Game Of Thrones Meets Star Wars In The 4-Part Sci-Fi Epic Returning In 2026

The best fantasy competitor of both Game of Thrones and Star Wars approaches its conclusion with the beginning of its new chapter later this year. Star Wars and Game of Thrones are the crown jewels of two different corners of modern popular culture: sci-fi movies and fantasy television. George Lucas’ galaxy far, far away created a multimedia phenomenon that continues to expand half a century after its debut, while Game of Thrones accomplished a similarly transformative feat for fantasy television by bringing George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire medieval world to an unprecedented global audience.

However, neither franchise concluded its central saga with the universal acclaim that accompanied its greatest successes. Star Wars‘ sequel trilogy presented a disjointed overarching story that prioritized shocking twists over narrative consistency. Game of Thrones met an equally intense backlash after its final season compressed years of anticipated character development into only a handful of episodes that betrayed most main characters’ arcs. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and “The Iron Throne” did little to diminish the immense cultural influence that both properties had already achieved, but they certainly affected the conversation surrounding their legacies.

Fantasy franchises don’t have to follow the same disappointing pattern, and Brian K. Vaughan’s Saga promises to demonstrate it.

Saga Is Returning In 2026 With A New Chapter

Saga #73; Written By Brian K. Vaughan; Art By Fiona Staples

After a year-long hiatus that started with the March 19 2025 release of issue #72, Brian K. Vaughan’s acclaimed fantasy comic series Saga returns with issue #73, releasing some time in late 2026. As Saga enters its final 36-issue stretch starting with issue #73, the series must resolve the core conflict between the Landfall Coalition and Wreath, while tracking Hazel’s evolution into adulthood. A primary focus will likely be Hazel having to fully master her magical abilities and establish her own identity separate from her parents’ tragic legacy. Hazel’s secret narration, which has framed the entire comic series, suggests she’s reflecting on her life from a distant future. Accordingly, Saga‘s upcoming arcs may detail how Hazel survives the escalating intergalactic war and what role she plays in the razing of the corrupt systems of her universe.

Key subplots demanding resolution include Gwendolyn’s political maneuvering and the ultimate fate of the Will, as well as the ongoing emotional development of Petrichor and Upsher as they intersect with Hazel’s journey. To deliver a definitive and satisfying conclusion by issue #108, Hazel needs to expose the futility of the endless conflict, perhaps through the publication or broadcast of her autobiography. Further heartbreaking sacrifices may be inevitable, but they will secure enduring peace for the next generation. Saga should conclude with an adult Hazel finally finding a safe haven and fulfilling Alana and Marko’s dream by proving she can ultimately outlast the machinery of war.

Saga Must Avoid A Familiar Conclusion Problem

Saga Has Thirty-Six Issues To Create A Satisfying Conclusion

To avoid the familiar pitfalls of similar fantasy and sci-fi franchises, Saga needs to prioritize the natural development of already established plotlines and characterization over shocking twists. Star Wars and Game of Thrones both ended their main series on a bitter note after writers rushed the pacing, abandoned long-term character development for shock value, and ignored the central themes of their own universes. Saga has thirty-six issues to build a meticulous climax, and it enjoyed a hiatus of more than one year to prepare accordingly. Fortunately, since Brian K. Vaughan has already mapped out the exact 108-issue trajectory, every remaining subplot will likely be resolved with care.

The structure of comic book publishing and Saga‘s deliberate production schedule give it a massive advantage in achieving a flawless landing. Unlike expansive TV or movie franchises that need to balance actor availability and fluctuating budgets, creators Brian K Vaughan and Fiona Staples retain absolute creative control. The strategic hiatus preceding issue #73 must have allowed the creative team to carefully outline the rest of the series and ensure that no narrative threads are dropped or clumsily lumped together.

Saga #73 is available in late 2026 from Image Comics