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Saga (Single Issues)
Saga #72
END OF STORY ARC
It's the shocking conclusion to another season of SAGA…but the smash-hit series is far from over!
It's the shocking conclusion to another season of SAGA…but the smash-hit series is far from over!
31 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2025
60 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Brian K. Vaughan
1,063 books14.2k followersBrian K. Vaughan is the writer and co-creator of comic-book series including SAGA, PAPER GIRLS, Y THE LAST MAN, RUNAWAYS, and most recently, BARRIER, a digital comic with artist Marcos Martin about immigration, available from their pay-what-you-want site www.PanelSyndicate.com
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
BKV's work has been recognized at the Eisner, Harvey, Hugo, Shuster, Eagle, and British Fantasy Awards. He sometimes writes for film and television in Los Angeles, where he lives with his family and their dogs Hamburger and Milkshake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 3, 2025
(A-) 81% | Very Good
Notes: Quite low-key, a treat to see old faces grace the page, though hard to care for war affairs: war's not been center stage.
*Progress update
Notes: Quite low-key, a treat to see old faces grace the page, though hard to care for war affairs: war's not been center stage.
*Progress update
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April 6, 2025
*deep breath* Ghüüüüüüüüüüüüüüüüüüs!!!!!!!! YAY!
Wow another “season” come and gone already? This year of Saga jumped around A LOT but the forward motion of our ragtag focal fam was quite touching and well done and a ton of plotlines are slowly stirring into motion. But ‘We were living through history and history has a way of shiting on the most carefully laid plans’ (of mice and men) and a big political powerplay has occurred and everything we know about the universe is fucked up now. Well other than the fact that everyone not of the ruling class gets massacred under the weight of the ruling class no matter what gets decided. ‘A balance of power that’s been in place for a hundred generations just got tossed in an effing blender. This changes everything, and not just for you Royals.’ Also theres some of the signature gratuitous violence that is horrifically awesome to look at and we see so many characters again, some I’d forgotten where they were at in the universe so that was cool. Also Ghüs! YAY Ghüs!
See you space cowboy.
Wow another “season” come and gone already? This year of Saga jumped around A LOT but the forward motion of our ragtag focal fam was quite touching and well done and a ton of plotlines are slowly stirring into motion. But ‘We were living through history and history has a way of shiting on the most carefully laid plans’ (of mice and men) and a big political powerplay has occurred and everything we know about the universe is fucked up now. Well other than the fact that everyone not of the ruling class gets massacred under the weight of the ruling class no matter what gets decided. ‘A balance of power that’s been in place for a hundred generations just got tossed in an effing blender. This changes everything, and not just for you Royals.’ Also theres some of the signature gratuitous violence that is horrifically awesome to look at and we see so many characters again, some I’d forgotten where they were at in the universe so that was cool. Also Ghüs! YAY Ghüs!
See you space cowboy.
March 19, 2025
disappointing season finale
Been reading Saga since it first dropped, I waited the three years during the break. I’ve sat through mediocre entries into my beloved series and I have to say, especially after going three months behind, is one of the most disappointing entries in a very long time. It starts with a big groundbreaking announcement and we do get to check in on some beloved side characters but then NOTHING happens. Some people whine and cry about the implications then it just….ends, and I’m stuck here for probably six months being sad about how this issue was essentially a cheap firework, with a loud bang and fizzed out quickly.
Been reading Saga since it first dropped, I waited the three years during the break. I’ve sat through mediocre entries into my beloved series and I have to say, especially after going three months behind, is one of the most disappointing entries in a very long time. It starts with a big groundbreaking announcement and we do get to check in on some beloved side characters but then NOTHING happens. Some people whine and cry about the implications then it just….ends, and I’m stuck here for probably six months being sad about how this issue was essentially a cheap firework, with a loud bang and fizzed out quickly.
October 11, 2025
Saga #72
This is the final issue of the 12th story arc of the series. In this issue we find out that the Robot Kingdom is changing sides in the war, leaving the Wings to join the Horns. Most of the issue is devoted to seeing how many beloved side-characters react to these news, making clear how huge of a change that's gonna be. As far as Hazel's story goes, not much happens. All we find out is that they're all headed towards Alana's dying father and they're seemingly amongst the only people to not find out out about the Robot Kingdom's switch of alliances.
Not really one of the best issues, especially considering that it's the conclusion to arguably the best Arc of the second half of the series so far. That being said, it was nice "catching up" with various characters that we hadn't seen in a while. Also, this build-up regarding the Robot Kingdom's new alliance is very interesting and it makes one wonder how it'll affect things for our protagonists.
8/10
This is the final issue of the 12th story arc of the series. In this issue we find out that the Robot Kingdom is changing sides in the war, leaving the Wings to join the Horns. Most of the issue is devoted to seeing how many beloved side-characters react to these news, making clear how huge of a change that's gonna be. As far as Hazel's story goes, not much happens. All we find out is that they're all headed towards Alana's dying father and they're seemingly amongst the only people to not find out out about the Robot Kingdom's switch of alliances.
Not really one of the best issues, especially considering that it's the conclusion to arguably the best Arc of the second half of the series so far. That being said, it was nice "catching up" with various characters that we hadn't seen in a while. Also, this build-up regarding the Robot Kingdom's new alliance is very interesting and it makes one wonder how it'll affect things for our protagonists.
8/10
March 20, 2025
Ooh shit is about to go down!
April 8, 2025
I am completely over this series as it has gone downhill. I do not care for any of the characters; many of them are one-dimensional. Everyone speaks like they know they're characters. I'm done.
April 10, 2025
Things are changing! I can't believe we're already 2/3 of the story. I want to read it forever.
reviewed-or-read-in-another-format
December 6, 2025Unexpected political twist with reactions of characters from all over - Bombazine, Ghüs (!!!), Petrichor and Noreen, and many others. It'll be interesting to see how these political events with affect our beloved characters (I'm most worried about Squire!)
I read this as part of Volume 12 (full review here).
I read this as part of Volume 12 (full review here).
March 20, 2025
Obligatory 5 stars, but not much happened this issue. Once the new hard cover comes out I’ll probably reread the entire series.
April 15, 2025
i love the saga series. im curious as to why this is the cover. i love the end page. seemed like the calm before the storm.
May 18, 2025
All the stars for Ghüs 💙💙
March 20, 2025
Life during wartime…everything is connected and the potential for violence is just a turn a way, but you still need to get to grandpa’s house.
August 15, 2025
I was on edge the entire time. Sigh of relief, got through another arc. Casualities were low this time.
October 9, 2025
Reading Saga #72 feels like returning to a beloved family dinner only to realize that the conversation has become quieter, the jokes a little more bitter, and the silences longer than before. Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples continue their cosmic odyssey with the same audacity that once made Saga a modern classic, yet this issue carries the unmistakable fatigue of a story that has seen too much of its own brilliance.
The opening proclamation by King Robot, announcing the end of an age-old alliance, sets the tone: history does not march forward, it collapses in on itself. The political shift is immense, but Vaughan’s true interest lies not in the machinery of empires but in the fragile souls caught in its gears. Alana and her daughter Hazel remain the moral core of this sprawling universe, drifting through the debris of war and loss, trying to make sense of a peace that never quite arrives. Their journey continues, but the momentum has slowed, as if both characters and readers are catching their breath after years of relentless pursuit.
There is a certain irony here. Vaughan’s writing has always balanced the profane and the profound, yet this chapter feels less like the explosive finale of a volume and more like a meditation on entropy. The dialogue, once electric with tension, now hums with weary introspection. The universe of Saga has grown older, perhaps wiser, and certainly more cynical. The grand gestures of love and rebellion that once defined this series have been replaced by a quieter, more uncertain melancholy.
Fiona Staples, as ever, remains the series’ beating heart. Her art refuses to succumb to the fatigue of the script. Every panel pulses with emotion, every grotesque flourish hides a tenderness that the words sometimes fail to reach. She captures, with effortless grace, the paradox of Saga: that beauty can thrive even in a universe built on cruelty.
What lingers after turning the final page is not disappointment, though some readers will undoubtedly feel it, but a strange tenderness for this worn-out world. Vaughan and Staples do not promise catharsis. They offer instead a reminder that every revolution, every romance, every act of defiance eventually becomes history, and history, as Vaughan once wrote, has a habit of ruining even the best-laid plans.
Saga #72 is not the triumphant crescendo some might have hoped for, but it possesses a quieter power: the courage to embrace exhaustion, to let its characters – and its readers – rest for a moment within the ruins of what was once glorious.
The opening proclamation by King Robot, announcing the end of an age-old alliance, sets the tone: history does not march forward, it collapses in on itself. The political shift is immense, but Vaughan’s true interest lies not in the machinery of empires but in the fragile souls caught in its gears. Alana and her daughter Hazel remain the moral core of this sprawling universe, drifting through the debris of war and loss, trying to make sense of a peace that never quite arrives. Their journey continues, but the momentum has slowed, as if both characters and readers are catching their breath after years of relentless pursuit.
There is a certain irony here. Vaughan’s writing has always balanced the profane and the profound, yet this chapter feels less like the explosive finale of a volume and more like a meditation on entropy. The dialogue, once electric with tension, now hums with weary introspection. The universe of Saga has grown older, perhaps wiser, and certainly more cynical. The grand gestures of love and rebellion that once defined this series have been replaced by a quieter, more uncertain melancholy.
Fiona Staples, as ever, remains the series’ beating heart. Her art refuses to succumb to the fatigue of the script. Every panel pulses with emotion, every grotesque flourish hides a tenderness that the words sometimes fail to reach. She captures, with effortless grace, the paradox of Saga: that beauty can thrive even in a universe built on cruelty.
What lingers after turning the final page is not disappointment, though some readers will undoubtedly feel it, but a strange tenderness for this worn-out world. Vaughan and Staples do not promise catharsis. They offer instead a reminder that every revolution, every romance, every act of defiance eventually becomes history, and history, as Vaughan once wrote, has a habit of ruining even the best-laid plans.
Saga #72 is not the triumphant crescendo some might have hoped for, but it possesses a quieter power: the courage to embrace exhaustion, to let its characters – and its readers – rest for a moment within the ruins of what was once glorious.
April 2, 2025
Note: Some spoilers within for previous issues in this series. It’s such an outstanding series, but the issues cannot be read as standalones or out of order.
Saga tells the continuing story of the little family of (the late) Marko and his wife Alana - a mixed-race couple - and their daughter Hazel. The family struggled to stay together in spite of a war between their two races.
Alana was from the planet Landfall, where inhabitants have wings on their backs, and Marko was from its moon, Wreath, where all people have horns on their heads. The two defied all convention (and propaganda, viz: those people have horns on their heads!) and fell in love. Hazel was born with both horns and wings, and it is Hazel who narrates the story.
Marko and Alana just wanted to find a way to be safe and happy and live in peace, but it wasn’t possible. The three of them were pursued throughout the galaxy by a number of beings trying to exploit them or kill them (or first one, then the other).
In Volume 9, however, both Marko and Sir Robert - once an enemy but eventually an ally - were murdered. It is at least three years later, and Alana, Hazel and Sir Robert’s son Squire are trying to make their way through the universe, surviving on scraps and barely escaping all those who still want to kill them.
This issue begins with a Royal Proclamation from His Majesty King Robot. He announces their empire has decided to withdraw from the Coalition of Landfall, adding “We wish the best to our longtime allies.” But effective immediately, the Robot Kingdom stood united with the Moon of Wreath.
The Skipper of the ship on which Alana’s family was traveling interpreted the shocking news for everyone: “Some shit will change, but other shit is eternal. Fucked-up new chaos is coming…and yet, people will always need to get fucked up. So get back to fucking work.
Meanwhile, Hazel, her mom, Hazel’s BFF Emesis, and Alana’s current boyfriend Feld are off on an “adventure” to visit Alana’s father’s new place. As Alana put it, “We’re just going to pop in, have a psychologically trying visit, then get back to the circus boat in time for Squire’s big return.” Alas, little did they know about the tumult happening out in the galaxy.
To be continued, as always!
Saga tells the continuing story of the little family of (the late) Marko and his wife Alana - a mixed-race couple - and their daughter Hazel. The family struggled to stay together in spite of a war between their two races.
Alana was from the planet Landfall, where inhabitants have wings on their backs, and Marko was from its moon, Wreath, where all people have horns on their heads. The two defied all convention (and propaganda, viz: those people have horns on their heads!) and fell in love. Hazel was born with both horns and wings, and it is Hazel who narrates the story.
Marko and Alana just wanted to find a way to be safe and happy and live in peace, but it wasn’t possible. The three of them were pursued throughout the galaxy by a number of beings trying to exploit them or kill them (or first one, then the other).
In Volume 9, however, both Marko and Sir Robert - once an enemy but eventually an ally - were murdered. It is at least three years later, and Alana, Hazel and Sir Robert’s son Squire are trying to make their way through the universe, surviving on scraps and barely escaping all those who still want to kill them.
This issue begins with a Royal Proclamation from His Majesty King Robot. He announces their empire has decided to withdraw from the Coalition of Landfall, adding “We wish the best to our longtime allies.” But effective immediately, the Robot Kingdom stood united with the Moon of Wreath.
The Skipper of the ship on which Alana’s family was traveling interpreted the shocking news for everyone: “Some shit will change, but other shit is eternal. Fucked-up new chaos is coming…and yet, people will always need to get fucked up. So get back to fucking work.
Meanwhile, Hazel, her mom, Hazel’s BFF Emesis, and Alana’s current boyfriend Feld are off on an “adventure” to visit Alana’s father’s new place. As Alana put it, “We’re just going to pop in, have a psychologically trying visit, then get back to the circus boat in time for Squire’s big return.” Alas, little did they know about the tumult happening out in the galaxy.
To be continued, as always!
April 10, 2025
“We are living through history, and history has a way of shitting on even the most carefully laid plans.”
“After all, it was a time of war. . . isn’t it always?”
Saga #72 concludes an arc in somewhat dramatic but also painfully brief fashion, opening with a proclamation from King Robot announcing they are officially leaving the Landfall Coalition. Call it NATO? Nationalism, Robots First Movement? Global chaos? Lucky we in April 2025 know nothing about anything like that! Ha, it’s just a comic book, kids! It’s all fun and games! That can’t happen here! Everything is gonna be just fine with your 401 K, and world peace is just around the corner!
The Bots also announce that they will begin a new alliance with the Moon of Wreath. As you may know, Landfall has one moon, Wreath. The conflict between the people of Landfall and Wreath has spread to encompass the whole galaxy. That's the war. So, it’s like NATO’s support of Ukraine has been upended by Some Country that has decided to support Russia?! Is it like: Shut up and draw cute furry animals, Vaughn and Staples! Entertain us! More Ghus!
That is Ghus on the cover, but doesn't he look worried instead of just adorable? But that's the point: Everything we love and care about is being threatened. So various groups in the Saga-sphere debate what the lack of a long held coalition might do to the global balance (or continuation of imbalance?) and most seem to agree that well, uh, a ceasefire is not eminent. Duh.
The whole volume which ends with this issue will be available within days or weeks, they say, and the new volume begins sometime this year. Vaughn says the journey of Saga begun twelve years ago is ⅔ over, and they have a plan. I’m in. Five years more of Saga to complete it. Hope I'm still around to see it completed.
“After all, it was a time of war. . . isn’t it always?”
Saga #72 concludes an arc in somewhat dramatic but also painfully brief fashion, opening with a proclamation from King Robot announcing they are officially leaving the Landfall Coalition. Call it NATO? Nationalism, Robots First Movement? Global chaos? Lucky we in April 2025 know nothing about anything like that! Ha, it’s just a comic book, kids! It’s all fun and games! That can’t happen here! Everything is gonna be just fine with your 401 K, and world peace is just around the corner!
The Bots also announce that they will begin a new alliance with the Moon of Wreath. As you may know, Landfall has one moon, Wreath. The conflict between the people of Landfall and Wreath has spread to encompass the whole galaxy. That's the war. So, it’s like NATO’s support of Ukraine has been upended by Some Country that has decided to support Russia?! Is it like: Shut up and draw cute furry animals, Vaughn and Staples! Entertain us! More Ghus!
That is Ghus on the cover, but doesn't he look worried instead of just adorable? But that's the point: Everything we love and care about is being threatened. So various groups in the Saga-sphere debate what the lack of a long held coalition might do to the global balance (or continuation of imbalance?) and most seem to agree that well, uh, a ceasefire is not eminent. Duh.
The whole volume which ends with this issue will be available within days or weeks, they say, and the new volume begins sometime this year. Vaughn says the journey of Saga begun twelve years ago is ⅔ over, and they have a plan. I’m in. Five years more of Saga to complete it. Hope I'm still around to see it completed.
March 23, 2025
Things are going to rev up now that there is a change in whose side the robots will be on and the end of the story arc that will set up the next arc. It's the classic wrapping up as the scenes cut to all of the beloved characters as they react to the news and anticipate what will be next for them depending on where there alliances are.
This is a special issue for several other reasons: first, many love Ghus as a character so having him on the cover is delightful. Second, I ripped out the reader's survey at the back of a previous issue to send to Vaughan and as he published responses to his random questions-- mine made it into this issue. I will covet forever.
This is a special issue for several other reasons: first, many love Ghus as a character so having him on the cover is delightful. Second, I ripped out the reader's survey at the back of a previous issue to send to Vaughan and as he published responses to his random questions-- mine made it into this issue. I will covet forever.
March 23, 2025
This was my second issue in the ‘Saga’ series. While I was unimpressed and confused with the previous issue, I noticed an intriguing foundation. I am happy to say that I enjoyed reading this issue!
The story of this one is a commentary, allegory, or, at the very least, mirrors current events. Topical subject matters always boost my assessment of a story, especially when it is well done like it is here.
The art is incredible. One can hardly believe that Fiona Staples can create this in only two months time. Nearly every panel is bold, colorful, striking, and filled with movement.
Overall, this was a fantastic issue!
The story of this one is a commentary, allegory, or, at the very least, mirrors current events. Topical subject matters always boost my assessment of a story, especially when it is well done like it is here.
The art is incredible. One can hardly believe that Fiona Staples can create this in only two months time. Nearly every panel is bold, colorful, striking, and filled with movement.
Overall, this was a fantastic issue!
March 24, 2025
I've been looking forward to reading this installment for ages, but have to admit that I was a little worried because Ghüs is on the cover and... well, you know how Saga can be sometimes.
Anyway, this is the season finale and starts off with a shocking announcement that sends serious ripples and consequences everywhere. And that leads to a bunch of characters, scattered all over the place, making an appearance.
I really enjoyed it, but I'm a little worried about where this is going to lead. 😫
Anyway, this is the season finale and starts off with a shocking announcement that sends serious ripples and consequences everywhere. And that leads to a bunch of characters, scattered all over the place, making an appearance.
I really enjoyed it, but I'm a little worried about where this is going to lead. 😫
April 9, 2025
Disappointed. Little happened in this "season finale," with only a promise for a great story to come... (Hopefully.)
Or maybe it's me?
Reading Saga in single issues is tough. I'll still buy them to support First Aid Comics in Chicago, IL (shout out!) but I think reading after collecting 5-6 issues first will be better. That's how I initially loved Saga. I need to recreate that experience to love it again.
Or maybe it's me?
Reading Saga in single issues is tough. I'll still buy them to support First Aid Comics in Chicago, IL (shout out!) but I think reading after collecting 5-6 issues first will be better. That's how I initially loved Saga. I need to recreate that experience to love it again.
April 2, 2025
Another arc ended of my favourite comic book series. This issue felt a little different than the rest. Maybe it felt a little real. We see a huge political announcement made that is shocking and scares a lot of people. Something a lot of us can relate to. This issue was very much the reactions of a bunch of our favourite characters and setting up for what is to come in the next arc. It’s a stressful, anxiety-filled conclusion to these 6 issues, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from this series.
Now I will patiently wait until the next arc is upon us!
Now I will patiently wait until the next arc is upon us!
April 4, 2025
PHEWEEE DUDE!! The anticipation begins to see what the next season has in store for us. A huge bombshell was dropped by the Robot Kingdom & we get to see some familiar faces react to the news. Despite TRK switching loyalty from Landfall to Wreath, they didn't warn any of the Robot soldiers stationed on Landfallian stations. Which... 😬 isn't fairing too well for some
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
Oh man, tough to rate this one! I really do love this series - binge read all of the previous volumes/chapters prior until I was caught up. Buttttt I’m the type of reader that can’t have a big gap in between or else I forget the details, so this chapter didn’t have the intended impact on me. Definitely plan on rereading the series as volumes though. Love the story, writing, and art style.
June 14, 2025
Remember when Saga's arcs ended with mindblowing events like the death of Marko and you were left desperately checking for months for rumors of when the next arc would begin... this arc end is nothing like that. It fades away like Fadeaway leaving one with not a care in the universe for what happens next.
March 23, 2025
89
Felt kind of rushed, but nice to check in with all the various groups of characters as we close this arc.
Art was on point.
It was nice of Brian to acknowledge the time in between issues and their plan to be more prompt with the next arcs. Plus getting issue 73 this year makes me happy!
Felt kind of rushed, but nice to check in with all the various groups of characters as we close this arc.
Art was on point.
It was nice of Brian to acknowledge the time in between issues and their plan to be more prompt with the next arcs. Plus getting issue 73 this year makes me happy!
March 26, 2025
Finally more Saga! I always miss it when it's gone. This was crazy. Some massive, life-changing, series-altering news just dropped. And everyone we have ever seen is shocked. I can't even imagine what will come of it. I can't wait to see!
April 8, 2025
The Robot Kingdom has announced they are switching sides! How will this play out across the universe?! I bet there will still be death and destruction! We check in with all our characters, seeing many we haven't seen in a while (Ghüs!!!).
April 8, 2025
While reading the authors note at the end, i realized that I will need to dedicate the next 5 years of my life to awaiting new issues....
its completely worth it.
5 stars//someone pls read these so I have someone to talk to
its completely worth it.
5 stars//someone pls read these so I have someone to talk to
April 14, 2025
2.5 stars
This was a fine conclusion to this story arc but I would have liked a little more from it. This just felt like a safe little placeholder while they come up with what is going to happen next.
Content: blood and gore
This was a fine conclusion to this story arc but I would have liked a little more from it. This just felt like a safe little placeholder while they come up with what is going to happen next.
Content: blood and gore
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews