‘Saga #44’ Review
Written by Brian K. Vaughan | Art by Fiona Staples | Published by Image Comics
Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples have put out another good issue of Saga. What’s new right? Next thing I will be writing a review over the wetness of water or blueness of the sky. When you answer the question of what makes this book so great there are a lot of choices, but when you look at what has given it such a longevity over these past few years there are specific answers that are demonstrated in this issue. Vaughn crafted a script that is not afraid to be mean to its characters as nothing comes easy. A simple trip to the doctor is becoming an incredible journey.
Alana and Marko are still desperately searching for a doctor who can help them with the dead fetus that is causing Alana to fall ill and have random magical powers. The last issue ended on a rather somber note, one that was poignant and showed that Vaughn and Staples were not taking this storyline lightly. That continues here as Alana begins to feel guilt for what has occurred as she feels her past sins are responsible for what happened. It is a very complex and prolonged event and what we are seeing is that approaching the issue that Vaugh and Staples are approaching in a complete and challenging way.
Somehow this book that has been going on for years about aliens from a far off galaxy is still incredibly timely. Health care is very much in the news and the commentary here is evident. Alana and Marko are two parents in a desperate situation due in large part to the prejudicial structure they live in. Vaughn is no stranger to social politics as he is the person who gave us Y:The Last Man. Where Saga differs is its commentary is much more in the subtext of the story. Well for the most part. There are times when it will be blatantly called out like the last issue. At its heart, it is a story about a family that continues to find ways to get into trouble.
All that heavy material is balanced with what is one of the most ridiculous worlds we have seen in the Saga universe so far. I am all for Westerns in space especially when the Cowboys are also half-horse. In true Saga style, it ends on another major shock that will certainly bring this entire plot thread full circle. Not that Saga fans really need another reason to pick up the next issue.
**** 4/5
