Saga Returns This June: Image Comics Confirms Release Date

After an 18-month hiatus, Saga—the critically acclaimed space opera from Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples—will return on June 4, 2026, with issue #73. Image Comics confirmed the date alongside a stunning new cover and details about the next story arc, titled "The War for Phang."

What's Coming

The new arc picks up after the shocking events of issue #72, which left fans devastated and desperate for resolution. Vaughan has promised that "The War for Phang" will be "the most consequential storyline in Saga history," with long-standing character arcs reaching their conclusions.

"We needed time to make sure we stuck the landing," Vaughan said in an exclusive statement to ComicGeek Trade. "Fiona and I have always said Saga is a story with a definite ending, and we're getting close to that now. Every issue from #73 onward matters."

Variant Covers

Image Comics is supporting the return with an aggressive variant program:

• Cover A (Fiona Staples): The main cover featuring Hazel in a dramatic new costume
• Cover B (Blank Sketch): Perfect for convention artists, limited to 1:10
• Cover C (TBD Artist): A surprise variant to be revealed in May
• Retailer Exclusives: Unknown Comics and ComicXposure both have exclusive covers

Pre-Order Frenzy

Diamond Comic Distributors reports that Saga #73 has already exceeded pre-orders for the series' previous high-water mark. Several retailers have reported allocating copies due to demand exceeding their initial orders.

"This is the most anticipated return in indie comics since The Walking Dead's heyday," says a buyer at a major comic chain. "We're ordering heavy and still expect to sell out."

Back Issue Heat

The announcement has reignited interest in earlier Saga issues. Key issues seeing price increases include:

• Saga #1: First prints now commanding $300+ in NM condition
• Saga #8: First appearance of Prince Robot IV
• Saga #14: Key character death issue
• Saga #54: Controversial issue that made national headlines

Final Arc?

Vaughan has stated that the series is planned to run 108 issues total, meaning there are approximately 35 issues remaining after the hiatus. For collectors, this means key issues from earlier arcs may continue to appreciate as the series approaches its conclusion.