By Zack Quaintance and Cory Webber — Let’s talk about Saga’s narration, about the little snippets of Hazel looking back at the story. They just do so much work, both in setting an epic and emotional tone as well as in helping Saga stand apart from other comics, which I think is accomplished mainly through the aesthetic way the font seems to float through the panels, as if it were wisps of nostalgia gently tinging all that’s taking place.

Anyway, my point is that the narration is back and heavier in Saga #6 than it has been in some time, and I’m glad for it. This is the conclusion of the first Saga trade, the one I’ve bought for more than a few people and always been absolutely puzzled if they decide not to move on. How, I wonder, could anyone (regardless of their experience with the medium) stop following this story after these six installments? Then I shake my head and shrug, because, hey, we like what we like and anyway it’s not really my business.

What is my business is continuing this one-issue-per-week plodding Saga re-read. Onward!

Saga #6

Here’s the official preview text from way back when for Saga #6:

The epic hit series continues, as Alana and her baby finally reach the legendary Rocketship Forest, where everything changes forever.                                

Despite the presence of epic phrases like the legendary Rocketship Forest and everything changes forever, this is still a pretty bare bones teaser for the issue. The cover is decent, though, juxtaposing an indelible sign of nature (a bright green leaf) with the harsh and instantly-recognizable void of outer space. The color contrast works well enough too. I wouldn’t, rush, however, to put this cover up with the best of the series.

Now on to our takes!

A Re-Reader’s Perspective by Zack: Ho boy, the brief interaction between Prince Robot IV and The Will put dread in the pit of my stomach. Oh, the things that come...anyway, here’s a great line about our lovers: Marko, the father, is a force of fucking nature. But it’s the mother who really frightens me. Awesome. In terms of craft, it’s evident in this issue that Staples potential is vast and unlimited. Her linework isn’t quite as clean as it becomes, but she’s really nailing the excellent grandeur, specifically the first shot of the spaceship. The design work on the ship’s interior is also interesting as is the ship in flight and the armor for Marko’s parents. I’m noticing upon re-reading that the domestic drama cliffhangers (And then my grandparents came to live with us) are just as significant (if not more so) than those rooted in action or blood.

A New Reader’s Perspective by Cory Webber: The family expands! I love how Marko’s parents were introduced. I just hope Izabel is okay. After all, we see her get zapped and nothing after that. Also, I’ve just assumed Horrors couldn’t die...again, but I digress. Moreover, I loved the developments here: a wood-based rocket ship with empathetic abilities, Marko’s parents being introduced, and The Will showing human emotion (again!). I can’t wait to crack the next issue and see where the intergalactic saga goes next. Although, I will admit I am pretty anxious about this journey based on the general sentiments regarding the developments in the final issue before the hiatus. For now, I’m buckled in and ready to take this ride for eight more volumes! Wish me luck!  

Cory’s New Reader Predictions: Izabel will be okay, right?! I mean, she’s bonded to Hazel. That has to mean something!

Cory Webber is a work-from-home entrepreneur who also reads and reviews comics for fun. Find him on Twitter at @CeeEssWebber. He lives in Lehi, Utah with his wife and three sons.

Zack Quaintance is a journalist who also writes fiction and makes comics. Find him on Twitter at @zackquaintance. He lives in Sacramento, California.