14 Years Ago, One of the Greatest Sci-fi Comics of All-Time Was Released (And There May Never Be A Movie)

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Image Comics quickly became a major player in the comic book world, but really hit its stride in the 2010s. Initially, it was founded by artists who focused more on visual style than strong storytelling, sometimes bringing in well-known names to attract attention. By the late 1990s, Image began to include more writers, allowing them to create and gain recognition for their own comics. The 2000s brought Robert Kirkman and his hugely popular titles like Invincible and The Walking Dead, which paved the way for many of today’s top writers to get their start. By the beginning of the 2010s, Image Comics was known for incredible titles, and Saga, which launched 14 years prior, led the charge of this new wave of comics.

Brian K. Vaughan was a writer famous for his lengthy comic series, including titles like Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina, and The Runaways. Artist Fiona Staples wasn’t as well-known initially, but she quickly gained a huge following in the comic world thanks to her work on Saga. This sci-fi story, which blends war with family drama, immediately captivated readers and became a series comic fans enthusiastically recommended to people who didn’t even read comics. It remains a highly-regarded series today, though an adaptation seems unlikely. While Saga isn’t as strong as it once was, that doesn’t diminish how incredible it was for so many years.

Saga Took Readers to a Universe That Still Hasn’t Let Them Go

The comic series Saga immediately immerses readers in a rich world populated by people who are hybrids of humans and animals. The story centers on a galactic war between Wreath, a moon reliant on magic, and Landfall, a technologically advanced planet. At the heart of the conflict are Alana and Marko: he was a prisoner of war from Wreath, and she was his Landfallian guard. They connected over a shared love of books, fell in love, and ran away together when Alana became pregnant.

The leaders of two warring worlds conspire to cover up their forbidden romance, hoping to hide the fact that the long-standing conflict between their species isn’t as simple as everyone believes. The story is narrated by their daughter, Hazel, years later, and it’s an epic blend of galactic-scale intrigue and personal family drama. It seamlessly combines sci-fi, horror, action, romance, and coming-of-age elements, all while featuring a cast of incredibly well-developed and memorable characters. The book’s depiction of the war’s politics is spot-on, and the first half is perfectly paced and engaging.

For six years, this comic was a huge hit with independent readers. Collected volumes sold incredibly well, and the letters page was filled with enthusiastic fan mail. The story constantly surprised people, with issue #54 of Saga in 2018 considered a particularly shocking moment in comics. When the creators, Vaughan and Staples, announced a break—initially planned for just one year—fans didn’t realize it would be four years before the comic returned in 2022.

Issue #54 marked the midpoint of the series, and initially, fans understood the break after years of consistent releases since 2012. However, the pause stretched on and on, and many readers lost interest. While some initial excitement remained, the extended delay ultimately frustrated fans. When the series returned, it didn’t recapture its former magic. Though there are still strong character moments and compelling characters, the long gaps between issues have diminished many fans’ enjoyment. As a result, many are now waiting for collected editions instead of buying individual issues, and the initial buzz around the book has faded.

Saga Will Always Be Beloved

When Saga first came out in March 2012, it was a huge hit. The first issue sold out quickly and became quite valuable, proving that Image Comics was a force to be reckoned with. Fans have wanted to see it adapted into a show for years, but the long wait and the disappointing ending of the Game of Thrones adaptation have made some people less enthusiastic about a potential adaptation in 2026.

While Saga isn’t currently at its peak, the first 54 issues remain exceptional. The series isn’t bad by any means—it’s simply in a transitional period (and I don’t want to reveal spoilers!). The long breaks between issues unfortunately dampen excitement. However, fans are still dedicated to the story and its creators, hoping for a satisfying conclusion. The initial enthusiasm has cooled somewhat, but there’s still potential for a resurgence, and if the creators deliver a strong ending, demand for an adaptation could return.

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2026-03-15 23:17