Review:
I was a bit disappointed by the last two volumes, so I am happy to say I felt this one was back up to the standard I’ve come to expect from this comic!
For one thing, there was some humor again!
For another thing, we got to see what was going on with almost all the characters. Most of the story revolved around Alana, Marko, Hazel, Petrichor, and Sir Robot IV, but there was also a bit about The Will and a bit about Squire, Ghus, Upshor, and Doff.
This volume also moved the story forward much better than the last, and it continued the character arcs at least a little bit.
Also, *SPOILER (about a relationship)* I totally started shipping IV and Petrichor when they started talking after he saved her, so I was super excited when they kissed! And I don’t know, it seems like they would make an oddly good couple. He’s always been kind to her, they seem like they kind of understand each other, and they’re both passionate but I think just want a peaceful life at this point. I’m kind of wondering though, it can’t exactly be that exciting to make out with a TV screen. Can he even feel that? What does he even do during the kiss since he has no lips or tongue or teeth? While we’re on that topic, how does he eat? I need some answers about robot kissing and eating, Saga. Please get on that. *END SPOILER*
Another thing I like about the series in general is how the artwork of the characters is diverse and realistic. Everyone isn’t “perfect” with the same body type and everything. I mean, Alana’s stomach even had some loose skin leftover from her pregnancy. And of course it goes without saying that the artwork is beautiful and clear.
I would also just like to note that IV rocks everything he wears—uniform, pajama pants, a suit… TV head notwithstanding ;-P
If there’s one thing that can be said about Saga though, it’s that it’s a comic that isn’t afraid to delve into tough, heavy, and/or controversial topics. I like that about this series. I do think it was maybe a little heavy-handed this time, but, with the way things have been going in the world, I don’t think I can really hold that against it.
If there one other thing that can be said about Saga, it’s that it is graphic. And this volume was no exception. There was some pretty violent stuff, and a bit of nudity/sex. But again, that’s just the usual.
Overall, I thought this was another great volume in the series that finally moved the story forward and was a lot more upbeat and positive than the previous one!
Recommended For:
Fans of Vol. 1-7 in Brian K. Vaughan's Saga series. Graphic novel fans and newbies alike who are looking for something fun and different, who like flawed but lovable characters, and who don't mind images of sex, nudity, and violence.
More Books in the Series:
Graphic Novel Review: Saga Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
Graphic Novel Review: Saga Vol. 2 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
Graphic Novel Review: Saga Vol. 3 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
Graphic Novel Review: Saga Vol. 4 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
Graphic Novel Review: Saga Vol. 5 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
Graphic Novel Review: Saga Vol. 6 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
Graphic Novel Review: Saga Vol. 7 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
Graphic Novel Review: Saga Vol. 8 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
Graphic Novel Review: Saga Vol. 9 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples
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So I’m not really caught up on Saga *sigh* but I need to. I think 5 is the last one I read? Nice to hear it gets back on track though if th last two were kinda not great? And the artwork IS always nice. I don’t love the series as much as some people do but it’s always awesome to look at.
I feel like I didn’t even know you were up to Vol. 5? Have you posted reviews? (Sorry if you have, I’m forgetful sometimes cuz of brain fog.) I wanna know what you think! It really does have beautiful artwork. I feel like that’s the one thing everyone agrees on lol.
I have not reviewed em, I kinda binged ’em and then never got around to writing them up! Plus I haven’t done a GN review in ages. The art IS amazing !! It took me a while to get into it, like I was unsure of the first few issues, but about the time they took off in the tree- rocket ship I started getting into it. Lately Gwendolyn has grown on me as well. I tend to like the supporting characters more!
Also I may or may not be waiting for the Lying cat Funko coming in February?
Ok, so I didn’t just miss them on your blog. I pretty much like the supporting characters more too, but I guess that depends on who you consider a supporting character? I always thought The Will was interesting and complex, then I came to love IV for his complexity. Gwen is great. Ghus is great. I like Petrichor too. Lying Cat is, of course, amazing.
Ahhh, if I were going to get a Funko, I would get the one of IV lol.
I think there will be a IV Funko!!! Can you imagine one of The Stalk? Yeesh…
No it feels weird to read and not review?? Blogger issues… I liked the Will because even though he was kind of an ass, he cared enogh to rescue Sophie, and anyone who has a Lying Cat can’t be all bad. 🙂 IV is cool too. I remember before I read it I was like what’s with the TV head dude, but he’s growing on me…
I need a Lying Cat.
I’ve seen the IV Funko! I just meant that IF I were going to buy one (which I’m not), that would be the one lol.
Eh, I’ve never reviewed or planned to review everything I read, so it doesn’t feel weird to me. But yeah, The Will had a lot of depth and had a good side to him. And IV has so much growth throughout the series.
We all need a Lying Cat. At least, those of us who are honest lol since it would be more of a detriment to anyone who lies a lot.
I’ve heard so much about the Saga series and despite of being a huge fan of comics, especially when they dive into the SFF genre, I haven’t yet picked up this series. Though, this review makes me want to start reading this asap 😀 Also, can’t wait to love IV because seems like every reader loves him so much, haha! And of course, a comic that deals with heavy topics must be a pleasure to read. The art has garnered a lot of praise too so that’s another thing I’ll be looking forward to 🙂
You should read it! As long as you’re ok with graphic violence and sex. I need to find the reviews that you’re reading because I mostly see people saying they hate IV, and I feel like people are judging me for loving him, haha. I feel like there’s no in-between with his character though. The art is fantastic! I can’t wait to see your thoughts if you read it!
I LOVE SAGA SO MUCH.
i still have vol 7 and 8 to read too though.
Yay a fellow Saga fan! You gotta catch up XD
So, I can honestly say I have not read a graphic before. I know wth right? Anyway for some reason I guess I’m still under the delusion that comics are for a younger population. Your review opened my eyes. I think I would like to see what they are all about. Any suggestions for a newbie?
Well, if you can deal with the graphic sex and violence, I would say this series. It was the first GN I read, and it has an overall story with characters you can connect to, like a regular novel series. But yeah, there are a lot out there other than the superhero kind! (Not that there’s anything wrong with those, but they’re not my kinda thing either.)
So glad you thought this one picked up again. There’s been a few volumes where I felt things were dragging. I love Ghus – he’s one of my faves. My library needs to hurry up and get this in!
Yes, same. Hopefully things are getting back on track with this series. And Ghus is awesome! He’s like this adorable little badass.
I haven’t attempted to read the Saga graphic novels before, but they were a bit hyped up before I took my hiatus, so I’ve been curious since then! I LOVE diverse characters and humor, so I’ll definitely think about this when I’m looking for something more visual. Awesome review, Kristen! <3
Yes, they’re very popular, but with good reason, I think! And they have a lot of humor, usually. I hope you like it if you read it! Thanks!
lmao that spoiler. Inquiring minds need to know!
I hope to catch up at some point because I did enjoy Vol. #1
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
Seriously, I have questions that need answering lol.
I have 2-8 waiting for me to get to them. Hopefully it will soon!
Yay, I hope you like them!
Glad this one was better for you. Sometimes it’s nice to have a little humor in a graphic novel. I’ll have to keep these in mind when I’m looking for a new graphic novel series. 🙂
It’s definitely nice sometimes to have humor to balance out heavier stuff. This is a great series!
This is a book (I’ve only read the first one) that I read because of your review, Kristen. And I loved it. I think I looked to see if my library carried them, they did…and that’s as far as I got. LOL I do love the artwork and I love the diversity and realism. I’ll have to get back to it so we can discuss all that’s going on. 😉 I’m happy this one took you back to a happy place with the series though. 🙂
Yay I love knowing you like my recs XD But lol yes, you’re a bit behind! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts when you keep reading, there’s so much to discuss with this series!
I should make my next goals to read more graphic novels! I still have to reconcile in my head that a graphic novel can be about tough and controversial topics and violent and graphic! I guess I always have peanuts and similar cutesy reads in my mind when I think of them LOL Isn’t it great when two characters you wanted to ship finally get together? I’m glad this new book in the series made you happier 🙂
You should! GN can be great! And yep, they can be anything regular books can be. To be honest I only started shipping like two pages before it happened lol, but still, their ship made sense once I realized it! Thanks 🙂
Everytime you review another volume in this series you remind me how I need to read it and it sounds like this was another excellent addition to the series. I will eventually read Saga. It sounds awesome (and a little weird) and I always hear amazing things.
I feel like you might like this series! It’s a lot weird lol, but in a good way.
Gaaaaahhh, your review has me so hyped Kristen! I’ve got to catch up on the series though, I think I’m on Volume 5. All the Alana/Marko angst was starting to get to my fragile shipper heart and I had to take a break, haha. But I’m ready to get back on board!
Yay! Be warned, Vol. 6 and 7 were not the best, in my opinion. But I do think things are picking back up again!
I don’t read a lot of graphic novels but I am all for controversial topics all of the time! I really need to read Saga because I have heard nothing but good things about them. But I never see them in the book shops I go into! I’m really for the diverse and realistic artwork. I think image is really important to how we see the world and then having it properly represented in graphic novels really contributes to our mindsets. I’m glad this one was better and picks up the story a bit more in comparison to the previous two!
It’s a series that deserves the hype, I think. And they do tackle a lot of controversial and important topics, there’s lots of diversity, etc. I agree that what we see in books and GNs contributes to our mindsets, so I like that this one includes so much realistic stuff. Thanks!