Saga Series by Brian K. Vaughan [Feb. 13, 2019]

[Katie]

Starting today we'll be reading Saga, Vol. 1

Try to read one volume a day if possible. If not just chime on in when you can. And now it's time to dive into the bizarre world of Saga :)

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

I love this series so far!! I need the next one to come out due to the ending of the last book!

[Katie]

Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ wrote: "I love this series so far!! I need the next one to come out due to the ending of the last book!"

Oh no, not a cliffhanger?! O.O Feel free to chime on in when more when this BR gets started with all your feels with the series. Remember those spoiler tags though XP

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

I won’t say anything 😊. But yes to the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers!

[Elinor]

I may join you for volume 3 and so on ^^ (but I thought you were doing an issue a day and not a volume a day ? did I get it wrong ?)

[Katie]

Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ wrote: "I won’t say anything 😊. But yes to the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers!"

hehe, much appreciated Melissa. I can't wait to dig into the first volume tonight! I absolutely adore how Brian K. Vaughan writes his characters, they just jump off the page ^^

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥]

I hope you love them! They are some of my favs 😃

[EchoBaz(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader)]

Read the first issue so far. It's even better than I remember!

[Katie]

MorteTorment(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader) wrote: "Read the first issue so far. It's even better than I remember!"

That's awesome MorteTorment! What did you like the most?
[and please remember to tag spoilers, because I haven't gotten around to reading it yet ^^ ]

[Nyssa]

GoodReads has been recommending this series to me for years!
I'dliketo take part in the buddy read, but I know I will nor be able to complete a volume today, as I have too many other commitments (bot reading and otherwise).

[EchoBaz(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader)]

Katie wrote: "MorteTorment(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader) wrote: "Read the first issue so far. It's even better than I remember!"

That's awesome MorteTorment! What did you like the most?
[and please rememb..."

Of course, as a general rule I use them.

Volume 1, chapter 1 spoilers

(view spoiler)[Loved how when the 2 main characters thought that they were going to die, both parties that went after they accidentally shot each other at the same time. Man that was an intense build up, and that pay off was perfect! (hide spoiler)]

[Nyssa]

MorteTorment(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader) wrote: "Volume 1, chapter 1 spoilers

(view spoiler) "

But also confusing. (view spoiler)[ I mean, how did they miss!?! (hide spoiler)] I assumed it was done for comic effect. (view spoiler)[I was also curious to know if the baby had anything to do with it (hide spoiler)].

What intrigues me is that there were so many things about the volume that I usually would not like (which is why I avoided it for so long), that ended up just working.

I rounded my rating up to a five because I was so surprised that I liked it.

[Katie]

~Volume One Thoughts~
Wow, I mean I love this comic, but it's also so strange at times. haha. The character artist must have a blast with all of the unique characters. (view spoiler)[There are sea horse agents, gorgeous human hybrid variations, stalky spider people, pompous tv princes, not to mention those odd folk at Sexitillion. XD I'm not always fond of the shock value on some of those panels, but I make do because I'm so invested in this Romeo/Juliet kinda family <3

And I find it so very interesting how the books are told from Hazel's perspective. Definitely sense some foreshadowing here and there. And her parents. Oh my goodness. Best couple. Their banter has had me laughing out loud in multiple occasions.

The side characters are less interesting to me at this point, but I still love the backstory build up. Can't wait to see when these folk cross paths. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

Nyssa wrote: "MorteTorment(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader) wrote: "Volume 1, chapter 1 spoilers

(view spoiler) "

But also confusing. [spoilers removed] I assumed it was done for comic effect. [spoilers remo..."

That moment in chapter one was classic. So good! (view spoiler)[But I really feared for them. I don't want poor Hazel to become an orphan :( How they missed though? I have no idea, they either have storm trooper kinda accuracy or it's what you mentioned Nyssa in that there was some kinda magic at work. Maybe even from the baby :) (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

~Volume 2~ (50%)
I didn't manage to finish this volume yesterday...but I got a good start. Oh my goodness I love all of the backstory of the main couple. (view spoiler)[To witness their 'meet cute' first hand was a sight to behold XD And I'm also curious about that author from those romance novels...he seems to have some all together bigger purpose...hmmm...

And the grandparents finally get to meet their granddaughter in that rocket tree (which is the most beautiful spaceship I've ever seen). They seem like really interesting folk. I really appreciated the backstory upfront of Marko's father. The art was so beautiful and offputting. Such a past they have...

I stopped around the part where Gwen is working with that freelancer. Gwen seems like such a badass, I can't wait to hear more about her and her connections to marko :)



(hide spoiler)]

But that's all for now. Book three today if anyone finds the time :D

[Elinor]

Katie wrote: "~Volume One Thoughts~
Wow, I mean I love this comic, but it's also so strange at times. haha. The character artist must hav a blast with all of the unique characters. There are sea horse agents, go..."

+ Volume 2 as well : my thoughts exactly, it's scary even ^^

[Katie]

Elinor Master of Gifs wrote: "+ Volume 2 as well : my thoughts exactly, it's scary even ^^
"

Right though? XD

[Katie]

~Volume 2~ (100%)
Just finished volume two of Saga! Man, I love the roller coaster ride that is this makeshift family <3

(view spoiler)[First of all Isabel is great! Best babysitter ever. She’s a tough cookie that one, surviving on that egg planet till friendlies came to her rescue. And the planet. Very cool concept. I’ve heard of stuff like that before from Doctor Who and such, but to have midwives and creatures on the planet to help with the birth? Nice touch!

Im so glad that the freelancer saved lying cat. Gotta love that blunt kitty ^^ But to see Barr, Marko’s father, die as he saved everyone else’s live... :’(

I’m really worried about what happens to our ‘heroes’ next. That prince TV is crazy! I hope no one else dies. (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

~Volume 3~
Holy crap!!! (view spoiler)[I did not expect the little slave girl to stab the will in the neck like that!!! What?! Messing with one’s head is no fun. No no.

I absolutely loved the family time with the writer in the lighthouse. Games, books, bonding...it was such a touching moment. And much needed for our adventurers.
“It wasn’t exactly action packed, but if most of your childhood didn’t look exactly like this, I feel sorry for you.”

The two elders even got a nice talk in about dealing with the loss of those they loved :(

Okay....just finished the book. Oh my goodness. This series is gonna mess with my emotions so much. :’( Gah! I just want a happy ending for them. (hide spoiler)]

[Nyssa]

Vol. 2 was a pretty cool installment.

(view spoiler)[I like Slave Girl. I hope they give her an actual name soon, though. I also hope she ends up siding with Marko and Alana. If she can convince The Will too, then even better. (hide spoiler)]

I just happened upon the Saga Wikia page which had the translation for Blue. So, I'll be keeping that page up as I continue the series.

I agree with you, Katie, about Barr and Lying Cat.

I look forward to Vol. 3, but it will be a few days as I have a paper to work on for school tomorrow, and an exam on Monday.

[Katie]

Nyssa wrote: "I just happened upon the Saga Wikia page which had the translation for Blue. So, I'll be keeping that page up as I continue the series."

They have the translations for the people of Wreath? Oh my goodness! I didn't know that. Now I'll have to check out the wikia next time too when I get around to the next comic :)

No worries. I feel like this BR is just read it when you can. I myself still have to pick up the next volumes from the library ^^

[Nyssa]

Here is the link: Blue Language. I have not traveled beyond that page to see just how many of the comics it covers, though, so as not to spoil anything.

[Katie]

Nyssa wrote: "Here is the link: Blue Language. I have not traveled beyond that page to see just how many of the comics it covers, though, so as not to spoil anything."

Thank you so much for the share Nyssa!

[Katie]

~Volume Four~
So this volume was kinda meh for me. (view spoiler)[Most of the time it discussed the storyline of Prince IV with his amnesia and later murder of his wife and theft of his son. I’m just not a fan of this android arc at all.

The other half of the time it was about how Alana and Marko were becoming more distant due to their hardships in keeping a family together and supported. It was really disheartening to see.

One thing I do wish is that we had seen more of Sophie and Gwen. That final chapter was really fun! And I like how much Sophie has grown up, trying to right her wrongs. Here’s hoping we see more of that in the next issue.

And I’m really curious as to how the new prince and wreath duo will work out O.o (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

~Volume 5~
Oh my goodness, I think this is my favorite volume yet! Now we’re really getting somewhere. All of the diverging story plots are coming together in the funnest of ways. (view spoiler)[First of all I’m extremely glad that the freelancer lady trio is back. I could honestly read a spin off book of these strong ladies. And finding that secret dragon ingredient, ha the things they go through for the Will. ....Well I thought it was funny at first. I mean they always have to have a dick pic in these comics don’t they? ....but then shit got real 😢

I’m actually also really intrigued by Dongo the android and his quest to stop the war. Though I disagree with his methods...I can understand where he is coming from. And then we get to see what some other forms of the rebellion are actually like. He’s still a father deep down. Like when he told hazel to “Keep her eyes on me”, a cute flower displaying on his vintage screen as he shoots down the one threatening her life 😞 I’m so thankful that Marko pulled Alana out of her deep hatred for Dongo. That was really strong what they did. But Prince IV...

And my favorite part is this new bunch of adventurers with Marko. Come together for a common goal - to reunite their families. Even though they hate their guts. It’s like the odd couple to a certain extent. Enjoyable to see the opposites reacts and such XD And oh my goodness I’m so glad that Ghul is a part of their team! He’s just so cute in his lil overalls, and he adds some much needed voice of reason to the team. And cuteness, did I mention cuteness? Lol.

There are honestly so many good messages in these books. Especially written about relationships and life. Just little things, Hazel’s thought bubbles written in on the side. They’re so wonderful. ^^

Rip Yuma, Sophie, and Yuma 😢 (hide spoiler)]

[EchoBaz(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader)]

I really dug into Saga yesterday, and lost myself in the first two volumes.

I gotta be honest, I have my personal favorites(Zenescope's Robyn Hood, Z's WOnderland) but this is EASILY the best Graphic novel I've ever read. I see why a very precious friend of mine is getting a sleeve tattoo with a ton of characters from Saga.

Gonna try to stay on track, and read a volume a day.

[EchoBaz(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader)]

Nyssa wrote: "Here is the link: Blue Language. I have not traveled beyond that page to see just how many of the comics it covers, though, so as not to spoil anything."

thanks so much!

Oh, and my favorite character is Isabel.

[Shyla]

Nyssa wrote: "Here is the link: Blue Language. I have not traveled beyond that page to see just how many of the comics it covers, though, so as not to spoil anything."

Nyssa wrote: "Here is the link: Blue Language. I have not traveled beyond that page to see just how many of the comics it covers, though, so as not to spoil anything."

Whoa! Cool! Thanks for sharing :)

[Nyssa]

You are all very welcome for the link. :D

My Saga enjoyment will be delayed for a while, but I look forward to reading them.

I broke down and purchased all nine volumes. :)

[Katie]

MorteTorment(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader) wrote: "Oh, and my favorite character is Isabel."

She is the absolute best ^^

[EchoBaz(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader)]

Nyssa wrote: "You are all very welcome for the link. :D

My Saga enjoyment will be delayed for a while, but I look forward to reading them.

I broke down and purchased all nine volumes. :)"

Oooooh! did you pick it up via the comixology sale?

[Nyssa]

No. I was considering subscribing but they don’t seem to offer full series. They offer one or two and then you have to buy the rest. So, I just bought this series.

[EchoBaz(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader)]

yeah, comixology does offer a LOT of full series stuff though. A lot of Zenescope's stuff is free, like almost everything up until 2016. and IIRC there's a couple image full series that are part of it.

Anyways, halfway through Volume 3. just finished volume 3. Damn that plot twist with 6 year old sophie and the bald man that saved her.

[EchoBaz(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader)]

Read Issue 16. You know, I might actually like Lying Cat more than Isabella. Not sure, but it's pretty close!

[Katie]

~Volume 6~
I finally got back around to Saga the other night ^^ I’m really enjoying seeing young Hazel grow up. She’s learning oh so much. (view spoiler)[And for her to trust the teacher like that? Revealing her secret even. She definitely has a good read on people.

And I’m glad that Alana and Marko have gone on the mend. Fighting to get their daughter back has brought them closer together ^^

Still though. I absolutely love Ghus and Friendo. They are the cutest and most loyal pair. I can’t help but smile when they are on the page. And him defending the prince’s son like that? Precious ^^

And that reunion with Hazel and her dad... He carried the doll with him all that time T_T

And I did not expect that ending!! So happy for the couple ^^ (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

~Volume 7~
Jeez. These last few issues... those hard hits to the heart :(
(view spoiler)[Here are some random thoughts as I read along ^^

Not Isabel! Not our precious goober! 😭

Those new little meerkat-like characters are just the cutest. I’m so glad that the family is sharing their lives with others. It gives Hazel a chance to grow, especially playing with kids her age. Side note - that bit where her and Kurti were watching Prince IV’s nightmares was kinda hilarious. I mean they were disturbing dreams...but the things kids do for entertainment, am I right? 😆

Lying cat having to choose between the Will and Sophie was adorable. That little girl has come a long way. And I think her and Gwen have made her all the stronger ^^ It's kinda sad how the Will has fallen though...

"The more you care about someone, the more likely that your eventual parting of ways will be as sudden as it is baffling." - so true to life.

Noooo! 😭😭😭 How can this volume end like that?! I can’t even...And to end with several stark black pages....it just hurts so much 😢 (hide spoiler)]

[Katie]

How's everyone else doin' with Saga? Tell me where you all are at, I wanna know ^^

[Katie]

~Volume 8~
These comics actually discuss a lot of serious subject matter. They have written about drug addiction, sexual identity, PTSD, familial strive and now (view spoiler)[ miscarriages. I really appreciate how they approach such things. The way it is written, is very reflective of how ordinary people would react. Alana’s miscarriage was such a sorrowful affair, but her family and friends had her back <3

And the side effect of this loss... Magic??? Having projections of her unborn son? 😢That was so touching, humorous, and sad all bundled in one. Kurti the 2nd's and Hazel’s interactions were heart warming ^^



Not sweet boy too! Why do they keep writing off all of the characters I like? :(

At least this volume had a happier end, I'm glad they are all reunited once more ^^
(hide spoiler)]

[EchoBaz(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader)]

Katie wrote: "How's everyone else doin' with Saga? Tell me where you all are at, I wanna know ^^"

Edit: if you saw what I said before, sorry, lemme try again

I'm sorry, can't get myself to read any more of this at the moment. I thought that we were only gonna read an issue a day, which seemed eas to stick to, but as soon as you started you said to try to read a volume a day, which was way too overwhelming to do that consistently, and I felt kinda hopeless.

Add this with the fact that in month there's only been two buddy reads total, 3 now as of this month, with a like 2 week long delay between the next, and I think I just kinda gave up on this group altogether for a while. We need more people damnit!

[Nyssa]

I had to put the series on hold due to my work/school schedule. Plus I'm catching up on March's BotM inn one of my other groups.

I expect to return to and restart Saga in April.

[EchoBaz(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader)]

To be clear, I'm putting Saga on hold, but I'm not quitting the comic book group. Tell me Katie, what would you like to read next? Maybe something that's under 40 issues? Although I'd totally be up for something as long as Saga is right now if you don't mind jumping back forth between it and another graphic novel.

edit: in fact, if we jumped back and forth, I could probably manage a volume almost every day. The real big problem more than anything is that because there's so few buddy reads it gets old only getting to read and discuss only one graphic novel at a time.

[Elinor]

So, kind of forget to go back to Saga, but here I am reading volume... 3. Yep. I'm in issue 14, they just met (view spoiler)[the writer and he just threw up on Hazel and they are following him. And I need to agree with Izabel (who is the best ever) : seriously, you're following this weirdo ? (hide spoiler)]

[EchoBaz(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader)]

Elinor Master of Gifs wrote: "So, kind of forget to go back to Saga, but here I am reading volume... 3. Yep. I'm in issue 14, they just met [spoilers removed]"

You agree that Izabel is the best character? Awesome! hehehe

[Elinor]

Yes she is ! Funny and as bad-ass as a ghost can be ^^ But strange thing is, I like all of them. The goodies, the baddies. All of them.

[Katie]

MorteTorment(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader) wrote: "To be clear, I'm putting Saga on hold, but I'm not quitting the comic book group. Tell me Katie, what would you like to read next? Maybe something that's under 40 issues? Although I'd totally be up..."

No worries about saga Morte :) Read up when you can ^^

As for other comics, I do prefer to do shorter runs. Also ones that I can find in print at the library, so my options are somewhat limited. Things are kinda crazy for me this and next month with work and travel, but I would love to join you sometime in May for another comic BR ^^

[Katie]

Elinor Master of Gifs wrote: "Yes she is ! Funny and as bad-ass as a ghost can be ^^ But strange thing is, I like all of them. The goodies, the baddies. All of them."

She's the best, but some many of the characters grow and involve in the series. Even some that I hated from the start have begun to grow on me...even if it's just a little xD

[EchoBaz(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader)]

Katie wrote: "MorteTorment(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader) wrote: "To be clear, I'm putting Saga on hold, but I'm not quitting the comic book group. Tell me Katie, what would you like to read next? Maybe some..."

Gah! the site ate my post that I made like a couple hours after you said this.

You can't read anything till a month and half from now? Oh come on...I mean understand, you got a life and a career to focus on. I just really wish that more people would come to this place.

We should probably advertise this a couple times a week on the buddy read request topic.

[Katie]

MorteTorment(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader) wrote: "Katie wrote: "MorteTorment(Unofficial World's Fastest Reader) wrote: "To be clear, I'm putting Saga on hold, but I'm not quitting the comic book group. Tell me Katie, what would you like to read ne..."

Well I'm kinda studying for my black belt at the moment, have four D&D games, and have an upcoming trip to Japan ^^; So that ontop of work and BR schedules life is kinda hectic for me. lol. But if you think of something short that I can find at my library I'd totally be up for trying something :)

[Katie]

Besides, don't you still have Saga to finish Morte? lol. Who else can I talk to about that ending!? lol. Oh, you finished it, right Melissa?? Now I totally see what you mean about needing the next book to come out soon >_<

[Elinor]

Good luck for your black belt Katie !! I'm sure you can do it ! I stopped after my... was it really green belt ?! Also four D&D games seems a lot ! Also !! Did I tell you I decided to go to Japan too ? :D I'm going in May, it's super exciting !! I'm doing not so bad with my japanese studies :)