There was a scene in John Irving's "The World According to Garp" where one of the support staff at a publishing company (cleaning, I think), exasperated, explained to one of the high mucky-mucks that what made a great book was "you couldn't put it down 'cause you didn't know WHAT was going to happen next!" You didn't have to LIKE it, but it had to grab you and not let you go!
"Saga, Volume 1", a graphic novel from the folks at Image, by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, fit that description to a "T" - although I DID enjoy it, as well. Heroes have dark sides, villians have soft spots, and any one of them could end up dead on the next page.
This graphic novel is not for kids. The opening scene is a back-room childbirth, not as graphic as it could be, BUT far more than you'd see on television - even cable. Lots of "bad language". Some sex (yes, this really is a GRAPHIC novel!!) And violence, even implied or downright administered against kids. BUT it all fits together. (OK, I'm a bit more of a prude since I got my AARP card, and I could have done with the sex being done off-screen, but to each their own.)
If you want super-heroes in tights, taking on threats to our way of life - pick up a different book. If you want DRAMA, if you want ART, if you want something that shows how "comics" have evolved for the new millenium, pick up "Saga, Volume 1". Then, you probably will want to grab "Volume 2" when it comes out next summer.
I don't freely give out 5 stars, but this was so close to that mark that I decided to round up.
DISCLOSURE: This book was supplied to me free of charge. The distributors probably hoped for a review in return, and further hoped that it was a positive one, but no promises were made to write a review, let alone influence its tone or content.
"Saga, Volume 1", a graphic novel from the folks at Image, by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, fit that description to a "T" - although I DID enjoy it, as well. Heroes have dark sides, villians have soft spots, and any one of them could end up dead on the next page.
This graphic novel is not for kids. The opening scene is a back-room childbirth, not as graphic as it could be, BUT far more than you'd see on television - even cable. Lots of "bad language". Some sex (yes, this really is a GRAPHIC novel!!) And violence, even implied or downright administered against kids. BUT it all fits together. (OK, I'm a bit more of a prude since I got my AARP card, and I could have done with the sex being done off-screen, but to each their own.)
If you want super-heroes in tights, taking on threats to our way of life - pick up a different book. If you want DRAMA, if you want ART, if you want something that shows how "comics" have evolved for the new millenium, pick up "Saga, Volume 1". Then, you probably will want to grab "Volume 2" when it comes out next summer.
I don't freely give out 5 stars, but this was so close to that mark that I decided to round up.
DISCLOSURE: This book was supplied to me free of charge. The distributors probably hoped for a review in return, and further hoped that it was a positive one, but no promises were made to write a review, let alone influence its tone or content.
I'd heard a lot about this book, so maybe my expectations were too high, but I'm not losing my mind over this book like a lot of people seem to be. But I did like it a lot. It's got an interesting premise and the art is fantastic. I really like how very alien the characters and their visual designs are. The all-white lady with the armless human torso and a spider's body with legs that end in human hands and feet will HAUNT my nightmares for quite some time, I'm sure.
I'm definitely interested to see what happens next. It's a good, solid start and I wouldn't be surprised if I do end up losing my mind over this series further down the line.
I'm definitely interested to see what happens next. It's a good, solid start and I wouldn't be surprised if I do end up losing my mind over this series further down the line.
So I'm trying to get into the graphic novel thing. So far they have been good to not so good. I was doubting my ability to enjoy them until I got my hands on this one. I can't believe how much I loved this book. Words can't even describe it. The artwork was exceptional and the storyline was superb. I have the next book on order because I can't quit thinking about it.
It's a story about Marko and Alana. They are lovers but are supposed to be enemies. There's a battle raging between their worlds and as soldiers they should be fighting each other but instead they find love. With that love they bring in a bundle of joy. They are constantly hunted from each side and must do whatever possible to keep their family alive. This amazing journey is not without it's perils and it's very interesting landscape.
The book is highly recommended. I know I will be looking for more from the author, Brian K. Vaughan and the illustrator, Fiona Staples.
It's a story about Marko and Alana. They are lovers but are supposed to be enemies. There's a battle raging between their worlds and as soldiers they should be fighting each other but instead they find love. With that love they bring in a bundle of joy. They are constantly hunted from each side and must do whatever possible to keep their family alive. This amazing journey is not without it's perils and it's very interesting landscape.
The book is highly recommended. I know I will be looking for more from the author, Brian K. Vaughan and the illustrator, Fiona Staples.
I absolutely loved this graphic novel. I've had it on my TBR pile forever and wish I had gotten around to reading it sooner. There is a lot of action, some great characters, a huge world, and tons of creativity. I was quickly completely drawn into the story and can't wait to read more.
This is definitely an adults only graphic novel; there is quite a bit of sex and violence which is depicted in detail. There is also a lot of humor and snark in here which I really enjoyed.
As mentioned this is absolutely action-packed; there are tons of gun fights and space battles. However, there are also a lot of tender scenes and adventuring throughout.
The story bounces between a few different viewpoints; that of the two star-crossed lovers with their new baby, that of a prince tasked with hunting them down, and that of a bounty hunter who takes a job hunting them down. Even with all these characters and viewpoints the story never gets confusing; it's easy to follow and weaves together nicely.
The illustration is very well done; again it was easy to follow and also nicely detailed. I loved the full color throughout and really enjoyed the artwork in general.
I was surprised how quickly I was drawn into the story and how engaging I found all the different characters. At times the story leaves you nearly breathless with the intensity and when I reached the end I wanted more!
One of the best parts is how there is a ton of snarky humor in here; so despite the intensity there is still some light-hearted fun to everything.
Overall this was a phenomenal graphic novel and I can't wait to see what volume 2 holds. I would recommend to those who like sci-fi graphic novels; actually I would recommend to everyone...I really really liked this one!
This is definitely an adults only graphic novel; there is quite a bit of sex and violence which is depicted in detail. There is also a lot of humor and snark in here which I really enjoyed.
As mentioned this is absolutely action-packed; there are tons of gun fights and space battles. However, there are also a lot of tender scenes and adventuring throughout.
The story bounces between a few different viewpoints; that of the two star-crossed lovers with their new baby, that of a prince tasked with hunting them down, and that of a bounty hunter who takes a job hunting them down. Even with all these characters and viewpoints the story never gets confusing; it's easy to follow and weaves together nicely.
The illustration is very well done; again it was easy to follow and also nicely detailed. I loved the full color throughout and really enjoyed the artwork in general.
I was surprised how quickly I was drawn into the story and how engaging I found all the different characters. At times the story leaves you nearly breathless with the intensity and when I reached the end I wanted more!
One of the best parts is how there is a ton of snarky humor in here; so despite the intensity there is still some light-hearted fun to everything.
Overall this was a phenomenal graphic novel and I can't wait to see what volume 2 holds. I would recommend to those who like sci-fi graphic novels; actually I would recommend to everyone...I really really liked this one!
I've been hearing about how good Saga is for a while, so when I was searching through box upon box of comics at Comic Con this year, I came across Volume 1. It was half off, so I figured it couldn't hurt to get just one....
I'm hooked. This story is great and the art is beautiful. I never did find Volume 2, but I'm kicking myself for not grabbing the other Volumes I found because the price was right!!
I don't even know how to review this, other than to say that the story keeps you hungry for more. I want to know more about this war. How and why did it start? Does anyone even know what they're fighting for anymore? Has anyone even considered peace? How did Marko and Alana fall in love? How did they escape? How will they stay safe? So many questions; it's like watching an episode of Lost! I cannot wait to get a hold of Volume 2.
I'm hooked. This story is great and the art is beautiful. I never did find Volume 2, but I'm kicking myself for not grabbing the other Volumes I found because the price was right!!
I don't even know how to review this, other than to say that the story keeps you hungry for more. I want to know more about this war. How and why did it start? Does anyone even know what they're fighting for anymore? Has anyone even considered peace? How did Marko and Alana fall in love? How did they escape? How will they stay safe? So many questions; it's like watching an episode of Lost! I cannot wait to get a hold of Volume 2.
