23 Followers
Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ Saga has always been a series of extremes—gut-wrenching drama, imaginative worlds, and deeply human characters. In issue #70, the series attempts to reclaim its former glory after a sluggish streak, offering a mix of familial tenderness, mounting tension, and thematic darkness. While the issue succeeds in rekindling some of the old magic, it stumbles in delivering a fully satisfying experience. Squire’s struggles anchor the narrative, his somber depiction on the cover setting the tone for an issue steeped in anxiety. His journey to seek help is heartfelt, yet feels cursory, a subplot overshadowed by the larger threat closing in on Alana. The family dynamic is as compelling as ever, with Hazel’s narration weaving moments of poignancy, but the emotional impact is diluted by a plot that’s more setup than substance. The return of characters like Petrichor and Noreen adds depth to the ensemble but lacks the narrative weight to make their presence essential. After several issues of stagnation, this chapter reintroduces action and betrayal, rekindling echoes of Saga at its best. Yet these flashes of brilliance are fleeting, as if the story hesitates to fully embrace its dramatic potential. The timing of its release—on election night—adds an intriguing layer of unease, but it risks feeling more reflective of external anxieties than advancing the story in a meaningful way. Saga #70 is a step in the right direction, but it’s more promise than payoff. Longtime fans will find enough to keep their interest, but the series has yet to fully recover its stride. 3/5 stars.
Jul 29, 2025
Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ Saga has always been a series of extremes—gut-wrenching drama, imaginative worlds, and deeply human characters. In issue #70, the series attempts to reclaim its former glory after a sluggish streak, offering a mix of familial tenderness, mounting tension, and thematic darkness. While the issue succeeds in rekindling some of the old magic, it stumbles in delivering a fully satisfying experience. Squire’s struggles anchor the narrative, his somber depiction on the cover setting the tone for an issue steeped in anxiety. His journey to seek help is heartfelt, yet feels cursory, a subplot overshadowed by the larger threat closing in on Alana. The family dynamic is as compelling as ever, with Hazel’s narration weaving moments of poignancy, but the emotional impact is diluted by a plot that’s more setup than substance. The return of characters like Petrichor and Noreen adds depth to the ensemble but lacks the narrative weight to make their presence essential. After several issues of stagnation, this chapter reintroduces action and betrayal, rekindling echoes of Saga at its best. Yet these flashes of brilliance are fleeting, as if the story hesitates to fully embrace its dramatic potential. The timing of its release—on election night—adds an intriguing layer of unease, but it risks feeling more reflective of external anxieties than advancing the story in a meaningful way. Saga #70 is a step in the right direction, but it’s more promise than payoff. Longtime fans will find enough to keep their interest, but the series has yet to fully recover its stride. 3/5 stars.
Jul 29, 2025
