Saga #22

The Good

Family life isn't going as well as it seems. Alana, focused on her work more than her family, has been taking drugs, and finds out Marko may have a thing for Hazel's dance teacher. Across the galaxy, Prince Robot is on the hunt for his wife's killer and looking for his son.

First and foremost, the design for King Robot is insane/hilarious/brilliant. We get to see the weird "evolutionary" scope of these television-head characters. King Robot is a large guy with a ridiculously over-sized flat-screen tv for a head, with a waterfall to convey his sadness for his daughter-in-law's death. It says a lot about culture and classicism with this race of alien. It's an eye opening experience to understand who Prince Robot is and where he comes from.

Brian K Vaughan is moving this series along quite nicely. The characters are well-developed and the dialogue is wonderful. The scene between Alana and Marko moves forward the idea that they are moving apart. Everything just works organically and while the scene is heart wrenching, it's done so well and with a great purpose.

As always, Fiona Staples visually tells a story flawlessly. Her style is fantastic and she does some great work with facial expressions here, especially during the Marko/Alana argument. In addition, here color work throughout the whole issue is a great contrast to the more depressing tone of this issue.

The final scenes of this issue are pretty thrilling, and without spoiling anything, lots of things are all coming to a head that have been set up since issue one because of one man's choices. Seriously, this is some brilliant story telling and pacing.

The Bad

The events of this issue, for long term fans, will break your heart.

The Verdict

SAGA is still amazing, who would have thought? BKV and Staples are really moving forward with a great story that really grabs the heart-strings of the reader. Frankly, I can't think of another comic I'm this emotionally invested in. Overall, I highly recommend this issue and picking up the rest of the series as well.

I lost my $#!% when I saw the double page spread of King Robot. It only got worse when his head couldn't fit in any of the smaller panels........ P.S. Best cover of the week......

I am really starting to hate Brian K. Vaughan so much. One man shouldn't be able to play with my emotions so much.

Why do I get the feeling either Alana or Marko aren't long for the world of the living?

Saga has become one of the books I usually am not most excited to read but every time I read it I'm reminded of how great it is. It's the most human and relatable story featuring non human characters

... I feel like I need a hug you guys ...

Don't even say that!

.

..

...

....You're probably right. :(

If he is right, I don't think I could handle that.

Between LMAO when we first see King Robot to crying at the end...GDI

So difficult collecting this series in trade :( but the first few issues are so expensive on ebay now aha

King Robot was the best thing in comics this week! :D

x.x

It took Invincable over 100 issues to make me cry but this is doing it in less than 30 x.x

Gna read this with my girlfriend so we can cry together :'(

SUPER BOWL PARTY AT KING ROBOT'S PLACE!

i'll bring the ice cream and we can cry together.

Saga is excellent, I find it that much more enjoyable when B.K.Vaughan holds back on the f word.

Marko hasn't done anything wrong...yet. I get that Alana is upset, but if Marko might hold thoughts of straying, you address those. You don't self-destruct. As much as it hurts to have your loved one think of another like that.

I think this is just gonna drive Marko into Ginny's arms and Alana's gonna find out, after regretting her earlier freak-out. Oh god. I can't. I thought Marko would stray first, but this is no better. I can't.

This sums up my feelings pretty much perfectly.

Its a wonderful time for comics - and this is the stand-out book! Another fantastic issue.

What an awesome first page. As always.