Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: brian k vaughan, Comics, entertainment, fiona staples, image comics, saga

The Saga Summer Hiatus Is Over And Hazel Is Growing Up: Issue #31 Review

There's nothing like the feeling you get when you know that the Saga hiatus is over, and that you can consistently enjoy brilliant issues from writer Brian K. Vaughan, and artist Fiona Staples. It seems like only yesterday that we were watching Alana give birth to Hazel. All that we really had from the character was an intense internal dialogue from the future, but what we saw of her was infancy. Fast forward to issue #31 and we are in her kindergarten classroom. Look at her…all grown up…

[WARNING: SPOILERS FOR SAGA #31 BELOW!]

One could argue that, Hazel is why Saga has so much heart. We've watched her character develop both emotionally and physically, and watched her experience some pretty heavy stuff. I have to applaud Vaughan for the comedic relief at the beginning of the issue. This panel shown above is what Hazel presents after being asked to draw something sad. The other children show actual tragic life events, like losing an arm, but not Hazel. After all, where could she start? But this sets the tone for the issue as we get to see that her teacher takes extra time to talk with Hazel. She ensures her that she can tell her anything.

Saga #31 moves along at a nice pace. We get to experience what happened back on the ship when we last left Hazel through a flashback, which is really the meat of the issue. It would be impossible not to mention this moment, because I'm sure the internet will be alive with chatter about it, if it's not already.

Hazel encounters a trans character while looking for her grandmother. It's really something to see this moment through a child's eyes. I thought it was beautifully done in a simple way, and I think that's something to be admired.

Moving forward, I found this moment to be a pleasant surprise.

I'm ashamed to admit it, but I forgot about Izabel. She was originally one of my favorite characters in the series, and I honestly probably repressed her being gone just like Hazel represses things. I'm curious to see if we'll get more of her in future issues. Her presence in this one was part of the flashback and wasn't very long. However, I seriously want to be that awkward third person that joins in on an adorable hug like this.

This issue set up some pretty nice building blocks for whats to come. I'm ready to see what's going on with Alana and Marko, and by the looks of the tiny ad for next months issue…I think we might find out.

Christine Marie is a Staff Writer at Bleeding Cool, and bibliomaniac with a love for all things creative. She hopes to one day be a Superhero/Disney Princess/Novelist. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @AWritersWay or on her blog writerchristinemarie.wordpress.com.

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