Writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Fiona Staples hosted a Saga panel at New York Comic Con, speaking to an abundance of fans about their hit sci-fi drama. Earlier this year Image Comics put out one of the best titles to hit comic shelves that totally blew fans away. Brought to us by the creative team of Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples, Saga was that one book constantly being talked about issue after issue. This was the second highest selling independent title right after The Walking Dead. At the panel we were chomping at the bit in anticipation of any new announcements about this awesome series.
The room was a packed house as eager fans made their way to their seats and moderator Eric Stephenson began his introductions. He announced that he first came across Vaughan’s work when he was doing Swamp Thing, and how he could have the “balls” to attempt to follow Alan Moore’s work. He then went on to compliment and give praise to Vaughan by saying he now views him as being on the same level as Moore. Vaughan himself pointed out that he feels that he learned how to write during his time on that title, and that he’s excited to be working with Fiona and at Image. Fiona told the crowd that this is the first time she’s been offered an ongoing title and felt that she was ready for the long term commitment. Vaughan also stated that he was a lot more confident now, and that he was happy the fans were enjoying his series that included things such as robot sex. He plans on a long run, and even stated that he wanted to go one more issue after the end of The Walking Dead.
The awesomeness continued as covers for the next three issues were shown, but the one that garnered the most applause was the one for Saga #9. This was the first time it had been publicly shown, so the NYCC crowd got a really exciting treat! After this, Stephenson opened the floor up to questions. However, in a fantastic twist, BKV announced that instead of just being boring and asking questions from the line, that each person should come up and sit down with him and Fiona and ask their question. The questions from the fans were diverse and prompted some really great stories from Staples and Vaughan. One in particular was when Vaughan recounted how he was writing the end of Y The Last Man on an airplane and began to cry a little. He even spoke of his inspirations, and how he doesn’t want the names of the characters and planets to sound like typical sci-fi names. Though a great comment from Fiona came when she was asked if there was anything she has refused to draw, and she stated that she came to the conclusion early on in her career that she will draw anything and be that artist that has “no standards.” The crowd erupted in laughter, and Fiona even went on to describe her art process.
As I was one of the individuals in the line waiting for my turn to ask a question, it became evident that time was running out. As I turned and looked behind me it was evident the line had gotten increasingly longer, and there was more doubt for those people. Though the line did begin to move a bit faster after several minutes and my anticipation was building, it was soon crushed as the time was up right when I was next. However, even though I was crushed it didn’t put too much of a damper on what had been a fantastic, emotion filled panel. It was, however, my very good fortune that I was able to acquire a ticket to the BKV and Fiona signing, and was part of the massive crowd waiting in line for a chance to get some issues signed and maybe a print or two. Just an FYI for the fans, be prepared for something pretty shocking with Saga #7, as Vaughan said that he asked Fiona to draw “the worst thing that anyone has ever drawn” in that issue!
Be sure to come back for more of our NYCC 2012 coverage as we spotlight more creators and cosplayers from the event!
All photos courtesy of E. Snell Design
Infinite Speech
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