The three best arcs of Saga are theopening arc (#1-18)which establishes an unparalleled universe, theTime Skip arc (#31-54)which turns everything upside down with a daring ellipse, and thepost-hiatus return (#55-66)which proves that Vaughan/Staples have lost nothing.
Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples is the most acclaimed independent series of the last decade. Published by Image Comics since 2012, this family space opera mixes science fiction, fantasy and intimate drama with a narrative audacity that has redefined what the medium can offer. For collectors, this is a series where every first print counts.
Unlike superhero comics, Saga is the work of a unique duo — it’s impossible to talk about different “runs”. We therefore rank here the best narrative arcs, those which alone justify the purchase of singles rather than trades. The first draws of key numbers saw their value explode.
Top 1 — Opening Arc: The Escape (Saga #1-18, 2012-2013)
Screenwriter:Brian K. Vaughan |Designer:Fiona Staples |Numbers:#1-18
The perfect introduction. Alana and Marko flee with their newborn Hazel through a universe at war. We discover The Will, Lying Cat, Prince Robot IV and a whole cosmos of crazy inventiveness. Vaughan lays down the rules — no one is safe — from the first arc.
Key numbers:#1 (first print, $150-500 in 9.8), #2 (first appearance of The Stalk, $20-60), #12 (first Ghüs). The complete bow in first prints: $300-800.
Top 2 — Time Skip Arc (Saga #31-54, 2015-2018)
Screenwriter:Brian K. Vaughan |Designer:Fiona Staples |Numbers:#31-54
Vaughan dares a massive time skip: Hazel has grown up, the family is separated, and the world has changed. The arc culminates in a devastating finale in #54 that justified the three-year hiatus. Staples delivers his most beautiful scenes, notably Alana's prison sequences.
Key numbers:#43 (major reversal, $5-15), #54 (the pre-hiatus finale, $10-30). Complete bow: $80-200.
Top 3 — Post-hiatus return (Saga #55-66, 2022-2023)
Screenwriter:Brian K. Vaughan |Designer:Fiona Staples |Numbers:#55-66
After three years of silence, Saga returns without missing a beat. The duo picks up right where they left off — the aftermath of #54 — and proves the wait was worth it. The writing is more mature, the stakes higher, and Staples is experimenting with new digital techniques.
Key numbers:#55 (highly anticipated return, sought-after first print, $10-30), #60 (mid-arc). Complete bow: $40-100.
Top 4 — Robot Kingdom Arc (Saga #13-24, 2013-2014)
Screenwriter:Brian K. Vaughan |Designer:Fiona Staples |Numbers:#13-24
The arc that develops Prince Robot IV into a complete tragic character. We explore the society of screen heads, the war takes on a complex political dimension, and the bounty hunters get closer. Vaughan's worldbuilding reaches its full power here.
Key numbers:#13 ($5-15), #18 (end of arc twist), #24 (conclusion). Complete bow: $50-120.
Top 5 — Arc The Will & the Slave (Saga #7-12, 2012-2013)
Screenwriter:Brian K. Vaughan |Designer:Fiona Staples |Numbers:#7-12
The Will — the series' most charismatic bounty hunter — takes center stage. His decision to save Sophie from the Sextillion is a pivotal moment that humanizes the antagonist and creates one of the most endearing duos in the series. Lying Cat becomes icon.
Key numbers:#7 (development The Will, $5-15), #12 (first Ghüs, $15-40). Complete bow: $40-100.
Top 6 — Denunciation Arc (Saga #19-30, 2014-2015)
Screenwriter:Brian K. Vaughan |Designer:Fiona Staples |Numbers:#19-30
The adult themes of Saga are fully asserted: censorship, freedom of the press, and the price of truth in a universe at war. The introduction of the journalist character adds a meta layer to the narrative itself. Vaughan confronts his characters with impossible choices.
Key numbers:#19 ($5-10), #28 (shock revelation), #30 (conclusion). Complete bow: $40-80.
Top 7 — Recent arcs post-#67 (Saga #67+, 2023-ongoing)
Screenwriter:Brian K. Vaughan |Designer:Fiona Staples |Numbers:#67+
The series continues to surprise with new characters and daring twists. Hazel, now a narrator aware of her role, brings a metatextual dimension. Each first print issue remains a solid investment for the collection — the end of the series, when it comes, will explode the ratings.
Key numbers:Any recent first print remains accessible ($4-8) and represents a long-term investment.
To go further, consult our guides onkey issues of Sagaand thehigh value independent comics.
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