Written by Guest Contributor: Jordan North The best thing about Saga is that as good as you get to know the world, these characters; it never ceases to throw you for loops. Rather than be in a big way like by introducing an entirely new environment or something as small or as subtle as a bit of unexpected characterization. It never stops feeling fresh. And this issue is no different.

Even though issue fifteen is set entirely in author Oswald Heist lighthouse (at least for Marko, Alana and the gang) it doesn’t fail to deliver tons of great character moments. Every moment centered around an intergalactic board game played between Heist, Marko’s mom, Alana and him is great, and the way Brian K. Vaughan works those scenes in to help move character arcs along feels natural and is delightfully creative. And I dare you not to crack a smile at the conclusion of the “psych-out” round. Next issue it looks like the gang will be leaving Heists place once and for all and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t a little sad, yeah it is time to move on but Oswald Heist has quickly become a standout character and a personal favorite of mine. Farewell my good man.

On top of those sequences an introduction to a new member of the Robot royal family Countess Robot X and out of left field conclusion further spice things up, with the former being perhaps one of my favorite (and coolest) issue openings to date. A little mystery is peppered in for good measure too, namely, what the hell is up with The Stalk? With this book, intrigue is ever mounting.

Fiona Staples slays it again on art, her mix of minimalist, economical lines and lollipop colors coming together to create a brilliant world as always. Still, even with consistently off the charts work I’m always thrown and delighted at least once an issue, here it was a moment when a new character-- Countess Robot X-- calls in a hilariously over the top orbital strike to take out a sniper. The raw display of power captured is awe-inspiring and beautifully rendered and really reminds you just how much of a force to be reckoned with the Robot Royal family really is.

Saga continues to impress. I’d tell you to buy this book but at this point it’d be a waste of digital ink.

Score: 5/5

Writer: Brian K. Vaughan Artist: Fiona Staples Publisher: Image Comics Price: $2.99 Release Date: 10/30/13