The third volume of the Saga illustrates once again how in a world full of brutality and hatred, feeling can appear and last. The comic seems a bit calmer than the previous installments of the series, but it doesn't make it candy-like.
Love in times of war
At the very beginning of the series, we met heroes who, like Romeo and Juliet, fell in love with each other against indoctrination and, what’s more, without worrying about the hostilities. Their relationship continues despite unfavorable circumstances. However, the feelings aren’t limited to the main characters.
Although the world created in the Saga is full of violence and hatred, there is no shortage of positive relationships in it. It was already visible in the previous volume, when Stubborn saved the little slave girl. This thread is still continued here. However, apart from Marko and Alana’s love, warm feelings also appear in other heroes. In some ways, it is comforting that, no matter what evil is, sentient beings retain within themselves what allows them to love and care for others.
Violence at every turn
The creators do not devote any space to military operations, but that does not mean that we do not see violence. This one appears basically at every step. It can be a fight with monsters, but also heroes attacking each other. The most scary scenes, however, are those in which a person with enough power makes a light-handed decision that will probably result in the death of many innocent people.
As readers, we easily forgive the protagonists’ fight – after all, they are basically forced to do so by circumstances. We can clearly see that what they are looking for is calm and that fighting is more of a last resort. With other characters, it is sometimes harder, and other times easier, to forgive their brutality. In some cases it cannot be justified, and in others we may turn a blind eye to it. However, there are also heroes who, on the one hand, are presented negatively, and on the other hand, have something about them that makes them forgive a lot.
Lovely style
From the first volume of the Saga you can admire the wonderful works of Fiona Staples. The artist creates truly phenomenal works and numerous frames could be used as illustrations for posters. The graphic style is somewhat in opposition to the story. The beauty of the drawings collides with the ugliness of the world in which the heroes live. At times one would like to forget about war and violence and just enjoy the wonderful paintings. Undoubtedly, this contrast is one of the comic’s strengths.
As in the previous volume, a small addition awaits the readers at the end. This time we get five black and white works. Four of them are quick drawings made at conventions. The last one – the illustration for the article – is more elaborate.
Summary
The third installment of the series is less expressive than the first volumes. We have already got used to the mysterious and delightful world a bit. The main plot has also become somewhat commonplace. Of course, the developers still hold a high level, but there is something missing here that would stand out strongly.
At the same time, it is worth remembering that both in terms of graphics and fiction, the comic keeps the level of the previous scenes. The pace of the action is well chosen. The heroes are curious and we learn more and more about them. This in turn allows us to better understand some of their behaviors. Overall, the third volume of the Saga is a very good book , and even if it is a bit weaker than the previous parts, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth paying attention to.
