Last week I finished reading Volumes I-III of the Saga graphic novel series by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples. It has been a while since I’ve read a graphic novel, but this series has inspired me to remember how great the storytelling can be.
This series is a Romeo and Juliet-esq tale involving two warring planets (actually, a planet and its moon), revolving around two deserters from the opposing sides. The two have fallen in love and are trying to escape the many who want them dead, along with their newborn baby. Narrated by said baby as a flashback.
Honestly, having written out the synopsis, I realize it’s something that wouldn’t normally attract me, namely the romance element, but nonetheless it is very good. And it offers all the things you expect from most graphic novels… like the fact that it can be, well, graphic. The first book is the best, in my opinion, while the third left something to be desired. Nothing terribly important was wrapped up or set up at the end of the third book, but the story overall is so good that it’s forgivable. The style of writing and storytelling mixes modern speech with a futuristic, science-fiction world. The effect makes the characters relatable, and often humorous.
“Volume IV” comes out in December and I will definitely be picking it up.
Neptune Your Dial 