The Will

The Will is one of the most compelling and morally complex mercenaries in Image Comics' critically acclaimed Saga universe. A freelancer by trade, The Will operates outside the rigid structures of the interplanetary conflict that defines the series, taking on contracts that suit his own code — a code that, while ruthless, occasionally bends toward unexpected compassion. He made his first appearance in Saga #1 (2012), one of the most celebrated debut issues of the modern comic era and a true cornerstone of any serious Image Comics collection.

Armed with an arsenal of combat skills, precision marksmanship, and a tactical mind honed across countless dangerous assignments, The Will is rarely outmatched in the field. His partnership with his Lying Cat — a creature capable of detecting deception — gives him a near-supernatural edge in negotiations and confrontations alike. This dynamic duo became instantly iconic, and collectors quickly recognized The Will as far more than a simple antagonist. His storylines weave through the broader Saga narrative with emotional depth, including his complicated relationship with The Stalk and his fierce protectiveness over a young girl named Sophie.

Among The Will's most significant story arcs are his early pursuit of Marko and Alana through the opening chapters of Saga, and the deeply personal detours that reveal the wounded humanity beneath his mercenary exterior. Writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Fiona Staples crafted him as a mirror to the series' themes of war, love, and moral ambiguity — making his appearances consistently some of the most anticipated in each story arc.

For collectors, Saga #1 is already a landmark book with multiple printings, but the early issues featuring The Will's most intense story beats represent genuine long-term value. As Saga continues to grow in cultural stature, characters like The Will — layered, visually distinct, and central to the story's emotional core — make their key issues smart acquisitions. Whether you're hunting first prints or variant covers, building a complete Will-centric run of Saga is a rewarding pursuit for any Image Comics collector.