Saga (Comic) #42 Review: The End of the War of Phang

Title Saga #42

Story by Brian K. Vaughan

Art by Fiona Staples

Publisher: Image Comics

Release Date: 1/25/17

I’m sure you must have heard of Saga in passing if you have paid any attention to comic books over the last few years. I would best describe this series as a mix of Romeo and Juliet meets Firefly which has been a popular way to describe Saga. There are some intense moments in this series and this issue does not disappoint being the end of the War for Phang.

–Spoiler–

The issue starts off with the Sophie asking Gwendolyn about what the cost of war is leading Gwen to respond stating the war is justified against the group that started it (Landfallians). Marco coming off the last issue is about to execute his robotic passenger until stopped by Petri and bringing fuel. Meanwhile, Alana and Hazel ask Jabarah and the rest of their new friends to leave Phang due to its grim forecast being leading to a no.

The Stalk is trying to convince The Will that he should remain hunting Marco for Gwen despite numerous rejections. Things quickly get out of hand when The Will’s past bites him being shot but still alive more than can be said for Sweet Boy. Meanwhile, out in space, the HMS Royal observer is obliterated by the terrorist group The Last Revolution trying to reclaim Phang. Marco and the gang are forced to make a quick getaway as Phang is falling apart killing many, including Marco’s and Alana’s unborn child.

–Spoiler–

Saga’s War for Phang arc definitely ends the way many would expect with much death and some shocking events such as (spoiler) the loss of Marco’s and Alana’s unborn child. This issue continues to build the story for more reaction to recent events while rolling out new material for down the road.

Staples’ art for me is the best part of Saga as it is near perfection in my book. Vivid coloring paired with medium penciling capture the fantasy aspect in this series. Paneling is also good as it dramatizes important parts of the book.

This issue has a lot of graphic material within the pages but what else would we expect from Vaughan. This may turn some readers off that they would include such material. However, there are plenty that like this comic as it is grounded for a fantasy series making it Image’s #2 series only behind The Walking Dead. 

Rating 9.0/10