“…kingdoms aren’t places, they’re ideas.
And some ideas just never go the fuck away.”
Keep reading for a review of Saga #57.
Some spoilers below, both for this issue and earlier ones.
First off, the “situation” from last issue gets resolved in the first few pages, in a way that was completely logical but I never saw it coming. And it all left me feeling almost…breathless? The ending of issue 56 was so shocking, and to have it tied up in such a logical, satisfying little bow made me want to sit with it for a second while my heart slowed down. I love it when authors can do that.
I was happy to see the return of the Endwife this issue, the werewolf we met when Alana’s baby died before it could be born and an abortion was necessary. I love the way Endwife talks, and how completely pragmatic she is, which is exactly what you’d expect from someone who’s both a doctor and a wolf.
“NOT TO PRY, BUT WAS THERE VIOLENCE?”
“It wasn’t natural causes, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“NOTHING MORE NATURAL THAN VIOLENCE.”
That scene happened in a flashback, which makes sense since the theme of this issue was “backstories.” We’re slowly putting the pieces together about what’s happened since that disastrous and heartbreaking issue 54. Sometimes this happens in a flashback, and sometimes one of the characters is telling a story, and as usual with this series, most of the stories are flat-out lies.
We get a little more from the Robot Kingdom too, including a plan Marco’s ex-girlfriend is setting up with help from The Will. Given her permanent rage-hard-on I’m sure she’s playing a long game towards murdering Alana and Hazel, but right now it’s just making the Robots confused about their war with Wreath (Horns) and their alliance with Landfall (Wings.) I don’t know where this game is going, but I’m sure it’s nowhere good.
Meanwhile, we can see why Hazel said last issue that some of her best memories are from her time on the pirate ship. The smugglers/musicians are so cool, I really hope they don’t turn out to be awful. Or have something awful happen to them. Or both. (I mean let’s face it, it’s probably going to be both.)
The art is, as always, gorgeous. Some of my favorite panels were of the Endwife talking to Alana; when Alana’s thinking about Marco; the Robot King thinking of his son; and the robot boy Squire hugging Alana (that one was so sweet, in such a straightforward way.) And that cover! Man alive, that’s pretty.
At the very end of the letters section Brian says the next issue is “one of his favorites.” Considering what he likes to do to his characters, this makes me very, very nervous.
