What is the significance of sexual references in Saga?

When I first heard about Saga, I assumed that the graphic novel is about a quirky, sci-fi story with weird lingo. After reading the novel, I realized how wrong I was. Brian Vaughan's Saga: Book One is a graphic novel that is rather adventurous, as Marko and Alana find a planet to establish their family in peace. One thing that I noticed about the graphic novel is the strong sexual content. Whether it is used for birth, business, or art,Vaughan finds a way to mention sex. Besides, sex attracts young adult readers.



The opening scene shows Alana giving birth to their daughter Hazel, also known as the narrator. Within the first few lines of reading, Alana makes a sexual reference to Marko, implying that she will ," Never have sex with me again if I defecate all over you. Unless you're secretly into that." (Vaughan 6) With such a bold statement in a short period of time reading the novel, it is safe to say that sex is not a sensitive subject. What makes the opening scene significant is not the sexual reference, but the  message that sex is rather normal, and without it, there wouldn't be new life. The idea of reproducing is so important in this novel that it is mentioned twice in the book. Chapter two begins with Prince IV and his wife having sexual intercourse. Later, while on a hectic mission, Prince IV receives a call from his wife saying she's pregnant. The announcement makes IV, "The happiest I've ever been. In a bloody latrine on bloody Cleave" ( Vaughan 125) In comparison, Marko and Alana struggle to escape from the perilous wars between their families, but feel happiness whenever they focus on the baby. Such joy implies that birth can bring sanity, even in the craziest situations.

Another interesting use of sexual reference in the novel is the awareness of sex trafficking. Seeking pleasure in a sexually infested town called, "sextillion," The Will 's erotic sensation comes to a halt after an employee  refers him to a six year old child. To intensify the scene, the employee mentions the freelancer's job to murder children as if it is completely worse than using a six year female to please adults for money. Though disturbing, the scene reminds us that many children are sold as a sex slave across the world.  Thankfully, The Will shatters the monster's head to pieces, and finds a way to take her with him.

Fiona Staple's graphic art  amplifies the sexual reference; Throughout the novel, there are displays of nudity, with an interesting significance. One picture that stands out to me is the three eyed giant. The giant's blistered shaft and pus-filled scrotum leaves a disturbing image in the reader's mind that reminds one of  Sexually- Transmitted Diseases, or someone who doesn't take care of themselves (the giant doesn't, obviously). Another character who has an interesting artwork is the Stalk. Stalk's eight eyes, human cleavage and crab-like lower body makes her a perfect example of what sci-fi characters should look like, without giving the disturbed feeling to readers. When Alana attempts to breastfeed Hazel, one may not have an eerie feeling, or urge to puke. Instead, one can simply see that  having these body parts is apart of life, so one shouldn't look at such an image as seductive.

In conclusion, Vaughan's sexual references is a clever way to attract many readers. Vaughan uses the idea of reproduction to show how new life can bring happiness to many. The sextillion planet shows how sex can be used in the wrong way, such as sex trafficking. Staple's art exploits the visual perspective of nudity, whether it is disturbing or normal.