Alana

Alana is one of the two central protagonists of Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples' groundbreaking Image Comics series Saga, making her debut in the landmark first issue released in March 2012. A soldier from the planet Landfall, Alana defies everything her society stands for when she falls in love with Marko, a prisoner of war from Wreath — the moon perpetually at war with her homeworld. Her first appearance in Saga #1 is one of the most significant debut issues of the modern comic book era, introducing readers to one of the most compelling and complex female characters in contemporary comics. That issue, now highly sought after by collectors, opens mid-action and immediately establishes Alana as fierce, witty, and unapologetically unconventional.

Alana's abilities as a trained soldier and weapon master make her a formidable force throughout the series, and her winged physiology — granting her the power of flight — visually sets her apart as a Landfall native. Her street alias Zipless reflects her rebellious, no-nonsense attitude. Beyond her combat skills, what defines Alana is her emotional core: her devotion to her daughter Hazel and her husband Marko drives virtually every major story arc in the series. From the desperate flight across the galaxy in early issues to the devastating losses suffered in later volumes, Alana's journey is one of survival, sacrifice, and the cost of loving fiercely in a universe that wants your family destroyed.

Across the multiple story arcs of Saga — including the Robot Kingdom conflict, the bounty hunter pursuits led by The Will and The Stalk, and the emotionally brutal later volumes — Alana remains the emotional and narrative anchor of the series. Her character development is widely praised as some of the most authentic writing in mainstream comics, tackling themes of addiction, identity, grief, and parenthood without flinching. Saga's consistent critical acclaim and dedicated readership have made its key issues reliable collectibles, with Saga #1 in particular commanding strong prices across grades.

For collectors, Alana's books represent a rare intersection of critical prestige and genuine cultural impact. Saga #1 is considered a modern key issue — essential for anyone building a serious Image Comics collection or a collection focused on landmark first appearances of the 21st century. The series' numerous printings and variant covers also offer exciting chase opportunities, while first prints of early issues remain the crown jewels. Whether you're drawn to her as a character or simply recognize the hobby significance of the series she anchors, Alana's appearances belong on the shortlist of modern comics worth tracking down.