Comics
Review: ‘Saga’ #13
Finally after a wait that seemed like an eternity, “Saga” returns to the scene in fantastic fashion. This book is a genre mesh of epic proportions but for those unfamiliar with this title; picture “The Lord of the Rings”, “Firefly”, and “Star Wars” having some sort of weird love triangle baby and “Saga” is what you would get. The team behind this series is mind blowing in every way shape and form. Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples put on a how-to-make-a-masterpiece clinic. I have nothing but praise for these two.
WRITTEN BY: Brian K. Vaughan
ART BY: Fiona Staples
PUBLISHER: Image
RELEASE DATE: August 14
PRICE: 2.99
“Saga” doesn’t pick up exactly where its previous issue left off, instead it goes back a ways to catch up with Marko and Alana after their minor confrontation with an enormously destructive space baby. Being the first book of a fresh arc this issue jumps around to the different characters that were left out of issue #12 to give a little refresher on their current situations. For those who don’t own the trades (get on that) the way this book refreshes allows for a greater understanding of the overall plot line. The pacing of this book is excellent; though there is no significant action till the end the story remains very interesting to read, there is also a certain amount of intrigue added to the plot as it seems word may get out that a being as unique as Hazel has come into existence. This, of course, is one of the main reasons both Wreath and Landfall are trying to get this situation dealt with in the quietist way possible.
BKV’s writing is a joy to experience. The story flows so well from one page to another, even when the scene changes there is always a panel that makes it a good end point for the new scene to begin. One of my favourite aspects of BKV’s writing is his dialogue. BKV doesn’t give a shit about censorship and this warms my icy heart. The banter between characters can make the reader feel a swing of emotions. One second you’re laughing to yourself at a hilarious comment, and next you’re feeling a twinge of empathy for an emotional character. The use of Hazel as a narrator causes this book to have a very different feel than many other narratives; her perspective adds an additional layer of intrigue to the plot.
Comic book art comes in all styles and colours, some sketchy, some clean, and others just downright weird. “Saga” sets itself above the bar through the artistic capabilities of Fiona Staples. Her style has a rustic look, but holds a truly realistic element that brings the fantastic creatures to life. The art is augmented by the application of colour,giving the drawings a beautiful flow. LIKE BKV, Fiona doesn’t give two shits about censorship, and is able to deliver adult-themed images that can blow your socks off.
If you can’t tell, I absolutely love “Saga” and have since day one, not only because of the creativity within the art and story itself, but because the universe is vast, complicated, and genuinely awesome. A little something has been missing in my life these past few months, and this week I got it back.
4.5/5 Skulls
Reviewed by – GreenBasterd
Editor’s Note: This issue contains my favourite line from any comic this year, “Like secondhand smoke from her first crush”. Beautiful.
Comics
‘Curse of the Where Wolf’ Bites Into August Release With Trio of Werewolf Theatrical Screenings [Exclusive Preview]
Larry Chaney‘s hairy misadventures are continuing in the sequel graphic novel Curse of the Where Wolf from creative team Rob Saucedo, Debora Lancianese, and Jack Morelli, and its author is celebrating with a trio of horror’s greatest werewolf films.
The Curse of the Where Wolf hits shelves on August 7 from Encyclopocalypse Publications.
That coincides with the launch of a theatrical screening event in Houston, Texas, featuring a trio of seminal werewolf flicks turning 45 this year: The Howling on August 7, Wolfen on August 14, and An American Werewolf in London on August 21.
Each screening features a “werewolf in film” presentation as well as a book signing from Where Wolf author and River Oaks Theatre artistic director Rob Saucedo.
In the new graphic novel, “Being a werewolf sucks. Reporter Larry Chaney wanted to be a hero. Instead, he became a werewolf. Now, caught between incredible new powers and a desire to eat everything (and everyone) in sight, Larry must find a cure for his curse. Or die trying.”
“With Where Wolf, I wanted to tell a whodunit set in a furry convention, so the story was pretty contained within a very specific setting and genre. With Curse of the Where Wolf, I wanted to celebrate everything I love about the possibility of comic books. Curse of the Where Wolf is a funny book, in every sense of the phrase, but it’s also an earnest look at a person’s struggle to become a better version of themselves, especially when the alternative is to become a literal monster,” Saucedo says of Curse.
The original graphic novel was previously serialized as the first webcomic hosted on Fangoria before being collected by Encyclopocalypse Publications in 2023 and has already been optioned for film, podcast, and television development ahead of launch by producers James Fino (“The Freak Brothers” for Tubi, “Rick and Morty” for Adult Swim) and Charles Horak (First Date for Magnolia Pictures).
Expect Larry to find himself in even weirder situations in the 362-page full color sequel; Saucedo has provided Bloody Disgusting with exclusive art pages from the upcoming graphic novel that showcase lupine humor.
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