Top 10 essential Saga key issues

Saga #1 is the series' founding issue, opening with one of the boldest first pages in recent comic history: the birth of Hazel, daughter of Alana and Marko, narrated by adult Hazel in voice-over. This first issue immediately presents BKV's rich and inventive universe and Fiona Staples's extraordinary art — in direct colors without inking, a rare technique in comics. The issue was an immediate commercial hit and went through several printings. In CGC 9.8, the 1st printing is the series' most sought-after key issue, with a value that has steadily risen since 2012.

The 2nd printing of Saga #1 (Second Print, 2012) is distinguished from the 1st by inverted cover colors — a dark background with light characters, where the 1st printing had a light background. This variant is identifiable by the "Second Printing" mention on the back or credits page. Less common than later reprints and cheaper than the 1st printing, it's an interesting alternative for collectors who want to own a first-year publication at a more accessible cost. Its relative rarity compared to later printings gives it its own market value.

The Hastings Exclusive variant of Saga #1 is one of the series' most sought-after retailer variants. Distributed exclusively in Hastings Entertainment stores (an American pop-culture chain now defunct), this variant features an alternate cover by Fiona Staples. Its limited distribution to a single retailer chain and the subsequent closure of Hastings have contributed to its rarity. For Saga variant collectors, it's one of the hardest to find in top condition, especially outside the United States.

Saga #3 introduces two of the series' most emblematic characters: The Will, a bounty hunter with a complex moral code, and above all Lying Cat, his extraterrestrial feline capable of detecting and exposing lies with a simple "Lying". Lying Cat immediately became one of the series' most beloved characters — a pop icon on par with other memorable comic animal creations. This issue launches the narrative thread of the bounty hunters pursuing Alana, Marko and Hazel throughout the series, creating a fascinating narrative counterpoint.

Saga #6 is the last issue of the first volume (the first arc collected in TPB) and introduces Prince Robot IV, one of the series' most visually inventive characters: an aristocrat whose head is a TV screen broadcasting his thoughts and emotions as images. A member of the Robots race, a ruling class allied with Landfall against the inhabitants of the moon of Wreath, Prince Robot IV is sent to track down Alana and Marko. His narrative arc, which explores war trauma and paternity, is one of the richest in the entire series.

Saga #12 concludes the series' second arc (Volume 2) and marks the end of the first major narrative phase. This issue features an important dramatic moment that changes the group's dynamic, with a shocking revelation that affects the characters lastingly. The series took a brief hiatus after this issue before resuming with #13, giving this issue a symbolic "end of chapter" status. For collectors who organize their collection by arc, it's the closing issue of the series' first phase.

Saga #19 introduces Ghüs, the small seal-like character who became one of the series' most beloved supporting characters, and one of the most popularized on social media and in merchandise. A benevolent and loyal ally, Ghüs represents innocence and kindness in a brutal universe. His popularity with fans has contributed to increased demand for this issue, which would otherwise have gone unnoticed in a run as dense as Saga. An issue whose value is mainly driven by the introduced character's popularity.

Saga #25 is a milestone issue marking the death of a major character in the series — in the series' tradition of never protecting its characters. This issue provoked a strong emotional reaction in the reader community upon release and remains one of the series' most discussed moments. Milestone issues (round or event-based numbers) are often the most collected in a long series, both for their narrative importance and their collection-landmark value. Saga #25 combines both qualities.

Saga #54 is the last issue published before the 4-year hiatus (2018–2022). Published without prior break announcement, readers only learned afterward that this issue would mark a long interruption. This context gives it a particular status: it's the issue that "suspended" the series at an intense narrative moment, leaving readers on a cliffhanger for 4 years. Collectors who organize their collection by phases will find this issue particularly significant as an end-of-era marker.

Saga #55 is the grand-return issue after 4 years of silence. Long-awaited by fans, it was one of the most-ordered Image Comics issues of 2022. This return marks the start of a new narrative phase that seems to be orienting the series toward its conclusion. For collectors, "return" issues after a long hiatus are often important milestones in a series' history, comparable to relaunch numbers after editorial stops in major Marvel or DC franchises. A historic issue in Saga's editorial life.