Coming into this week, I expected Saga #55 to be my choice. I’d be willing to bet nearly everyone expected that to be the case. But as much as Saga is known for meeting those lofty expectations, that still seems like a tough challenge after a three-year pause. Yet, here we are.
Image Comics
Written by: Brian K. Vaughan
Art by: Fiona Staples
Letters by: Fonografiks
With so many players involved in the final issues before the pause — on top of the major developments — there was so much for Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples to get to. They did, though they also didn’t.
One of the things that’s so impressive about Saga is the story moves at a very consistent tempo. Vaughan bounces around well, and Staples always provides those full-page shots that offer a moment to reset and take everything in. They always give readers what they need in the moment and nothing more — a large part of why Saga fans are always hungry. That’s exactly what we get with Saga #55. More of the same, in the best of ways, but there’s still so much more to get to. Quite a few important characters who we didn’t see in Saga #55, but what’s the rush?
The end of Saga #55 is perfect. An “oh wow” moment that’s delivered so casually. It’ll be problematic for the family on its own, but the ceiling for how bad things can get is even after Hazel’s experiences this issue.
While Hazel is evolving into a badass herself, I think we’re at the start of another transformation for Alana. She’s shouldering a lot — even more than before — and she’s doing whatever she can to take care of those relying on her. But what happens when it becomes too much?
Honorable Mention: Peacemaker: Disturbing the Peace #1, DC vs. Vampires #4, X Deaths of Wolverine #1, Gunslinger Spawn #4
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