This week’s main review is Saga #67, which marks the start of a new story arc for one of the biggest books in monthly comics. Plus, don’t miss The Prog Report!
Saga #67
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Fiona Staples
Letterer: Fonografiks
Publisher: Image Comics
Review by Zack Quaintance
It’s a scant week of new releases coming out of SDCC, but that’s more than made up for with the return of arguably the biggest monthly book in comics. That’s right, with Saga #67, the modern classic by Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples, and Fonografiks is back for its 12th arc in as many years…and I am once again pleased to report that the book remains excellent.
Yes friends, what I was most struck by while reading this new issue (story aside) is just how consistent this book remains so deep into its run. It’s perhaps owed in large part to the original creative team remaining intact, without even a single panel from any kind of guest contributor. That goes a long way, but it’s not the only factor. I think taking time off when needed has been good for this book, as has not being too precious about characters and status quo. And it’s that last bit I think is maybe most evident at the start of this new arc.
As I read this issue, I found myself following the same characters I’ve known for years within new life situations. The book drops us into the middle of what they’re all up to, fostering a feeling of in media res (can you use that phrase that way? ah well, I did) for them all. It’s an approach Saga has used throughout its run at the start of new arcs, which almost always involve a time jump. And it’s really great for the overall pacing. We don’t need to see, for example, how The Will and Gwendolyn ended up in mourning where we find them. The logistics aren’t important. Instead, we go right to a powerful and illustrative character moment that sums where they are now as well as where they’ve been at for some time.
The end result is an ongoing run that always feels organic and assured of all its creative choices. The creative team puts the time in to figure out where the story wants to go next. They do the work. Within the current comics market, this kind of commitment to a long periodic story is a bit of a lost art, as limited series take over the market out of necessity. Yet somehow, Saga returns (sorry), arc after arc, just as good as ever.
Fans of reading month-to-month are lucky to have it.
Verdict: BUY
The Prog Report
2000AD Prog 2393 (Rebellion Publishing): If you’re a fan of Rogue Trooper stories, it’s really been good times of late. Rebellion has a new Rogue Trooper: Blighty Valley collection out, written by Garth Ennis, with art by Patrick Goddard, and letters by Rob Steen (personally, I snagged the SDCC exclusive version, with fantastic cover by Francesco Francavilla). In Prog 2391, the creative team of Geoffrey D. Wessel, Dan Cornwell, Chris Blythe, and Jim Campbell wrapped up the six-part Rouge Trooper: Souther Belle. Now, after a one-issue break, we get another new story with the character, with Rogue Trooper: Recon, by Wessel, Paul Marshall, Pippa Bowland, and Campbell. With moody deep space gray tones, it’s an intriguing opening, already feeling like a strong follow to the last tale but something very different as well. I recommend it, if you’re looking to jump on. Plus, you get a nice cover featuring the character by Lee Carter. As always, you can nab a digital copy of this week’s Prog here. —Zack Quaintance
Read more entries in the weekly Wednesday Comics reviews series!
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