Happy Saga Day to all who celebrate, as issue #63 is released in comic shops today. The latest issue was delayed a touch, but given we waited years for the series to return, I think we’re used to it. In the latest issue, the second story arc since the hiatus continues as Alana is trying to do what’s best for her kids, and her kids want to do what they think is best for their dads. Aka, bring them back to life. I’m sure that’ll go smoothly!
The latest issue features a few pleasant smash cuts, some developments with Squire and Hazel, and nice reminders that this is also a series about the social commentary of today. All in all, it’s a bridge issue, to be sure, but it progresses the plot — possibly too much, with a lot of exposition — for the larger story nicely.
Starting with the social commentary, readers see what Alana is up to so she can put food on the table for her kids. It’s very clearly a nod to the Amazon worker’s situation of today, with Alana and a blob alien putting junk into cardboard boxes as it whizzes by on a conveyer belt. They’re constantly monitored by what can only be described as Nazgûl or maybe Dementors who wear reflective vests. It’s no way to work, with Alana even having to pee into a grate as she likely has no bathroom breaks. It’s a good reminder this series isn’t just about characters doing their best, but captures the pulse of today’s society.
Meanwhile, Hazel and Squire end up figuring out how real the magic is that might bring their parents back. Last issue, Alana ruled out the magic ever working, but this issue seems to suggest it’s a possibility. That said, given how much time has passed, do these characters need to move on with their lives, or still hold out hope he might return? The larger question is something for the characters to contemplate, and for the reader as well. This is just one of a few ways the series makes thoughtful points that’ll get you thinking about your own life.
Don’t mess with them.
Credit: Image
Fans of Petrichor will enjoy this issue as she gets a key flashback. She’s also holding onto things as she ponders how she was once going to change her name and live a new life. Flash forward to her desire to kill The Will and “fix” things in her life, and we can see she’s as mixed up as Hazel.
The adult nature of the issue is in full effect here. We get to see someone hang dong, there’s plenty of naughty language, and some gore thrown in too. More than once I pondered how this series offers adult material you can’t get anywhere else.
The issue falters a bit when it cuts to Gwendolyn, who tries to make a deal with the Robot Kingdom. There’s a lot of explanation, way more than usual for Saga, that bogs this scene down into an info-dump drudgery. We’re getting to see the political side of things and how the Robot Kingdom might have a rebellion growing against them. Brian K. Vaughan writes the Robot emissary well, though. She has tons of attitude and is clearly high on her lent power to speak for the king. That said, it’s not clear where this is going nor why we should care.
The issue ends with Hazel and Squire rushing to steal stuff. Something has been brewing with Squire, and we get to see a possible darker and more violent side of him here. One can see the nature vs. nurture element of Squire sprouting here. Having been raised by people seeking peace, can he ever tamp down the violent and arrogant side of his parentage?
Saga #63 is a perfectly fine chapter, although it does more to progress its plots for more entertaining purposes later. It’s also a bit heavy with its exposition, but there’s enough here to please fans of the characters, the world-building, and the naughty edgy side we don’t get anywhere else. Regardless, this issue is very good at making you think about life in general, as well as your own.
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