Star Wars for Adults

Read as part of CBR 10 Bingo: Banned book. The Saga comics have been banned in several states and continue to be one of the most challenged books in public libraries across the nation.

I’m not a science fiction guy. I read a little science fiction and a little fantasy but my bailiwick is mystery. I don’t really like graphic novels either. That would make me an unlikely fan of the Saga series. But any time these books come out, they’re absolute must reads for me.

The “Star Wars for adults” line is an accurate one. Saga is a space opera with adult themes, graphic language and panels, and abundant violence. It’s not for everyone, especially those who do not like crude humor. But as crass as these books can be, they have a huge, beating heart in the middle. And that’s what makes them special.

I don’t want to say too much about Volume 9 because if you haven’t read the previous 8, you won’t want to start here, obviously. Not just because of spoilers but the series burns through plot like a match to paper and you won’t understand what’s going on, nor will you appreciate the dynamics. But I will say: this is one of the lower ranked Saga books, not because it’s bad but because it’s so familiar. There are heart rending moments, tremors of political turmoil in the galaxy, climaxing with one heartbreaking scene and then the table resets for the next one. This was a particularly big table reset for reasons I won’t get into but I think the series needs a breather and I’m glad to see Staples and Vaughan are taking a year off. The formula works but when you’re cranking out four comics and 1-2 collector’s editions a year, it can run the risk of staleness.

I don’t want this series to grow stale. I love it too much; the characters, the locales, the universe, the politics, the life lessons. This was a painful read and I’m ready for a much needed break but I love Saga and always will.