SAGA Vol.. 2

SAGA Vol.2

Writer: Brian K. Vaughan

Artist: Fiona Staples

$14.99, Image Comics, 144 pgs.

ISBN 978-1607066927

Marko and Alana fought on opposite sides of an ongoing interplanetary war. Then they fell in love, had a baby, and fled to the stars. This second volume adds a new complication for our lovers/deserters: in addition to the assassins dogging their heels, Marko and Alana must contend with the unexpected arrival of Marko's disapproving parents.

This combination of the fantastic and the down-to-earth is what makes SAGA among the best American comic books in publication today. SAGA takes place in a universe filled with giant monsters, living spaceships, intelligent robots, magical spells, and benevolent ghosts. It's a strange and fascinating setting, but its inhabitants are immediately relatable. This is not world-building for the sake of world-building, as we so often see in fantasy and science fiction. Instead, SAGA's characters truly live and breathe in their bizarre universe. Their fears are our fears; their loves, their concerns, their aspirations, even their weaknesses and naughty pillow-talk...they're us, regardless of where they live, or whether or not they're even human.

SAGA is among the best modern comics, and every chapter is a delight. It's a very adult series (on at least one occasion, digital distributor Comixology refused to carry the title), but it's elegantly written and beautifully drawn. Age-appropriate audiences will fall deeply in love. Vaughan and Staples are at the absolute top of their craft.

TIPS FOR LIBRARIANS: This is a "mature readers only" title. The series is a strong seller, but new volumes don't come out very often, so be prepared to hear a lot of requests for the next book in the series. (Bonus Tip: Volume 3 hits stores March 25, 2014). 

READERS ADVISORY NOTES: SAGA blends science fiction and fantasy elements with adventure and even a dash of romantic comedy; its potential audience is quite broad. However, it is not for everyone. This series will offend certain kinds of readers. See the Content Advisory below.

CONTENT ADVISORY: Strong adult language, mature themes, graphic violence, nudity and sexual content

Review©2014, C. Michael Hall.