The One Issue That Killed Saga

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In the 2010s, the graphic novel series Saga, penned by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples, was widely praised and cherished. The story began in 2012, following Alana and Marko, star-crossed lovers from opposing war factions who found love in a prison camp, fled, and had a child. This action set off a chase by both sides, and the narrative unfolds as their daughter Hazel recounts their life as a family in retrospect. Saga captivated readers with its blend of adventure reminiscent of Star Wars and the emotional turmoil that comes with adulthood, relationships, and parenthood. Known for its stunning visuals, each issue of Saga was a treat. However, readers experienced an annual hiatus, but the series vanished for three years in 2018. The return of Saga was highly anticipated, but it has yet to regain the heights it previously reached. Whenever Saga takes a break, fans fear it might be years before it resumes.

Despite being an exceptional read, Saga has encountered more challenges than just extended absences. Once a highly anticipated monthly release, Saga is no longer discussed as frequently as it used to be among fans. The connection that readers had with the book seems to have faded, which is concerning given its initial impact and popularity during the 2010s Image boom. With many of its contemporaries having concluded their runs, Saga continues, albeit not at the same level of fervor as before. What factors led to this shift in interest?

Saga‘s Fall Can Be Traced Back to One Issue

I’ve consistently believed that the pivotal point in the Saga series came at issue #54. This installment marked the end before the extended break — we were led to believe it would last only a year, during which the creators would accumulate issues — and it was also where Marko met his demise at the hands of The Will. It was a significant event in the narrative. Saga had already made clear that any character could perish, with Izabel’s death in the “War on Phang” arc being particularly impactful even now. However, Marko’s death stood out. After all, fathers do pass away in real life, and Saga is a story about existence. Perhaps this is why it resonated so deeply — we saw reflections of our own lives within the book. But Marko’s passing took away one of the series’ most compelling aspects. Alana is an engaging character, but she’s not always endearing. In fact, at times, Alana has been the source of family strife. Marko served as the stable element, while Alana was the volatile one. Now that the duo is gone, I believe this dynamic shift has had a negative impact on the series in the long term.

After the pause in its storyline, “Saga” continues to impress, yet it seems to be momentarily stagnating. We’ve bid farewell to Marko, the family’s spacecraft, Izabel, Prince Robot IV, and many other beloved characters that made the series so enjoyable (if Ghus meets his end, there will be uproar among fans). The narrative now feels somewhat melancholic, with much of its initial momentum lost. Hazel and her adopted brother Squire, Prince Robot IV’s son, provide some spark, but their adventures lack the excitement that once characterized “Saga”. Furthermore, the storyline suffers from a Brian K. Vaughan-specific issue – the middle lull. While Vaughan excels at creating captivating characters and intricate plots, there are instances where we encounter a prolonged lull in the narrative to set up the book’s conclusion. Unfortunately, “Saga” has fallen into this pattern for approximately seventeen issues now. Despite its occasional brilliance, these issues have diminished the overall appeal of the series. These are the current challenges facing “Saga”, and they have noticeably dampened its spirit.

Saga Will Almost Certainly Stick the Landing but This Middle Malaise Is a Problem

I’m really into the graphic novel “Saga”. Most folks who read it feel the same way. In many ways, “Saga” is like “The Sandman” of the 10s and 20s. Here’s why: In the past, if you wanted to convince someone that comics were more than just superheroes fighting, you’d give them “The Sandman: Preludes and Nocturnes”. Now, it’s “Saga”. People read it, enjoy it, and then discover other great comics. “Saga” has the power to turn people into comic book enthusiasts because it resonates with readers on a deeper level than many other comics do. The space battles, violence, and adult themes certainly catch people’s attention, but what really makes “Saga” special is that it reflects our own families. It portrays relationships we recognize – between husbands, wives, partners, and children.

The graphic novel “Saga” remains enjoyable, yet it no longer holds the same level of awe-inspiring quality it once did. We’ve arrived at a stage where the narrative pace has decreased, the character developments are less captivating, and there’s a sense that nothing is progressing significantly. We’ve experienced similar periods before, such as during the Circuit arc. Nevertheless, the Circuit arc was marked by intriguing events taking place. It had compelling drama unfolding, and pieces were coming together nicely. However, at present, the developments in “Saga” aren’t as intriguing as they once were. I have faith that “Saga” will improve, but it currently feels like only half the comic it used to be.

Saga is on sale now.

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2025-04-28 19:16