‘Saga #43’ Review

Written by  Brian K. Vaughan | Art by Fiona Staples | Published by Image Comics

Saga is easily the most decorated book currently going today and will probably go down as the greatest book of this current generation. Still, even with that I would argue it is can be under appreciated. It is a victim of its own success so when it puts out a great comic it is looked at as commonplace, or worse if it is simply good people are ready to shout it is not as good as it once was.

Due to some heavy-handed commentary, this is a good issue with some great moments. When Brian K. Vaughan opens up an issue with an owl dawning a large cowboy hat standing next to a large “Abortion Town” sign he is clearly not attempting to be subtle. After the shocking events of the last issue, Alana and Prince Robot have traveled to a new planet to find a medical solution to Alana’s miscarriage.

The abortion topic is not one that is talked about much in media let alone comics so I give Vaughn and Staples credit for approaching the issue. Where the commentary gets murky is when you are dealing with a miscarriage situation. No matter if I agree or disagree with what message they are sending it felt dishonest to not include that piece in the opening conversation they had with the before mentioned owl. Especially when compared to the ending of this issue that approaches a similar topic with much more tact and impact.

If abortion is a topic rarely touched upon with media miscarriages are never talked about period. Since its early beginnings Saga has been about touching upon that taboo so it makes sense it would approach topics of this nature, and the final moments in this issue are chilling. For anyone who has ever experience a similar situation, it is especially touching.

Forty-three issues in and I get the sense Saga is just getting started. I know some have grown tired with the slow progression of some of the major story elements and feel the narrative should be further than it is currently. Why I think it works is because when major events do happen they always feel earned. Each character has been built to a point where you can have an issue like this one that touches on a number of social issues, some of which I have not mentioned, and does not feel overstuffed or too preachy. Saga is that gift that keeps on giving.

**** 4/5