Review - Saga #6

Is there anything more imaginative out there than Saga #6 from Image Comics? Maybe, but there's probably little that rivals its creativity and sheer magnificence.

The issue is written by Brian K. Vaughan, illustrated by Fiona Staples and lettered by Fonografiks.

The sixth issue returns to Hazel's narration, providing the sort of future/past statements that let the reader know what will happen. Marko and Alana have decided their new destination is Quietus, a planet that they hope will get them away from their pursuers.

Meanwhile, The Will is making a turn of sorts, becoming something of a sympathetic anti-hero. He's making it personal with Prince Robot IV for The Stalk's death, setting up an interesting subplot further complicating the search for Alana and Marko. Both groups of characters seem on track to meet at some point, with a surprise ending that further complicates matters.

There aren't enough superlatives to fully do Vaughan justice--he's just that damn good. The issue is one that seemingly features nothing happening, but everything's happening when you think about it. There's great character development committed to the main players, with the plot unfolding at a very deliberate pace.

The twist at the end is definitely that. This review isn't aiming to spoil anything, but it's the kind of twist that makes complete sense when you think about it, but it's also one you're likely to not see coming at all. That's what makes Saga so good. It's predictably unpredictable.

Staples continues to kill it with the art, providing lush, depressed settings for the characters to play in. You can tell she takes great pride in her work, making sure to imbue each panel with an emotion matching that of the dialogue. Somehow, she manages to make an inventive story even more creative with her renderings of, well, everything, and the series is that much better for it.

Saga isn't a story you plow through. It's one you have to savor and enjoy, lingering on each page and letting it wash over you. That sounds incredibly cliche (and probably trite), but it's just the truth. Saga is quite possibly the best comic out right now and deserves to be read by everyone.

If you're not reading it, it's not too late to get caught up. If you are reading it, then you know that you're enjoying one great comic.

Saga #6 is in stores now.