Status
Available
Call number
Series
Description
"From the worldwide bestselling team of Fiona Staples and Brian K. Vaughan, 'The war for Phang' is an epic, self-contained Saga event. Finally reunited with her ever-expanding family, Hazel travels to a war-torn comet that Wreath and Landfall have been battling over for ages. New friendships are forged and others are lost forever in this action-packed volume about families, combat and the refugee experience."--Back cover.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Bodagirl
I love this series, but all the various plot lines made this book seem so short! I want more!
LibraryThing member macha
4 and a half stars. oh no, they wouldn't... they didn't... and then...
LibraryThing member MillieHennessy
This volume made me do a sad. As usual, there's a ton of action and character development and feels because you can never just keep everyone you love damnit! Also there's still plenty of penises.
LibraryThing member lavaturtle
With the family spending most of the book in one place, we have time to really get invested in the situation and their growing relationships. When tragedy strikes, it's brutal and heartwrenching. There's also some compelling character development. This is one of my favorite volumes yet in this
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series. Show Less
LibraryThing member ragwaine
I was starting to get bored with this series and it seemed to get kind of weird (not in a good way) and also seemed like it might just go on forever. This one was much better for me. The background "journal-narrative" is an amazing tool for graphic novels, especially when written by someone with
Looking forward to more.
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chops. Some of the passages are so insightful and beautifully written they take you completely outside of the story (but not in a bad way).Looking forward to more.
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LibraryThing member greeniezona
I am always excited when a new Saga comes out. I was forewarned that there was some serious sad in this volume, but I wasn't quite ready for this much sad. But still it continues to be everything I love about this series: twisted, raunchy, bizarre, and yet still somehow so deeply grounded in the
It's going to be a long wait 'til the next volume.
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concept of families, both chosen and by blood, and the costs of ongoing hatred and war.It's going to be a long wait 'til the next volume.
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LibraryThing member StormRaven
Seven volumes into its story, and Saga just seems to be getting better. Perhaps it is because the characters are so well-established by now that their hopes and dreams carry more weight and their tragedies and losses seem more poignant. Perhaps it is because the story has backed both the heroes and
[More forthcoming]
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the villains into a corner from which there seems to be no escape and yet they carry on, No matter the reason for the continued improvement of the series, this volume packs and emotional punch that is almost heartless in how devastating it is, and yet feels completely necessary to the story. In short, Saga is a brutal series, and this volume is the most brutal of all of the installments in it.[More forthcoming]
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LibraryThing member tapestry100
Saga is another series that continues to surprise me with how much I enjoy it. I did not like the first volume of the collected editions the first time I read it, and set the entire series aside in my head. Cut to about a year later, and a friend convinced me to give the series a try again, so I
As the series has progressed, it has become way more timely and aware of what's going on in the real world today and bringing those themes into the story; themes of acceptance for those who are different (or lack of acceptance in some cases), trans rights, women's rights, etc. What started out to me as being a simple battle between two cultures who cannot accept each other's differences has become a story that is still about these problems, but one that is now holding up a mirror to what's going on in the real world. Staples art has continued to shine issue after issue and while there does seem to be a whole lot of nothing happening from one story arc to another, the storytelling is still strong and Vaughn continues to move the characters along, albeit at a slightly slower pace than I'd like, but it still seems to work. I'll continue to read this series as long as Vaughn and Staples continue to out out such strong work.
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picked up the first volume again and something clicked for me this time - the story really stuck with me (Vaughn's writing really hit home for me the second reading), and Staples artwork is spot on perfect for this story. As the series has progressed, it has become way more timely and aware of what's going on in the real world today and bringing those themes into the story; themes of acceptance for those who are different (or lack of acceptance in some cases), trans rights, women's rights, etc. What started out to me as being a simple battle between two cultures who cannot accept each other's differences has become a story that is still about these problems, but one that is now holding up a mirror to what's going on in the real world. Staples art has continued to shine issue after issue and while there does seem to be a whole lot of nothing happening from one story arc to another, the storytelling is still strong and Vaughn continues to move the characters along, albeit at a slightly slower pace than I'd like, but it still seems to work. I'll continue to read this series as long as Vaughn and Staples continue to out out such strong work.
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LibraryThing member ericreeves3
Another great addition to a wonderful story. Like the other volumes, there are highs and lows for the characters. It is a heart-wrenching story that for the most part is contained. This allowed for an in-depth look at familial connections between Marko, Alana, and Hazel as well as the 'extended
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family'. The art is gorgeous as usual. Volume 7 is my favorite so far for its depiction of 'family' and its depiction of society. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
This volume of Saga is, as always, well written. However, I didn't find it quite as compelling as previous volumes. I didn't quite feel as emotional involved as I thought I should be, especially considering a few things that happened in this book.
In many ways, this could be a parable to what is
Of course, this is Saga, so it both wonderfully illustrated, with a sense of place and heaviness a story like this requires. It can also be weird and creepy, with the pictures staying with you.
In many ways, this could be a parable to what is
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happening in war torn Syria or Sudan, Families being led by an older, surviving relative, trying to keep sanity in in an insane world. There also elements of religious devoutness, keeping your religion in a war that doesn't care, requires an extreme faith that Marco and Alana does not get. That faith causes problems at the end, but not in the expected way.Of course, this is Saga, so it both wonderfully illustrated, with a sense of place and heaviness a story like this requires. It can also be weird and creepy, with the pictures staying with you.
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LibraryThing member Stevil2001
Last year I read the first six volumes of Saga basically in one go, so it's a little weird to just read one volume by itself; I had to do a lot of mental re-orienting on its expansive cast of characters. Anyway, I don't think this is the best volume of Saga, but it's still good. (Volume six had
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more thematic depth, for example.) Sometimes I think Brian K. Vaughan is over-reliant on shock deaths to the extent that they cease to shock, but then at other times I am genuinely shocked, so there you go. It's good stuff with some nice twists outside of the deaths: surprising things are done to/by Marko, Alana, and Sir Robot here. I do wonder what kind of long-term plan there could possible be-- how can our heroes find peace if the galaxy cannot?-- but I'm here for the ride as long as it lasts. Show Less
LibraryThing member BraveNewBks
Holy hell, that was incredible. I'm not sure I can adequately explain how I feel after reading it, but it's something like feeling euphoric and kneecapped at the same time.
LibraryThing member villemezbrown
A depressing, middling entry in a solid series. Stuff happens, some quite dramatic and sad, but it still feels like a lull in the story.
LibraryThing member rabidgummibear
This one was heart breaking and amazing.
Again some language that really disappointed me though.
Again some language that really disappointed me though.
LibraryThing member ViragoReads
Wowzers this series is getting harder and harder to read. The loss is going to be the death of me. The family is together again, but still separated. Alanna's having another baby, Hazel's growing up so fast and has moved into her bratty phase.
So much drama and angst. I hate it. I love it. I'm
So much drama and angst. I hate it. I love it. I'm
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almost frightened to see what happens next. Show Less
LibraryThing member cavernism
Damn...things got dark.
LibraryThing member DGRachel
This volume ripped my heart to shreds. As great as the ones that have come before it, this collection is timely and brutal. Can’t. Stop. Crying.
LibraryThing member nbmars
This outstanding graphic novel series, often referred to as a “space opera,” continues the story of the little family of Marko and Alana - a mixed-race couple - and their daughter Hazel. The family is struggling to stay together in spite of a war between their two races.
Alana is from the
There is an ongoing intergalactic hunt for Marko and Alana, because their love story gives lie to the party line that the people from these two species can’t, and never will, get along, and that their offspring would not be viable.
The three of them are currently on a ship racing from those who seek to kill them, but they are not alone. Hazel's babysitter Izabel is there. Prince Robot IV is traveling with them in order to get back to his young son. Petrichor, who was sort of “adopted” by Hazel when they were in prison together, has also reluctantly become a part of this odd but increasingly bonded family.
Hazel explains:
“If a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, then a family is more like a ROPE. We’re lots of fragile little strands, and we survive by becoming hopelessly intertwined with each other.”
Unfortunately, they need to stop and refuel at the nearest source of power, which is the dangerous war-torn comet Phang. As Hazel, with her usual trenchant powers of observation, characterized this place:
“. . . an exotic land of boundless diversity, home to thousands of different tribes, sects, and species . . . almost all of whom despised each other.”
They end up staying six months, during which time IV confronts his guilt over how he has lived his life, Marko struggles to maintain his pacifism, and Alana is ever more heavily pregnant. Hazel has her first kiss with one of the denizens of the comet, and her babysitter Izabel has, much to Hazel's consternation, gone missing.
In alternate chapters we follow what is happening with recurring characters who are looking for the family, including the mercenaries The Will and The March, as well as Gwendolyn and little Sophie, the latter two now accompanied by Lying Cat, who previously had been with The Will.
Discussion: There is more emphasis in this volume on the ongoing war with its violence and killing, rather than the notions of love and loyalty that usually take center stage in this series. Some of the best characters are eliminated. But there is never a dearth of nuance and pathos; in spite of the small space for picture and dialogue in the graphic novel, even the worst characters are miraculously made into beings eliciting our compassion and understanding.
Illustrator Fiona Staples is listed as first author, which seems appropriate. Her art work contributes to the meaning of the story in ways it would be hard for words to do alone. She not only imbues the vivid panels with dynamism and astounding creativity, but the way she captures emotions of all sorts of creatures is incredibly impressive.
The Observer recently reported about her:
"Fiona Staples is nominated for some Eisner Awards . . . again. She’s now been nominated ten times, and so far she’s won six [for her work on Saga]. The Eisner Awards are like the Oscars of comics, which would make her our Meryl Streep. The only difference is that Eisner categories aren’t divided by gender, and for any woman to get to the tippy top in comics is no small feat."
Evaluation: This is an outstanding “saga” whether you like graphic novels or not. This is not by any means a series for kids - you will see graphic (in both senses) depictions of childbirth, oral sex, anal sex, masturbation - just about anything you can think of (or more accurately, might have never thought of!).
No one gender or race has claim to any particular qualities, whether courage or compassion. But overall, the females tend to be more formidable, powerful and tough, and the guys more nurturing. (My favorite scene in this book: Alana is handling weapons while Marko, in slippers and an apron, is doing the dishes.) The political commentary is as powerful as it is subtle. This series is hilarious, moving, exciting, romantic, action-packed, and crazily mentally stimulating, all at once. This volume may leave you sadder than usual, however.
Alana is from the
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planet Landfall, where inhabitants have wings on their backs, and Marko is 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. There is an ongoing intergalactic hunt for Marko and Alana, because their love story gives lie to the party line that the people from these two species can’t, and never will, get along, and that their offspring would not be viable.
The three of them are currently on a ship racing from those who seek to kill them, but they are not alone. Hazel's babysitter Izabel is there. Prince Robot IV is traveling with them in order to get back to his young son. Petrichor, who was sort of “adopted” by Hazel when they were in prison together, has also reluctantly become a part of this odd but increasingly bonded family.
Hazel explains:
“If a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, then a family is more like a ROPE. We’re lots of fragile little strands, and we survive by becoming hopelessly intertwined with each other.”
Unfortunately, they need to stop and refuel at the nearest source of power, which is the dangerous war-torn comet Phang. As Hazel, with her usual trenchant powers of observation, characterized this place:
“. . . an exotic land of boundless diversity, home to thousands of different tribes, sects, and species . . . almost all of whom despised each other.”
They end up staying six months, during which time IV confronts his guilt over how he has lived his life, Marko struggles to maintain his pacifism, and Alana is ever more heavily pregnant. Hazel has her first kiss with one of the denizens of the comet, and her babysitter Izabel has, much to Hazel's consternation, gone missing.
In alternate chapters we follow what is happening with recurring characters who are looking for the family, including the mercenaries The Will and The March, as well as Gwendolyn and little Sophie, the latter two now accompanied by Lying Cat, who previously had been with The Will.
Discussion: There is more emphasis in this volume on the ongoing war with its violence and killing, rather than the notions of love and loyalty that usually take center stage in this series. Some of the best characters are eliminated. But there is never a dearth of nuance and pathos; in spite of the small space for picture and dialogue in the graphic novel, even the worst characters are miraculously made into beings eliciting our compassion and understanding.
Illustrator Fiona Staples is listed as first author, which seems appropriate. Her art work contributes to the meaning of the story in ways it would be hard for words to do alone. She not only imbues the vivid panels with dynamism and astounding creativity, but the way she captures emotions of all sorts of creatures is incredibly impressive.
The Observer recently reported about her:
"Fiona Staples is nominated for some Eisner Awards . . . again. She’s now been nominated ten times, and so far she’s won six [for her work on Saga]. The Eisner Awards are like the Oscars of comics, which would make her our Meryl Streep. The only difference is that Eisner categories aren’t divided by gender, and for any woman to get to the tippy top in comics is no small feat."
Evaluation: This is an outstanding “saga” whether you like graphic novels or not. This is not by any means a series for kids - you will see graphic (in both senses) depictions of childbirth, oral sex, anal sex, masturbation - just about anything you can think of (or more accurately, might have never thought of!).
No one gender or race has claim to any particular qualities, whether courage or compassion. But overall, the females tend to be more formidable, powerful and tough, and the guys more nurturing. (My favorite scene in this book: Alana is handling weapons while Marko, in slippers and an apron, is doing the dishes.) The political commentary is as powerful as it is subtle. This series is hilarious, moving, exciting, romantic, action-packed, and crazily mentally stimulating, all at once. This volume may leave you sadder than usual, however.
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LibraryThing member Glennis.LeBlanc
I enjoy reading Saga even though it likes to kick you in the feels. It reminds you over and over that life isn’t fair especially when you are on the run from the government. And yet the deaths in the last issue of this one were the worst. Bounty hunters are still after them, the tree needs fuel
Overall a great read and now I have to wait for the next collection.
Digital review copy provided by the publisher
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and Prince Robot still want to get to his son. The overall plot doesn’t move and this is more of the time spent in one place but since this is Hazel telling the story of her life it makes sense since she makes friends on the comet. Overall a great read and now I have to wait for the next collection.
Digital review copy provided by the publisher
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LibraryThing member Charrlygirl
There's really not much I can add to the boatload of reviews of this volume. So I'm just going to say that this was my favorite volume so far and that I'm heartbroken. HEARTBROKEN!
As irreverent as PREACHER was, but with more humor, (and humor that appeals to a wider variety of people, in my
If you enjoy comics & graphic novels, and you're not reading SAGA, you're missing out. Period.
As irreverent as PREACHER was, but with more humor, (and humor that appeals to a wider variety of people, in my
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opinion), SAGA may just turn out to be my favorite graphic novel series of all time. (SANDMAN will be hard to beat, but it's going to be damn close!)If you enjoy comics & graphic novels, and you're not reading SAGA, you're missing out. Period.
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LibraryThing member elenaj
I haven't been too impressed with the last couple of Saga trades, but this one turned things around for me. Packs a punch.
LibraryThing member DrFuriosa
It's to Vaughan's and Staples' credit that you can have a complex story with so many characters that you just get so invested in *all* of them and wonder how this series is going to tear at your heart next. This is one of the sadder volumes in the series, I think, so brace yourself. The politics
All I can say is this: thank goodness for Lying Cat.
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are going to take an interesting turn, as will the Gwendolyn/Sophie storyline.All I can say is this: thank goodness for Lying Cat.
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LibraryThing member bobbybslax
The story has become rather routine, albeit still well-written. Also, I've come to realize how depressing this story is. And a lot of the characters I liked either died or became unlikable/uninteresting by this point. Fiona Staples is great, though.
LibraryThing member LibroLindsay
That was devastating. *sobs uncontrollably*
****
Gawd, this one just KILLS me.
****
Gawd, this one just KILLS me.
LibraryThing member TobinElliott
Goddamn it. I don't think I've ever teared up over a graphic novel before.
Can't say that any more.
Can't say that any more.
Awards
Hugo Award (Nominee — Graphic Story — 2018)
Los Angeles Public Library Best of the Year (Fiction — 2017)
Publication
Image Comics (2017), Edition: Illustrated, 152 pages
Original publication date
2017-03-29
Language
ISBN
1534300600 / 9781534300606