With a backdrop that is distinctly western, this volume starts with a wooden sign that says, “Welcome to Abortion Town!” And how you feel about that as an opening to a graphic novel (offended? jarred? intrigued) is a pretty good barometer for if you would like this series. I find it overall to be a jarring delight, but it’s not for everybody (she says, knowing she recommended it at work, and now someone she works with is reading it and she immediately had an OH NO WHAT HAVE I DONE MOMENT but it’s a bit late for that. As usual, I digress).
In this installment, our characters are still on the run, but there are changes afoot in the cast of characters that travel with them. There is an unlikely and blooming love story for Prince Robot because why have one set of star-crossed lovers in Alana and Marko when you can maybe have two? Alana and her family are experiencing the grief of miscarriage and a glimpse at what might have been as they rush to save her life. If you have ever experienced a pregnancy loss, this might be a tough volume to consume as (through the magic of Wreath) Hazel is able to interact with an older version of her not-born brother. It’s sweet and heartrending, so you know, it’s Saga.
But that’s nothing compared to what is on its way. Trouble is coming as The Will and his captor search for Alana, Marko, and their motley crew. Things are building and it’s likely all going to come to a head soon…but that’s what the next volume is for.
