Saga #6

Written by Brian K. Vaughan
Art by Fiona Staples

I'm a little surprised that I hadn't noticed the similarities earlier, but with this sixth issue of Saga, finishing up the first story arc of Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples's ground-breaking and record-setting new series, I finally figured out what this book reminds me of most - Farscape, the excellent Australian/US TV series of about a decade ago.

In this issue, Marco and Alana find their way to the Rocketship Forest, and acquire for themselves their very own living tree-ship (reminding me of Moya, the Leviathan that serves as vehicle, friend, and main set for the Farscape crew).  Their escape from the planet where their daughter was born goes unnoticed, but Prince Robot IV, their pursuer, figures out where they are headed.  Also, our beleaguered couple have to deal with some unexpected guests.

Vaughan is telling a story that is both wildly fantastical and grounded in strong characterization, which is not something that happens often, in any form of fantasy or science fiction storytelling.  Fiona Staples continues to astound with this series - her designs for the rocketship are phenomenal.

In the letters page, Vaughan explains that this book is going on a brief hiatus before starting the next story arc, to give Staples time to get ahead on the artwork.  While I don't want to go a couple of months before the next issue, I do appreciate the dedication the creators have towards maintaining the consistency and quality of their vision and their work.  This approach is opposite to how things are being done at the Big Two these days, and that is perhaps part of the reason why this series is so successful.