Saga #67 Review: Another Return to Form

As a die-hard fan of Saga, it feels like coming home after a long journey when I dive back into this extraordinary series. With its unique blend of humor, drama, and heart-wrenching moments, Saga never fails to captivate me with each new issue. The 12 years I’ve been following this epic space opera have felt like the blink of an eye, as Hazel and her motley crew continue to grow and evolve before my very eyes.

After nearly another year away, Saga returns with a self-aware first page today in which an alien ringmaster announces, “And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for.” It’s a feeling familiar to nearly every Saga reader, especially those who began the series 12 years ago when Hazel was was born in Saga #1. It is a series that thrives in serialization with every issue and arc designed to offer new surprises, unforgettable moments, and consistent cliffhangers – the work of creators who grasp the unique pleasures of long-running comic book series. Although recent hiatuses in Saga‘s publication have led to some feelings of frustration, it’s impossible for me to look at Saga #67 and think it was not worth the wait. It is still the same wondrous, exciting, and often-heartbreaking series that’s kept readers returning to watch its heroine Hazel grow, year-by-year, toward adulthood.

In the 67th installment of Saga, we encounter a recurring narrative approach, used on ten previous occasions to initiate a new storyline. Despite its familiarity, the impact it makes within just 22 pages underscores why this method remains relevant. The narration by Hazel serves as our guide, providing insights into the current circumstances of the primary characters. New figures, positions, and complications that have arisen since the time leap between stories are also introduced. Furthermore, readers are given the opportunity to grasp most of these changes by being thrust right into each character’s ongoing narrative.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but feel an immense sense of joy upon diving into Hazel’s tranquil universe, though it’s hardly the stillness we’re accustomed to. The comic opens with Hazel and Sploot, one of Fiona Staples’ charming animal creations from Saga, working together in a circus setting. Alana is back in the limelight, Squire is securely nestled in love, and even their long-standing adversaries appear to have momentarily retreated. The overarching narrative serves as a reminder that life goes on, and not every day is a fight, showcasing how each character has grown beyond the confines of crisis.

While these return issues seldom aim to ignite immediate frustration, their purpose is often to plant the seeds of future discord, a skill that Saga #67 excels at too. Through Hazel’s narrative and the dialogue (be it spoken or visual), we are given hints about impending troubles that need swift resolution. Characters like Squire and The Will unveil significant issues on the horizon, even as they choose isolation and inactivity. The irony surrounding seemingly peaceful moments becomes tangible upon re-reading, as the end of this carnival era is already casting a shadow.

The relaxed tempo and modest risks in this refreshing introduction really hit the mark. Readers are well aware of how rapidly events can spiral out of control in Saga, making this fresh setting ripe for future heartache. Brian K. Vaughan masterfully breathes life into characters such as Staples’ Whist and a troupe of clowns, giving them depth beyond their two-dimensional appearance. There’s an energy to these individuals and their lives that promises an engaging six-issue storyline centered around Sploot and Hazel. However, one thing remains undeniable for this series: tranquility is never long-lasting.

In starting a fresh chapter of the Saga comic series, I anticipate a rekindling of crucial plotlines through character development, coupled with ominous new perils and intriguing novel aspects. This approach manages to avoid feeling repetitive because the components are in a state of perpetual flux, yet it consistently delivers an outstanding reading experience. It serves as a gentle reminder for readers as to why Saga continues to lead the way in comic book serialized dramas, even 12 years after its inception.

Published by Image Comics

On July 31, 2024

Written by Brian K. Vaughan

Art by Fiona Staples

Colors by Fiona Staples

Letters by Fonografiks

Cover by Fiona Staples

2024-07-31 16:39

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