Ratings148
Average rating4.6
There's no better proof of the amazing quality of the storytelling and character building in this series than the level of anger and sadness that the authors are able to generate by playing with the reader's feelings (and patience)
I continue to love this series, especially the illustrations by Fiona Staples. The writing for Brian is a little bit of a hit or miss for me. I've read a few of the other works and usually not a fan, Saga seems to be the exception. This volume's writing for the children's dialogue felt really really awkward. Last volume they had a surprise pregnancy, this volume they're finding a way to deal with it. It's honestly not an exciting volume for me, I'm hoping to see a better one next time.
If you have tokophobia, this issue may be a bit much to handle. You'll be following a pregnant protagonist,this issue also deals with pregnancy complications and abortion. Just a heads up!
~Ashley
Saga: Compendium One collects the first 54 issues of Saga, a science fiction and fantasy adventure romance series examining the follies of war and power of love. Featuring amazing art, compelling characters, a truly imaginative universe, and an outstanding plot. This is a series not to be missed.
This one choked me up a bit. What a cliffhanger ending! I can't believe people had to wait 4 years for the next issue!
It has been a very long time since I've had this much fun with comics! The story follows Alana and Marko, two former soldiers, now deserters from their opposing armies, who got married and went on to found a family. We see their daughter, Hazel, growing up on the run with her parents in a (mostly) hostile universe in which they encounter new friends and enemies alike.
And this is where Saga shines beyond any other comic I've ever encountered: Our fugitives meet a broad range of people who more often than not want to either capture or kill them. Unless there's no other way, Alana, Marko...
... and their very diverse rag tag group of friends...
...and great sidekicks...
...will treat people with respect...
...kindness and the kind of simple decency I wish all of us would apply...
There are certainly very adult topics and scenes but they're very obviously not included to “disturb” or “provoke” but they're sensible parts of the story. This might not be something you want your kids to see but it's part of our adult lives so why exclude it?
The story deals with issues such as war, racism, and sexuality in a thoughtful and nuanced way. It never feels preachy or heavy-handed, but rather adds another layer of depth to an already complex narrative.
The world-building (or rather: universe-building!) in general is brilliant: Vaughan has created a rich and complex universe, filled with different species, cultures, and technologies. The attention to detail is impressive, and I found myself fully immersed in this fantastical world.
The characters are also incredibly well-developed. Alana and Marko are complex and flawed, but ultimately relatable and likeable. Their love story is at the heart of the narrative, but the supporting characters are just as important. From the ghost(ly) babysitter Izabel to the bounty hunter The Will, each character has their own distinct personality and backstory.
The artwork by Fiona Staples is stunning. Her style is unique and dynamic, and she brings Vaughan's imaginative world to life with vivid colours and intricate details. The character designs are also impressive, with each species having their own distinct look and feel.
At times, the artwork feels slightly psychedelic, adding immensely to the overall enjoyment.
I only regret that I managed to get started on yet another unfinished series - and that cliffhanger at the end of “Compendium One” is just plain cruel!
If you have even the slightest interest in comics, graphical novels, epic space operas and/or science fiction, read this!
Five out of five stars!
I gave this 5 stars because it was written, illustrated, and colored really well like all the other Saga volumes/issues before it. This volume broke my heart, I screamed out loud and sobbed and sobbed until I finally accepted what transpired. I'm hesitant to read any of the next issues, I think I'd like to wait for the next volume to come out. I'm so sad, I'm trying to remind myself that this story is worth finishing even if it makes me sad sometimes (most of the time).
Nonono NOT THE FUCKING CLIFFHANGER WTF NONONO THAT DID NOT JUST HAPPEN
WHEN WILL THE NEXT ONE COME OUT I NEED IT RIGHT TF NOOWWWWWW
IM LITERALLY SCREAMING AHHHHHHH
Can't believe this is how such a great series has closed off.
I hate a forced ending, the kind where you can almost hear the writer over your shoulder saying “You get it? You see what I did? Shock value is mature, right?”
Saga deserved better.
Fucking shit fuck.
This comic has literally everything you want and more.
You want the most diverse cast in literature? We got you.
You want laser battles and gore? Say no more fam.
You want full panels of veiny robot cock? You're welcome.
This is the collected edition of the full saga series as of this point and I am waited with baited breath for Fiona staples and Brian k Vaughn to take $4 out of my bank account every week again.
This series messed with my poor little heart. I knew I had to stop at vol.8 and pretend it ended there. Now I crave more xD
Podría escribir una review más completa de esta novela gráfica, pero creo que lo esencial es wtf, cómo, osea, posta ¿Cómo pudieron hacer eso? Si no hay una resurrección no voy a leer más, we.
Shit.
What an absolutely amazing way to fuck with my head. Saga is a goddamn masterpiece.
Fear not, we have 54 more issues to go:
“[...] And Fiona and I are excited to finally share with everyone that this compendium represents the first half of our story, a planned 108-issue epic!”
hot damn! that was shocking and i cannot believe what i've just read! truly amazing!
This volume is gut-wrenching and beautiful. I can't wait and yet I'm terrified for the next one.
Finally finished Saga, it is excellent. One of the best works of art I've had the pleasure of absorbing in years.
To of taken a hiatus here I just know that however many years we still have to wait for the next one, it is probably just going to be a disappointment. What a shame.
Oh no! So many fatalities!
Also, I love little Hazel.
Accidentally took out the French version, which I'll try to avoid next time, as I don't want to miss out on the smart writing.