the maturity with which the relationships are portrayed--they're real without being romanticized. Saga works beautifully because of this and because of the huge debt the series owes to illustrator Fiona Staples. The work of any other artist could have made Vaughan's ideas too cartoonish, too over-the-top, but Staples's work is the right mesh of quirky and realistic that roots this world in an organic quality that gives it weight and authenticity.
In short, I can't praise Saga highly enough. It's a testament to what comics can achieve when writers and artists are let off the leashes of pre-conceived, "safe" concepts and allowed to chase after their most vivid, fevered imaginings.
Cross posted at This Insignificant Cinder
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LibraryThing member lycomayflower
*review of volumes 1-3 as a whole*
Each of these volumes collects about five issues of the comic book Saga, which follows two soldiers from opposite sides of a centuries' long war who have fallen in love, had a child, and are now on the run from a variety of baddies who are trying to track them
Each of these volumes collects about five issues of the comic book Saga, which follows two soldiers from opposite sides of a centuries' long war who have fallen in love, had a child, and are now on the run from a variety of baddies who are trying to track them
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down. The story is first rate, with action, humor, and truly touching moments in about equal measure. And the bad guys are just as interesting as the goodies (I want them all to be okay. This is not possible. And some of the baddies have done very bad things to the goodies. But they have their own reasons and lives and. And and and. Squee.) I'm about as invested in this story and these characters as I have been in any story I've ever read, and I can't wait until the next volume comes out (and I'm just OCD enough about editions that I'm making myself wait for the next collection rather than trying to hunt down the individual issues). The artwork is also gorgeous. Recommended. (Do take heed of that "mature" rating, though.) Show Less
LibraryThing member BenjaminHahn
The second volume in this awesome series. The reader is treated to a couple flashbacks including one really funny post-coitus conversation between Marko and Alana. Same great art, writing, and flow. I am really looking forward to the next volume.
LibraryThing member JWarren42
What I love most about the story is how old-school Sci Fi it is. This story could easily have come out from golden age Astounding. The art is really incredible, as well. Just about as high quality as a comic can get. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
LibraryThing member Bert.Cielen
I would have loved to have given this five stars. But the book just never felt as if it deserved that score. Four point five, yes -- but five, no.
At times it is "amazing" (as the fifth star is supposed to indicate); both story and art are amongst the best, and this comic continues to surprise and
But don't get me wrong: this is a must-read.
At times it is "amazing" (as the fifth star is supposed to indicate); both story and art are amongst the best, and this comic continues to surprise and
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mesmerize. Yet parts of it felt mundane, as if the creators were too concentrated on getting somewhere and forgetting that the road taken is a significant part of the experience. Several times a problem was solved with a predictable solution which then resulted in an almost cliché resolution.But don't get me wrong: this is a must-read.
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LibraryThing member briandarvell
Continuing from the first volume the story develops more for all the main storylines of Marko and Alana & The Will. I actually enjoyed this volume more than the first and cannot wait until the next one is released. The artwork continues to be great and I'm looking forward to more surprises and
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unexpected plot twists as we've had already. Show Less
LibraryThing member 4sarad
My only complaint is that you can't help but fly through it and then an hour later it's over. I will certainly continue reading. I love the art, the characters, the story... it's all great. Still don't understand why some people have tv heads, but whatever! I'll just roll with it.
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
The second book has more interesting events, moments with his parents and a meeting with the author of the book that led Hazel's Parents to falling in love while he was a captive and she the prison guard.
And his fiancee.
Fun times.
Gory and sometimes over the top, I like it.
And his fiancee.
Fun times.
Gory and sometimes over the top, I like it.
LibraryThing member macha
this series is completely charming, visually powerful, and very original.based on an idea Vaughan had in high school, for a contemporized Romeo and Juliet saga set in an intergalactic war. the concept was to realize a series that specifically could not be filmed, because you can do stuff on paper
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you can't do in live-action. the dialogue is wonderful, the structure is beautifully tight, the illustrations are amazing, the story and the characters engaging: there's nothing else like it in comics. Show Less
LibraryThing member Glennis.LeBlanc
This covers issues 7-12 and we learn more about Marko and his family in this story arc. The chase is still on with Marco's ex fiance teaming up with one of the assassins. And of course issue 12 ends on a cliffhanger. As with the first book there is nudity of both sexes and death and reminders of
Digital copy to review provided by the publisher through NetGalley
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the galaxy wide war do pop up. I'm just wondering how much longer until we find out the real reason why Alana's side wants her dead because how it will play in an election just doesn't seem to cut it as the real reason. Digital copy to review provided by the publisher through NetGalley
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LibraryThing member -Eva-
We learn how Marko and Alana met and got together; Gwendolyn joins Will, Lying Cat, and Slave Girl in the hunt for the family; and Alana reluctantly meets her in-laws. This series is just getting better and better as we go along since most of the world-building has been done (apart from a very
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interesting "trip" a few in the group go on) and we get a lot of character-building, which is in my mind the best part of any story. Also, Fiona Staples' art is perfect for this story and I hope she continues and does the whole series. Show Less
LibraryThing member melissarochelle
Read from July 01 to 02, 2014
The story is interesting, but it's the artwork that keeps me coming back.
The story is interesting, but it's the artwork that keeps me coming back.
LibraryThing member rodhilton
Not quite as good as volume 1, but this whole Saga deal is so much better than most comic books is unreal. There's just such an interesting, rich universe here and you always feel like you're barely scratching the surface.
Not a lot to say really, if you liked the first 6 issues of Saga, you'll like
Not a lot to say really, if you liked the first 6 issues of Saga, you'll like
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these next 6. The story continues on, and it's never quite clear where it's going to go next, there's a willingness to dispatch characters (presumably permanently) that you don't see in a lot of fiction, especially comics. It's very engaging, well-written, well-drawn, and just overall excellent. Show Less
LibraryThing member ragwaine
The novelty is wearing off a bit but this is still really fun. Vaughan seems to have really just let his imagination run wild with this series. It works for me most of the time.
LibraryThing member devafagan
Though some of this is a bit too much for me in terms of mature content, I love the characters and am eager to read more of their story. And the art is just stunning!
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
Continuing right on with the story, this volume felt more like a continuation of Volume 1. This volume introduces Marcus’ parents and gives us a little background on his early years. There is excitement, romance, humor and magic.
Some new characters are introduced, including Marcus’ ex-fiancée
Some new characters are introduced, including Marcus’ ex-fiancée
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Gwendolyn, who manages to partner up with The Will which leads me to believe some great storylines are ahead. With it’s excellent artwork, vivid colors, and with characters and storylines as clever and original as these I am very eager to get my hands on Volume 3. Show Less
LibraryThing member fyrefly98
Summary: Hazel is the child of Marko, a native of the magical moon Wreath, and Alana, a native of the planet Landfall, which has been at war with Wreath for as long as anyone can remember. The war has spread across the galaxy, but some people - Alana and Marko included - have begun to dream of
Review: Aaaaaahhhh this series is so good! It is creative and interesting and original and funny as hell and with a surprisingly sweet heart underneath despite some crude imagery and occasionally pretty gory violence on top. I already loved Alana and Marko from the first volume, and in this one, we get further into their backstory, particularly their strange courtship in the POW camp where Marko was imprisoned. I also really quickly fell in love with Marko's father from just the few short scenes of him alone with Alana and Hazel. The universe that the characters inhabit is also very cool, and Vaughan is good about continuing to expand that universe, and add in new elements, without it seeming arbitrary or like info-dumping. Vaughan also continues to do a great job balancing the main plot, the subplots (primarily that of the reluctant bounty hunter, The Will), and the backstory, keeping everything moving without it ever feeling like it's gone off-topic. Staples's artwork is also amazing; she's great at capturing character and expression and is probably a large part of the reason I like Marko and Alana so much, but her backgrounds and landscapes and larger paintings are also gorgeously evocative.
Worst part about it? Is that the next issue was only published a few weeks ago so I probably won't get the next trade paperback volume for months if not years. And aaaargh, I know it's my own fault for getting involved in a new series this awesome as it's still being published, but still. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Same as for the first one: Not – repeat, NOT – for the kiddos. There’s swearing and violence and some graphic sex. But for grown-ups, it’s fun and interesting and strikes an awesome balance between character and worldbuilding, and it's not quite like anything I've read before, and I think it should be appealing to most fans of sci-fi/fantasy.
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something else. By falling in love with each other, deserting their posts, and daring to have a baby, they have made themselves targets for the forces of both sides of the conflict. They have managed to flee the planet on which Hazel was born barely a step ahead of the bounty hunters and assassins sent after them, by means of a magical tree-rocket. But their pursuers are the least of their problems, because just as they think they've escaped, Marko's parents show up on board, and they're none too pleased that he's been consorting with the enemy.Review: Aaaaaahhhh this series is so good! It is creative and interesting and original and funny as hell and with a surprisingly sweet heart underneath despite some crude imagery and occasionally pretty gory violence on top. I already loved Alana and Marko from the first volume, and in this one, we get further into their backstory, particularly their strange courtship in the POW camp where Marko was imprisoned. I also really quickly fell in love with Marko's father from just the few short scenes of him alone with Alana and Hazel. The universe that the characters inhabit is also very cool, and Vaughan is good about continuing to expand that universe, and add in new elements, without it seeming arbitrary or like info-dumping. Vaughan also continues to do a great job balancing the main plot, the subplots (primarily that of the reluctant bounty hunter, The Will), and the backstory, keeping everything moving without it ever feeling like it's gone off-topic. Staples's artwork is also amazing; she's great at capturing character and expression and is probably a large part of the reason I like Marko and Alana so much, but her backgrounds and landscapes and larger paintings are also gorgeously evocative.
Worst part about it? Is that the next issue was only published a few weeks ago so I probably won't get the next trade paperback volume for months if not years. And aaaargh, I know it's my own fault for getting involved in a new series this awesome as it's still being published, but still. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Same as for the first one: Not – repeat, NOT – for the kiddos. There’s swearing and violence and some graphic sex. But for grown-ups, it’s fun and interesting and strikes an awesome balance between character and worldbuilding, and it's not quite like anything I've read before, and I think it should be appealing to most fans of sci-fi/fantasy.
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LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
I love this series - the mix of fantasy/science fiction is wonderful, the story and illustrations are quite amazing. Highly recommended graphic novel.
LibraryThing member wvlibrarydude
A good story line, but the violence, sex and language is a little too much for my taste.
LibraryThing member NDJones
This is an excellent series. The writing and art are top notch. Fiona Staples is a beast, and I appreciate the consistency of a single artist on every issue. A lot of hard work, for sure, but the final products are amazing and rewarding.
LibraryThing member WritingHaiku
This comic deserves no less than five stars ever. Oh, the feels. And Lying Cat might be one of my all-time favorite characters. If you haven't read this yet, go pick up the first one! If you didn't like the first one, I don't know what to tell you, man.
LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
I am still absolutely loving this series. Love the new characters and was sad to see one go so quickly. Art style is still amazing. Loved seeing how Alana and Marco met too.
LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
I am still absolutely loving this series. Love the new characters and was sad to see one go so quickly. Art style is still amazing. Loved seeing how Alana and Marco met too.
LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
I am still absolutely loving this series. Love the new characters and was sad to see one go so quickly. Art style is still amazing. Loved seeing how Alana and Marco met too.
LibraryThing member Rosa.Mill
I am still absolutely loving this series. Love the new characters and was sad to see one go so quickly. Art style is still amazing. Loved seeing how Alana and Marco met too.
Awards
Hugo Award (Nominee — Graphic Story — 2014)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2013-07-09
Physical description
10 inches
ISBN
1607066920 / 9781607066927