Writer: Brian K. Vaughn

Artist: Fiona StaplesI realize that my turns at bat for Weekend Coverage get a little self indulgent in the analysis of the artform of comics, but I feel like that’s what you, the reader, is here for in the first place. Geekdom, as a whole, is ideally a safe space where people can come together and build fellowship behind these little aspects of comics we love that perhaps friends and coworkers won’t always understand. With all that said, I’m going to talk about Saga.

Brian K. Vaughn’s unconventional space opera is pretty consistently one of best, most accessible titles that one can find on the shelves. People that have never seen nor touched a comic in their lives have approached me about this book, swearing by it. There are only a handful of comics I’ve seen in my lifetime that have such a level of consistent crossover appeal while not compromising their inherent strangeness. The cover from Issue #1 is equal parts bold, satirical and beautiful. It’s a sendup of the syrupy Harlequin-esque romance novels that inspire female lead, Alana, but it’s also an unapologetic opening statement that reads, “This comic is not for kids nor is it for the squeamish.” And the squeamish certainly responded, offended at the sight of a fictional character breastfeeding her fictional infant daughter. Comic fans raised eyebrows, notable illustrators blogged furiously and stores refused to carry it. The creative team didn’t care. There was a point in the first issue that featured a detailed depiction of our narrator, Hazel’s actual birth and even another issue where we see her conception. Obviously, the book’s artist, Fiona Staples couldn’t care less about the easily offended. In fact, in the interest of upsetting the naysayers even further, the Vol. 1 hardcover featured a closeup angle of Hazel feeding. The cover of Issue #1 is one of those moments that serves as a testament to the awesomeness of the artform that is comic book. It’s a medium that inspires, causes controversy and stirs the senses before you’ve even made it to page one.