Saga Characters Ranked by Likability

Despite its space opera setting and wonderful world-building, perhaps the biggest thing that hooks readers into Saga is its grounded, complex characters who are neither strictly heroes nor villains, but rather individuals trying to find their way in a galaxy torn apart by war and interspecies conflict.

Throughout its past 50 issues, Saga has accrued a large cast of memorable characters, some likable, some not so much. However, the series specializes in never strictly casting anyone in the role of “good guy” or “bad guy,” portraying each character that readers feel vastly different about from issue to issue.

Gwendolyn

Saga may not do “villains,” but because the series protagonists are constantly on the run from a variety of mercenaries hired sent by government politicians, Gwendolyn is probably the closest thing to the main antagonist the comic has.

Gwendolyn is the former girlfriend of the series main character, Marko, now an official within Wreath’s war-time government. Living out every angry ex’s fantasy, she is sent to hunt down Marko and his family, eventually partnering with The Will to do so. Despite her dangerous intentions, Gwendolyn is still a somewhat likable albeit strong-headed protagonist, someone that could feasibly be the hero of her comic. Yet, given her agenda and the grudge she holds against Marko, she’s a character that readers are sort of obliged to root against.

The Will

Like Gwendolyn, the Freelance mercenary, The Will, is another character whose first few appearances in the series are along the lines of a major antagonist, assigned by Wreath high-command to find Marko and Alana.

The Will seems like a character that readers could either love or hate. He has a complicated past full of emotional abuse from his parents and loved ones, yet has been shown to try and do the right thing now and again (including saving the six-year-old Sophie from the sex slave industry). However, with his actions in more recent Saga issues, The Will has stepped up to the role of the main antagonist in the series, alongside Gwendolyn.

Prince Robot IV

Prince Robot IV begins as a major antagonist in Saga, yet eventually becomes Alana and Marko’s closest ally.

Interestingly, IV and The Will share intersecting roles in the course of Saga. Though they were both assigned to find Alana and Marko, The Will took his time getting around to the assignment, with IV beginning straight away. Over time, however, IV would eventually join Alana and Marko’s group while The Will became the family’s primary pursuer. It’s this gradual shift in roles that make IV so likable, along with his humorous, sardonic personality and the unforgettable character design.

Alana

Alana may be one of the major series protagonists in Saga, but her stubborn nature and stand-off attitude usually come at a severe cost, even putting her marriage with Marko in jeopardy a few times throughout the series.

Alana and Marko’s love story may be the most romantic in all of comic fandom, yet–like any couple–the two have their fair share of squabbles. Sometimes Marko may be in the wrong, but usually, the fights stem from Alana’s somewhat immature nature, or her struggle to accept the responsibilities of motherhood. However, this struggle makes her far from completely unlikable, instead of establishing her as a relatable mother who is not fully willing to leave the wildlife of being single behind. However, she’s also a devoted wife and would do anything to protect her children, making her an admirable if the sometimes difficult character to follow.

Sophie

As is the case with most of Saga‘s characters, Sophie has had a long, difficult life. Rescued by The Will from the planet Sextillion, she is essentially raised by the Freelancer, eventually joining Gwendolyn in her travels.

It’s Sophie’s young, hard life that makes her so sympathetic, with readers easily feeling a bond to her over the character’s tragic past. However, rather than let her past life define her future, Sophie appears to be a lighthearted girl who genuinely wants to seize the most out of life, even while traveling with her dangerous, sometimes ruthless companions.

Hazel

Alana and Marko may be Saga‘s two main characters currently, but Hazel–the series’ narrator–is likely the closest comic has to a true main protagonist.

The interspecies daughter of Alana and Marko, Hazel is a young girl throughout much of Saga so far, initially a baby, then a toddler, and currently 9-years-old as of Saga #55. Though raised in a dangerous setting with numerous assassins after her, Hazel still seems like the glowing, playful, imaginative daughter. She’s frequently highlighting life lessons she’s learned from her time with her parents and various other characters, and her often light-hearted narration makes her an incredibly likable character.

Marko

Alana’s husband Marko is the more level-headed of the two. He’s seen the worst the war has offered, and as such, tries to make a genuine change for the better while raising Hazel. His shocking death in Saga #54 marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one for Saga fans everywhere.

Marko’s devotion to his family is without a doubt his most admirable quality, as is his witty, often lighthearted personality that his daughter inherits from him. He’s a man that readers can tell has seen and personally lived through terrible atrocities, but who knows that the main way to create a better future for himself is through spending time with the people he cares about.

Lying Cat

Out of all of Saga‘s many characters, Lying Cat is probably the most recognizable (along with Prince Robot IV). A loyal Sidekick to The Will, she’s a feline version of Chewbacca, able to tell whenever someone tries to lie about something.

Though she’s accompanied the family’s frequent pursuers like The Will and Gwendolyn, Lying Cat seemingly lacks the ruthless qualities of her companions. Yes, she’s knowledgeable and aware enough to know she is a mercenary, but her loyalty and unique design make her an interesting character that fans love seeing. If there is ever a film adaptation of Saga, hopefully Lying Cat is included.

Ghüs

Ghüs is not only the cutest character in all of Saga, but he’s also genuinely the most likable. A half-man, half-seal alien hybrid, he was a standout character the moment he appeared in Saga, with fans instantly wanting more of the adorable little guy.

It’s hard to pinpoint one key reason why Ghüs is the most likable character in all of Saga. For starters, as already mentioned, he’s unbelievably adorable. Additionally, though, he’s also incredibly loyal, protecting his companions and acting as a personal bodyguard/caretaker to Prince Robot IV’s son, Squire. With how downright lovable he is, all that’s left to hope is that Vaughan and Staples bring him back in future issues of Saga.

Izabel

One of the first characters that would join Alana and Marko on their travels, Izabel was a friendly teenage ghost who became the caretaker and babysitter for the infant Hazel, looking after her closely.

Though her time in Saga as a whole was brief, she was a welcome sight every time she appeared, imparting straightforward, pragmatic advice to Alana and Marko without mincing any words. Her death later in the series run was tragic and unexpected, but the role she played in Hazel, Alana, and Marko’s life was invaluable.