Critically acclaimed comic series Saga is finally returning from Image Comics after a three-year hiatus. The groundbreaking comic has won many a fan and critic over, and now a new press release reveals that the story will continue in January of 2022.
First starting in 2012, Saga is the creation of Y: The Last Man creator Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples. The sci-fi/fantasy series follows star-crossed lovers Alana and Marko who have defied their warring races to start a family together. Readers have followed Alana, Marko, and Hazel as they deal with a combination of outlandish threats and their own personal demons. The comic ran for 54 issues between 2012 and 2018, marking the series' halfway point with a heartbreaking cliffhanger that left fans both devastated, and wanting more. Though the comic went on a three-year hiatus as Vaughn and Staples worked on other projects, it's finally set to make its big return.
In a press release, Image Comics revealed that Saga is coming back with Saga #55 on January 26th, 2022. To celebrate the momentous return, issue 55 will be double the length of a standard comic issue for the same price. Both Vaughn and Staples also expressed excitement about returning to the series, with Staples saying, "I've really missed connecting with readers through the pages of Saga, so I'm thrilled to roll up my sleeves and dive into this world again." Vaughn has also previously teased that the return of Saga will be worth the wait. Check out the cover art for the first issue below!
The cover, by Staples herself, is already dropping hints at what readers can expect from the next phase of Saga. Given that Hazel and Alana look a bit older, it can be assumed that the new issue will start with a timeskip and deal with the aftermath of issue 54 in a more indirect way. This would fit well with the rest of the series' structure, as there were numerous anime-esque timeskips throughout the first half's 54 issues. It's unclear who the koala man with an ax is or whether the rest of the series' extensive supporting cast will be making an appearance.
Given the three years Saga has been on hiatus, it's exciting to see it return after so long. The series has won more than a few Eisner Awards as well as a legion of fans, so this could very well be the most hotly anticipated comic of next year. Comic readers ready to dive back into the world of Alana, Marko, and Hazel have a lot to look forward to as Saga returns from Image Comics on January 26th, 2022.