BOOK REVIEW: Saga, Volume 4 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Saga, Volume 4

Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Fiona Staples
Series: Saga, #19-24
Published: 17 December 2014 by Image Comics
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Comic
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Purchased
Links: Goodreads, Publisher

Synopsis:

From the Eisner Award-winning duo of Brian K. Vaughan (The Private Eye, Pride of Baghdad) and Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, Thor), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. As they visit a strange new world and encounter even more adversaries, baby Hazel finally becomes a toddler, while her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana struggle to stay on their feet.

Rating:

Review and Discussion:

I'm not sure why, but I just didn't enjoy this volume as much as I have enjoyed the previous ones. This volume certainly had the charm of the others, but to me it lacked something vital that prevented me from enjoying it one hundred percent, but I can't quite put my finger on what that was.

Perhaps there are too many characters, too many interwoven plot lines, that I struggle to keep up and get lost along the way. Perhaps it was Alana and Marko's relationship struggles that made me reluctant to enjoy the rest of the story because I was so worried about the state of their marriage. I'm not entirely sure why I didn't love this volume, but I just struggled to fully engage.

There was a lot less action in this volume, which made it a bit slower to read. I guess that's the thing I love about the earlier volumes: the fast-paced, action-filled plot that keeps me going. That was somewhat lacking in this volume, and the action that we did see was kinda unnecessary or could have been avoided.

I also felt that this volume lacked much of the humour and wit that had been evident in previous volumes, and the characters felt a little strange. I felt like the Marko and Alana that I had gotten to know in previous volumes weren't here anymore, but rather carbon copies who lacked the same gusto as my favourite characters. I felt like they both made decisions that they would not have normally made, that they diverged so far from their characters that I struggled to recognise them. It was rather disappointing, but I'm hoping they can come back to themselves in later volumes.

Essentially, this volume felt like a "filler" volume, preparing character developments and plot lines for what is to come. It picked up a little in the final two chapters, leaving off with a cliffhanger at the end, so I am still keen to continue on with the series. I will just have to work on reforming my expectations for what is going to happen so that I can try and enjoy it as much as the earlier volumes.

I am planning to re-read Volumes 1-4 prior to the release of Volume 5 in October, and so maybe then, after having some time to let the series settle in my mind, I will be able to enjoy this volume more. But at this stage, it was the least enjoyable volume in the series so far.

BOOK REVIEW: Saga, Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Saga, Volume 3

Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Fiona Staples
Series: Saga, #13-18
Published: 25 March 2014 by Image Comics
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Comic
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Purchased
Links: Goodreads, Publisher

Synopsis:

From the Hugo Award-winning duo of Brian K. Vaughan (The Private Eye, Y: The Last Man) and Fiona Staples (North 40, Red Sonja), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. Searching for their literary hero, new parents Marko and Alana travel to a cosmic lighthouse on the planet Quietus, while the couple's multiple pursuers finally close in on their targets.

Rating:

Review and Discussion:

I thoroughly enjoyed this volume, but I found that it just didn't pack the same punch as the first two. Volume 3 definitely had less action and more of a "lull" feel to it in the way it focused on developing a lot of characters. The action definitely picked up in the final chapter, which has made me incredibly excited to read Volume 4 pronto!

Again, I loved everything that this comic book series has to offer. The humour, the artwork, the eclectic cast of characters, the craziness, the absurdities, and the incredible writing are just some of my favourite elements of this series. My favourite character remains Alana, but I am now particularly intrigued by The Will and The Brand, especially after the little teaser at the end! Also, Hazel is the cutest little baby, and the sassiest narrator I've ever come across.

This series offers something for everyone, and it's no wonder why it has received so much critical acclaim. If you're curious about the hype, or wanting to get into comic books or graphic novels, I would definitely recommend that you pick up Saga. It is so wonderfully entertaining, and everyone should experience the wonder of reading this series.

BOOK REVIEW: Saga, Volume 2 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Saga, Volume 2

Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Fiona Staples
Series: Saga, #7-12
Published: 2 July 2013 by Image Comics
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Comic
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Purchased
Links: Goodreads, Publisher

Synopsis:

From award-winning writer Brian K. Vaughan (Pride of Baghdad, Ex Machina) and critically acclaimed artist Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, Done to Death), Saga is sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. Thanks to her star-crossed parents Marko and Alana, newborn baby Hazel has already survived lethal assassins, rampaging armies, and horrific monsters, but in the cold vastness of outer space, the little girl encounters her strangest adventure yet... grandparents.

Rating:

Review and Discussion:

This volume is a fantastic continuation of the series, with just as much action, drama, suspense, humour and entertainment. It is a series that I know I will be dedicated to for many years to come; as long as it is being published, I will be reading it.

It was refreshing and lovely to reacquaint myself with Vaughan's fantastic writing style and Staples's gorgeous artwork. The writing continues to deliver an engaging story, with sarcastic characters, witty comments and individualised character voices that make the reading experience so enjoyable. The artwork is just as beautiful, if not more so, than in the previous volume, and I had forgotten how much I loved it.

As I was reading this volume in particular, all I could think about was how much I wanted this whole comic book series tattooed across my whole body. Every frame, every character, every word. I love it all so, so much, and I just want to be able to have some of my favourite characters with me forever. Alana is probably my favourite character at the moment; I feel a really strong connection with her, her actions, her beliefs, her morals, her backstory. I can't wait to explore her character in future publications, and if I ever were to get a Saga tattoo, she would be the character I'd have inked on my skin first.

There's not really much more I can say about this graphic novel without giving away spoilers or repeating what I've said in my review of Volume 1. Essentially, this graphic novel keeps me on my toes, surprising me with every turn of the page, making me laugh and gasp and cry and feel all the emotions all at once. It is one of my favourite series I've ever read, and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone, lovers of graphic novels or not.

BOOK REVIEW: Saga, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

Saga, Volume 1

Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Artist: Fiona Staples
Series: Saga, #1-6
Published: 23 October 2012 by Image Comics
Genres: Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Comic
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Purchased
Links: Goodreads, Publisher

Synopsis:

From award-winning writer Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, television's Lost) and critically acclaimed artist Fiona Staples (Mystery Society, North 40), Saga is the sweeping tale of one young family fighting to find their place in the universe. When two soldiers from opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war fall in love, they risk everything to bring a fragile new life into a dangerous old world. Fantasy and science fiction are wed like never before in the first volume of this sexy, subversive ongoing epic.

Rating:

Review and Discussion:

For a long time now, people have increasingly been reading and recommending graphic novels to the world, and in spite of their rave reviews, I had been nervous about picking one up myself. I continued to talk myself out of reading them, convincing myself that (1) I wouldn't like the different format, (2) I wouldn't even know how to read a graphic novel, and (3) I wouldn't enjoy it. Period. I'm happy to say that I was wrong on all of these fronts, and that I absolutely adored this first volume of Saga.

I have never read such a story so intriguing, so wonderfully crafted, so unexpectedly beautiful. I went into this graphic novel expecting blood-and-guts savagery, but it was so much more. It completely went beyond my wildest expectations. It was a lovely, uplifting story of love, hope and fighting for what is right.

The depth and range of characters was also unexpected. There were about four main storylines, and I was intrigued by all of them. There was definitely no clear-cut distinction of good and evil; I started out loathing some characters for their evil manner, but then came to love them by the end. There is definitely good and bad in each of the characters, and they justify them in their own ways, which creates only more shades of grey and more intrigue from the reader.

What was also surprising was the different personas from each of the characters, and how each of them were able to present their own voice. This is attributed to Vaughan's impeccable writing craft, where he gave each character their own style of speaking and their own mannerisms that made their voice distinct from everyone else's. This was a huge surprise to me, as I didn't think this level of story-telling was possible in graphic novel format (attributed to my ignorance of graphic novels). It was truly, truly wonderful.

And, of course, the artwork was epic. It was so beautiful, so vibrant, so vivid, so colourful, so perfect for the story. It added so much dimension to the story-telling in this book, and it was completely unexpected. Again, I speak as a graphic novel novice, but the artwork completely blew me away. It really gave a new definition to the requirement that story-tellers show us the characters, emotions, reactions, scenery, etc., rather than tell it. The intricacy and brightness of the artwork was such a beautiful element to the story.

All in all, I absolutely loved this graphic novel, and I immediately purchased the next three collections as soon as I finished this one. I look forward to continuing with the series as each edition is released. If you're interested in this graphic novel, I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who loves science fiction, fantasy, and beautiful story-telling.