Top Ten Saga Characters
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Top Ten Saga Characters
Saga is one of the best comic book series in recent memory and an absolute treat for genre fans. It’s a space opera that is both intimate and epic in quality. Throughout the series’ run we have been introduced to numerous memorable personalities. Saga is well known for fleshing out its characters so well, lead and supporting players alike. This is my ranking of ten best characters in the series.
10. Petrichor
Petrichor is a character that was introduced quite late in the series, so she only gets the last spot on this list, but she definitely deserves to be here. A fearless trans woman warrior, some of her dialogue was on the overly activist side of things, but as a character I liked her a lot – she’s badass, memorable and relatable in her eventual grief-stricken revenge narrative.
9. Izabel
Izabel is a ghost and her design was so unique. She has a pink glow to her and a stump for a body, making for a pretty gruesome sight. But she is such an eternally positive, lovely presence throughout the series. She is a terrific sidekick and a wonderful friend to the main family. She was so likable, in fact, that her eventual death was downright shocking.
8. Upsher and Doff
These amphibious journalists rank among the most interesting side characters on Saga. This series is very diverse in sexualities and race as evidenced by this gay couple. But thankfully their sexuality did not define them as both characters are solidly developed, especially Upsher, who got such a strong arc and memorably feisty personality. They appear sporadically, but whenever they weren’t on the page I was looking forward to seeing them again.
7. Lying Cat
Lying Cat is this big canine that is capable of telling truth from lies, which made her an indispensable ally for The Will in particular. Of all the creatures that this series is filled with, Lying Cat is by far the most memorable one in both design and purpose. This cat is so cool, in fact, that the writers really need to use her more.
6. Ghus
Everything I’ve said above also applies here as Ghus is also not utilized all that often, but whenever he was on the page I loved seeing him. This is a wonderful sidekick character and an unforgettable one. The walrus dressed as a farmer made for an instantly iconic sight. The mixture in his personality of this fiercely protective, endearing friend and a fearless fighter was quite interesting.
5. The Will
Saga paints its characters in grey areas for the most part, but The Will certainly should rank among the series’ best villains. What he did to Marko and others was unforgivable and he is by far the most dangerous antagonist of the story. Although it’s now difficult to care for this guy, he continues to be a memorable presence.
4. Alana
Alana is one of the most important heroines of the series, but I have to say that I prefer her husband as she is a bit more reckless and at times even unlikable in some of her decisions and actions. But that made her a realistic character, which was appreciated. A great mother and especially a lovely wife, their romance was the heart of the story for sure. I also really like how she is both a powerful female character who can fight and a protective mother.
3. Prince Robot IV
Prince Robot IV is by far the best-developed and most interesting robot character on Saga. Not a lot is yet known about these robots and how they operate, but we did get to meet this prince at depth. He was so well fleshed out and his arc from a villain to an antihero was a remarkable one. He grew on me that eventually his death was very much felt. I loved his look in particular and his numerous perversions that were used for humorous purposes potently.
2. Marko
Marko is easily the most likable person of the bunch and the best human being on this roster of characters. Although I usually don’t gravitate toward overly positive characters such as this one, Marko is so well developed and so damn sympathetic while also being cool and fun that you can’t help but like him a lot. His relationship with Alana is powerful and so were his fatherly instincts. The core of this story is this Romeo and Juliet type romance between the two and it worked like a charm. His recent death was absolutely heartbreaking.
1. Hazel
Most lists put Hazel on the number one spot and I have to agree with that assessment. Saga as a whole is after all about her story and those around her. She is the narrator of the entire saga, pun intended. The series is at its best when it’s moving forward and functioning as this spectacular, but also intimate space opera that is epic in space and time spanned. This is most evidenced in Hazel’s arc as we first just follow her narration from the future to eventually see her in flesh as a young girl. She’s the heart and soul of Saga. I loved her progression and I hope that she continues to grow in front of our eyes.
Honorable Mentions:
Special Agent Gale – This winged villain is very dangerous and competent. He’s cool, but not all that utilized so far.
Gwendolyn – Gwendolyn did not get on my top ten list despite being present throughout its run. This is because she is highly unlikable and just a sour presence through and through.
Oswald D. Heist – This author of pulpy, mediocre romance tales was so memorable and fun for the short time that he got that it’s a shame that he got killed off so early.
Klara – Klara is Marko’s mother and this badass older woman who is loyal and protective of her family. I loved her arc, though she obviously disappeared in recent volumes.
Squire – Squire is Prince Robot’s son and he is only now coming into his own as a character. I really enjoyed his dynamic with Hazel.