Saga #55
Hazel, Squire, and Alana's adventures continue in Saga #55 by writer Brian K. Vaughan, artist Fiona Staples, and letterer Fonographiks. After a long three years hiatus, Saga returns, and the magic is still there.
In lieu of normally synopsizing this issue, here's what's going to happen- this reviewer will go very broad. Basically, Hazel, Squire, and Alana are still at their old tricks, although this time, they have a new member of their group, Bombazine. The Will brings proof of Marko's death to Gwendolyn, and she has another job for them. Finally, the Treehouse ship runs afoul of some pirates, and Alana lets Hazel and Squire in on a secret.
It's been a long three years. While Vaughan and Staples are the best of the best, there's always the fear that things won't hold up. There's always the chance that Saga #55 isn't going to deliver. Well, that's not a problem here. For those readers who have waited three years hoping for some massive bombshell that could match the last issue, this isn't that. It's just a wonderfully crafted story. It's Saga.
Honestly, that's high praise enough. Vaughan catches readers up with their old favorites and not-so favorites, presents the new status quo that's not much different from the old, and just does a remarkable job in general. There's a moment between Hazel and Squire as they're listening to a song that's perfect and wonderful and captures being young amazingly. It's Saga. It's what the world has been waiting for.
Fiona Staples has long been a great artist, but this issue moves her into fantastic territory. Her character work has actually gotten better if such a thing were possible. Every page is gorgeous. Looking at her art is like seeing a beautiful person again for the first time in ages and realizing they've gotten even more beautiful. She finds a way to capture the feelings of the scene mentioned above with Hazel and Squire perfectly. It's Saga.
Saga #55 is perfect. It's a reunion after years, and Vaughan, Staples, and Fotographiks give readers everything they missed. It's Saga.
