The family is caught back up in the war in Saga #61, by writer Brian K. Vaughan, artist Fiona Staples, and letterer Fonografiks. Saga returns with a doozy of a first issue that will leave readers agape by the end.

The book opens with Gwendolyn having a dream about when Marko proposed to her, one that transforms into him berating her. She and the Will are awakened by Sophie, who is surprised they’re sleeping with each other. She leaves, and the two talk about Gwen’s new mission: getting the Royals away from the Landfallians. Hazel’s narration catches readers up on what’s been happening since the family lost their ship. They’ve been trapped on the planet as the war finally found them, with Alana working and her and Squire busking. Meanwhile, Petrichor returns, looking for the Will by attacking his old agent. Alana goes to her contact, trying to get papers to get off the planet before the war gets too bad, where she’s rocked by a bombshell.

Saga’s return is always a big thing for fans, and this issue definitely doesn’t disappoint. It kicks off with Marko, which feels like a harbinger of the story. The specter of Marko is everywhere, from the Will and Gwen to Petrichor’s return to the final page of the chapter. This story looks to be one that is either going to make fans very happy or rip their hearts out completely. Seeing as this is Saga, it will certainly be the latter, but it will be entertaining.

Another factor in the story is the Robots. Gwendolyn is out to break Landfall’s coalition. A Marquess throws Hazel and Squire some money before being pushed back into the fight by a rude Landfall soldier, perhaps a harbinger of things to come. Petrichor’s return plays into Marko and the Robots, as her relationship with both is important. This issue really indicates that the war is about to change, which is interesting in Saga. However, the chapter doesn’t skimp on the characters. As much as there are some big events roiling under the surface, Saga is still a character piece.

Staples’s art never does anything less than impress. One thing that’s easy to notice is the color. Staples uses painterly strokes to do the background and foregrounds, something that really gives the pencils a different look than usual. It’s easy to forget just how amazing of a color artist Staples is, but this issue does a wonderful job of showing that off.

Saga #61 is more Saga fun. And by “more Saga fun,” potentially heartbreaking is the name of the game. There are some heavy plots popping off, but the characterization is what makes it all sing. Add to that the beautiful art from Staples, and Saga continues to impress like no other book on the market.

Grade: A