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Ascender
Ascender, Vol. 1: The Haunted Galaxy
Powerhouse creative team Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen launch an all new series in Ascender! Set 10 years after the conclusion of Descender's storyline, here magic has taken the place of machinery and the rules are very different indeed... Mila, the daughter of Andy and Effie from Descender, spends her days exploring the lonely wilds of the planet Sampson and trying to stay out of the clutches of the evil disciples of the all powerful vampire witch known only as Mother. But like her parents, Mila doesn't like to play by the rules and when a certain robot pal of her dad's shows up, nothing will ever be the same! With all the scope and heart of the sci-fi classic, Descender, Lemire and Nguyen reunite to take readers on an unforgettable fantasy quest! Collects Ascender #1-5.
136 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2019
42 people are currently reading
1859 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Lemire
1,393 books3,872 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Jeff Lemire is a New York Times bestselling and award winning author, and creator of the acclaimed graphic novels Sweet Tooth, Essex County, The Underwater Welder, Trillium, Plutona, Black Hammer, Descender, Royal City, and Gideon Falls. His upcoming projects include a host of series and original graphic novels, including the fantasy series Ascender with Dustin Nguyen.
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Jeff Lemire is a New York Times bestselling and award winning author, and creator of the acclaimed graphic novels Sweet Tooth, Essex County, The Underwater Welder, Trillium, Plutona, Black Hammer, Descender, Royal City, and Gideon Falls. His upcoming projects include a host of series and original graphic novels, including the fantasy series Ascender with Dustin Nguyen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
March 30, 2020
Perfect.
While Descender was a sci-fi story with a little bit of fantasy elements thrown in, it appears that Ascender will be a fantasy story with a little bit of sci-fi tossed into the mix.
And after reading the first volume of this continuing story, I can definitely say that I am all the way in! New characters are interesting and it's really nice to see some of the old characters -even if the main one I wanted to see wasn't there. <--where you at, kid?
I loved the new villains! Some kind of vampire-witches? Holy shit they make great bad guys!
I don't want to give spoilers but THAT ENDING has me excited for more.
Highly Recommended!
While Descender was a sci-fi story with a little bit of fantasy elements thrown in, it appears that Ascender will be a fantasy story with a little bit of sci-fi tossed into the mix.
And after reading the first volume of this continuing story, I can definitely say that I am all the way in! New characters are interesting and it's really nice to see some of the old characters -even if the main one I wanted to see wasn't there. <--where you at, kid?
I loved the new villains! Some kind of vampire-witches? Holy shit they make great bad guys!
I don't want to give spoilers but THAT ENDING has me excited for more.
Highly Recommended!
November 2, 2019
That effing ending 😫. The hell! I need the next one already!
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
November 11, 2019
Back in the Descender world by popular demand, this Star Wars tribute space opera/magic mash-up story takes place 10 years after the Harvester/UGC galactic war. Andy and his daughter, Mila, are visited by an old friend, Bandit, an (illegal) robot dog we recall from Descender. But they face Mother and her sweet little anti-technological family.
You know all about Mother Earth and peace, love, motherhood and apple pie? Well, forget all you thought you knew about all that. Mother is a particularly evil vampire witch, heading a loyal coven of brutal witches that discover Bandit is visiting Andy and Mila, and so it’s time to get out of Dodge, with the help of another old friend, and whoa, the Descender band is back together, let’s party like it’s 1984.
That’s really about it in terms of plot, which takes a while to get going. Let’s say there’s a bit of a dramatic twist ending, though Lemire doesn’t want to shake us up too much, not yet, so it’s initially a hard cliffhanger, but he relents to give you a little hint of things to come in the very last image.
So while Descender was solidly science fiction, Ascender looks like it shifts to be more about magic and fantasy. We’ll see, but I am in. By far the highlight of Ascender is the artwork of Dustin Nguyen, and the stand-out feature of that is the warm watercolors, just lovely, to balance out the grimly Fascist Evil Dark political situation. Highly recommend, one of the best series around, almost on the level of space/time sci fi series such as Paper Girls and Saga.
You know all about Mother Earth and peace, love, motherhood and apple pie? Well, forget all you thought you knew about all that. Mother is a particularly evil vampire witch, heading a loyal coven of brutal witches that discover Bandit is visiting Andy and Mila, and so it’s time to get out of Dodge, with the help of another old friend, and whoa, the Descender band is back together, let’s party like it’s 1984.
That’s really about it in terms of plot, which takes a while to get going. Let’s say there’s a bit of a dramatic twist ending, though Lemire doesn’t want to shake us up too much, not yet, so it’s initially a hard cliffhanger, but he relents to give you a little hint of things to come in the very last image.
So while Descender was solidly science fiction, Ascender looks like it shifts to be more about magic and fantasy. We’ll see, but I am in. By far the highlight of Ascender is the artwork of Dustin Nguyen, and the stand-out feature of that is the warm watercolors, just lovely, to balance out the grimly Fascist Evil Dark political situation. Highly recommend, one of the best series around, almost on the level of space/time sci fi series such as Paper Girls and Saga.
October 25, 2019
This took me a while to get into but once it got rolling I really got into it. The first couple of issues are mostly about establishing the new status quo. Magic now rules the galaxy. A powerful witch, "Mother", leads with an iron fist, stamping out technology throughout the remnants of the UGC. Andy and his daughter, Mila, are visited by an old friend and that's where the story starts to steam roll into the same deliciousness we had in Descender and books like Saga where half the galaxy are chasing after our heroes. It all has a sort of Star Wars feel to it. Nguyen's watercolors are as beautiful as you've come to expect during Descender
Received a review copy from Image and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Image and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
May 14, 2022
There’s cool, and then there’s Jeff Lemire cool.
As he did with his Descender title, Lemire again teams up with illustrator Dustin Nguyen for more watercolor magic, which works very well in the fantasy theme.
How to make the Descender universe even better? Start ten years later and flip it upside down, now more fantasy than SF, and bring in an evil autocrat, named Mother, who is the chief sorceress and main antagonist to our heroes.
Ends with a very interesting twist.
As he did with his Descender title, Lemire again teams up with illustrator Dustin Nguyen for more watercolor magic, which works very well in the fantasy theme.
How to make the Descender universe even better? Start ten years later and flip it upside down, now more fantasy than SF, and bring in an evil autocrat, named Mother, who is the chief sorceress and main antagonist to our heroes.
Ends with a very interesting twist.
July 13, 2020
2020 re-read:
Holy f...! I had forgotten about that shocker towards the end. Oh well, all the fun twice for me then. Nice start to the series. Bandit is still my favorite. I need one of those.
*******
2019 review:
I was sad when Descender ended. In my relatively short time as a comic book reader this has been one of my favorite series so far. Therefore I was glad to hear that the story continues with Ascender.
Things have changed a lot in the ten years that have passed since the last volume of Descender. The technologically advanced world of that series has given way to a world of magic. Instead of machines we have giant flying turtles, dragons and vampires. And instead of a galactic war between robots and humans we have a dystopian fantasy setting where a witch called Mother has taken a position of great power. To preserve said power Mother is willing to go to drastic measures to get rid of the last remnants of technology in that world. But of course there is some resistance.
We meet some of our heroes from Descender again. And they too have changed quite dramatically. I suppose for the others to show up we have to wait a little longer. In the meantime Andy and co. get themselves into trouble and are mostly on the run. This time, though, from dragons and the like.
Family is an important theme in this one, and combined with the new fantasy elements this reminded me a bit of Saga. There are also some dramatic developments in the plot that suggest the creative team has taken a look at Vaughan‘s/Staple’s work. Surely there are worse options to draw inspiration from.
The artstyle is more or less the same as in Descender. Which is great news, since this series is without a doubt one of the coolest looking comics out there. But for some reason it isn’t working quite as well here. It might be the change of the color palette, or that most of the characters are a little ugly (on purpose). My reading-buddy Cathy said that some of the art looks a bit rushed, as if less care was taken. I’m not sure. I don’t remember Descender having a lot of really detailed panels. Some, yes. But mostly not. Maybe the watercolor style was a better fit for the sci-fi setting, because it produced such a nice contrast to a world full of tech. I might have to mull this over a bit more. But subjectively speaking I liked the look of Descender better.
I fully agree with Cathy that a little more world building would have been nice. Even though it was an exciting read, a lot of that, I think, stems from the fact that there’s already a deep bond between the reader and some of the characters. Would be interesting to hear what someone who hasn’t read Descender thinks about this book. But then again, why would you do that in the first place?!
Exactly.
Holy f...! I had forgotten about that shocker towards the end. Oh well, all the fun twice for me then. Nice start to the series. Bandit is still my favorite. I need one of those.
*******
2019 review:
I was sad when Descender ended. In my relatively short time as a comic book reader this has been one of my favorite series so far. Therefore I was glad to hear that the story continues with Ascender.
Things have changed a lot in the ten years that have passed since the last volume of Descender. The technologically advanced world of that series has given way to a world of magic. Instead of machines we have giant flying turtles, dragons and vampires. And instead of a galactic war between robots and humans we have a dystopian fantasy setting where a witch called Mother has taken a position of great power. To preserve said power Mother is willing to go to drastic measures to get rid of the last remnants of technology in that world. But of course there is some resistance.
We meet some of our heroes from Descender again. And they too have changed quite dramatically. I suppose for the others to show up we have to wait a little longer. In the meantime Andy and co. get themselves into trouble and are mostly on the run. This time, though, from dragons and the like.
Family is an important theme in this one, and combined with the new fantasy elements this reminded me a bit of Saga. There are also some dramatic developments in the plot that suggest the creative team has taken a look at Vaughan‘s/Staple’s work. Surely there are worse options to draw inspiration from.
The artstyle is more or less the same as in Descender. Which is great news, since this series is without a doubt one of the coolest looking comics out there. But for some reason it isn’t working quite as well here. It might be the change of the color palette, or that most of the characters are a little ugly (on purpose). My reading-buddy Cathy said that some of the art looks a bit rushed, as if less care was taken. I’m not sure. I don’t remember Descender having a lot of really detailed panels. Some, yes. But mostly not. Maybe the watercolor style was a better fit for the sci-fi setting, because it produced such a nice contrast to a world full of tech. I might have to mull this over a bit more. But subjectively speaking I liked the look of Descender better.
I fully agree with Cathy that a little more world building would have been nice. Even though it was an exciting read, a lot of that, I think, stems from the fact that there’s already a deep bond between the reader and some of the characters. Would be interesting to hear what someone who hasn’t read Descender thinks about this book. But then again, why would you do that in the first place?!
Exactly.
November 24, 2019
In this sequel to the fantastic Descender, Vol. 1: Tin StarsDescender series by the same team, we are 10 years along in the same galaxy where magic has taken rather violent precedence over machines. Mika, Andy and Effie’s daughter find Bandit, Tim 21’s dog from the previous series, which sets off a manhunt. Mother is a rather terrifying would-be Voldemort capable or merging two bodies into one (eww!) and is nearly stopped, but hey that would prematurely end the series, so of course, she survives.
Beautifully drawn in aquarelle with luscious, violent reds and pale, menacing blues, it is - as all the works in this series - a pleasure to look at. A sort of Star Wars as if drawn by Enki Bilal. Highly recommended while we wait during an eternity for the next Saga.
Beautifully drawn in aquarelle with luscious, violent reds and pale, menacing blues, it is - as all the works in this series - a pleasure to look at. A sort of Star Wars as if drawn by Enki Bilal. Highly recommended while we wait during an eternity for the next Saga.
July 9, 2022
Secuela de la serie Descender y donde la trama transcurre una década después.
Mientras en la primera serie primaba la ciencia ficción, con un mundo tecnológico lleno robots, en esta prima la fantasía, con dragones, vampiros brujos y seres fantásticos.
El dibujo me ha resultado muy acorde y genial en este primer volumen.
Mientras en la primera serie primaba la ciencia ficción, con un mundo tecnológico lleno robots, en esta prima la fantasía, con dragones, vampiros brujos y seres fantásticos.
El dibujo me ha resultado muy acorde y genial en este primer volumen.
December 25, 2022
Bullet Review:
Ten years after the events in Descender. Ascender opens with a strange, totalitarian ruler called only "Mother" who controls all technology and exerts her force with powerful magic. Tech of all sort is outlawed and controlled by Mother and her people; people are forced to swear oaths of loyalty to her regime.
Descender had its ups and downs, but always always always had gorgeous art. This is the same here - I think this is a strong start to a new story in the same universe (obviously, we all see the similar tropes - heroes hidden away, trying to avoid the tyrannical new government, rebellious daughter who knows little to nothing of the Old World and who looks to the stars for inspiration), and honestly, I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
Reread Update:
I had 100% forgotten EVERYTHING from most of Descender to the fact I read volume 1. I am so glad I reread volume 1 before jumping into volume 2.
Ten years after the events in Descender. Ascender opens with a strange, totalitarian ruler called only "Mother" who controls all technology and exerts her force with powerful magic. Tech of all sort is outlawed and controlled by Mother and her people; people are forced to swear oaths of loyalty to her regime.
Descender had its ups and downs, but always always always had gorgeous art. This is the same here - I think this is a strong start to a new story in the same universe (obviously, we all see the similar tropes - heroes hidden away, trying to avoid the tyrannical new government, rebellious daughter who knows little to nothing of the Old World and who looks to the stars for inspiration), and honestly, I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
Reread Update:
I had 100% forgotten EVERYTHING from most of Descender to the fact I read volume 1. I am so glad I reread volume 1 before jumping into volume 2.
August 4, 2024
I was expecting this to be Return of the Jedi but it's more Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, but, y'know, better?
In the post-apocalyptic aftermath of Descender Andy Tavers' daughter, Mila, takes center stage as she prepares to save the universe or something with her own ragtag crew. A new major villain and lots of action and thrills keep the story moving even as the new status quo is filled in around the edges.
Here's hoping this shorter series stays more focused than the meandering Descender.
In the post-apocalyptic aftermath of Descender Andy Tavers' daughter, Mila, takes center stage as she prepares to save the universe or something with her own ragtag crew. A new major villain and lots of action and thrills keep the story moving even as the new status quo is filled in around the edges.
Here's hoping this shorter series stays more focused than the meandering Descender.
July 5, 2022
Re-read July 2022: Still 4 stars. Checked out all 4 volumes of this series out at once with the intent of finishing it -- hopefully the quality of this first volume keeps up.
-----
A direct sequel to Descender, Ascender takes place 10 years later and follows Andy and his daughter, Mila. The two have settled on a planet where all tech is outlawed and magic prevails. This is reinforced by the all-powerful Mother, a tyrannical witch who’s trying to quash all traces of technology that once reigned.
When Bandit, Andy’s (now illegal) robot dog shows up unexpectedly, Andy and Mila have to go on the run lest they face the wrath of Mother and her disciples.
Lemire and Nguyen are back in the world of their wildly popular Descender series and it’s never looked better. While Descender was very firmly sci-fi, Ascender veers into fantasy territory. Both titles share a nostalgic aesthetic and read like homages to SFF from the 80s and 90s. Nugyen’s beautiful watercolor art continues to impress. I love that he’s infused some warmer colours into his palette (vs. Descender more muted greys).
The plot is very thin at this point - this volume is purely setup for things to come, though the cliffhanger ending has me clamouring for more already.
-----
A direct sequel to Descender, Ascender takes place 10 years later and follows Andy and his daughter, Mila. The two have settled on a planet where all tech is outlawed and magic prevails. This is reinforced by the all-powerful Mother, a tyrannical witch who’s trying to quash all traces of technology that once reigned.
When Bandit, Andy’s (now illegal) robot dog shows up unexpectedly, Andy and Mila have to go on the run lest they face the wrath of Mother and her disciples.
Lemire and Nguyen are back in the world of their wildly popular Descender series and it’s never looked better. While Descender was very firmly sci-fi, Ascender veers into fantasy territory. Both titles share a nostalgic aesthetic and read like homages to SFF from the 80s and 90s. Nugyen’s beautiful watercolor art continues to impress. I love that he’s infused some warmer colours into his palette (vs. Descender more muted greys).
The plot is very thin at this point - this volume is purely setup for things to come, though the cliffhanger ending has me clamouring for more already.
October 28, 2019
I must admit I liked the first volume of Descender more than this, but I somehow feel the whole story is going to be much, much better. The places are familiar but different, flashbacks are very helpful to piece together the gap between Descender/Ascender. I can't wait where this all is going..
April 5, 2020
Damn. That escalated quickly.
October 26, 2019
The sequel to Lemire and Nguyen's excellent Descender, Ascender comes hot on the heels of the former's ending, and soon establishes itself as a whole different beast. Where technology and revolution were the themes of Descender, Ascender's all about magic and rebellion.
It's a bit of a slow start, as we're introduced to some familiar faces and some new ones, and as the new rules of the universe are set out and explained. But once things get moving, around issue 3, then it's non-stop right through to the cliffhanger ending that shows that Ascender's going to be another universe-spanning epic as if we ever had any doubt.
And of course, Nguyen's artwork is beautiful as always. His use of white space is second to none, and it makes some pages that look as if they're sparsely illustrated at first glance work even better than you'd anticipated.
Ascender's a slow burn, but once the fuse is lit, we're off to the races.
It's a bit of a slow start, as we're introduced to some familiar faces and some new ones, and as the new rules of the universe are set out and explained. But once things get moving, around issue 3, then it's non-stop right through to the cliffhanger ending that shows that Ascender's going to be another universe-spanning epic as if we ever had any doubt.
And of course, Nguyen's artwork is beautiful as always. His use of white space is second to none, and it makes some pages that look as if they're sparsely illustrated at first glance work even better than you'd anticipated.
Ascender's a slow burn, but once the fuse is lit, we're off to the races.
March 22, 2020
This comic series takes place 10 years after the conclusion of the Descender series. It's a fantasy story with sci/fi elements, and I'm certainly along for the ride. A couple of characters from the original series make an appearance, but the new ones are quite fun - especially Mother - a villainous Vampire Witch. Whoa! I liked the loose watercolor illustration style, and am on Team Mila - natch. The writing seems better too, but I might wait until the series is completed before continuing, as there's always something lost when the breaks between installments are long .
October 4, 2019
I have a feeling that this will be even better than Descender. So much potential here!
Ascender is more about magic than machines and it's working really well. I love seeing the old characters and the new ones are great too.
I think that this is what Lemire can do best - stories about families and relationships (Royal City, Essex County, Sweet Tooth). Dustin Nguyen's art is brilliant as always.
If you are a fan of Descender this is an absolute must-read.
Ascender is more about magic than machines and it's working really well. I love seeing the old characters and the new ones are great too.
I think that this is what Lemire can do best - stories about families and relationships (Royal City, Essex County, Sweet Tooth). Dustin Nguyen's art is brilliant as always.
If you are a fan of Descender this is an absolute must-read.
December 29, 2019
A really good set up for the series. But I am NOT okay with that ending! And now I have to wait for the next volume...Sigh.
Update: Make sure to look past the last few black pages for a glimpse of hope.
Update: Make sure to look past the last few black pages for a glimpse of hope.
April 7, 2020
This proved to be an intriguing continuation of the Descender series. I was a bit hesitant at first, mainly because I don't usually like the "10 years later" type of story line, but I was pleasantly surprised with this volume. We still get the same beautiful artwork, an interesting and creative alien world, and strong characters. I also think that the color story was gorgeous, but that's par for the course with the first series as well.
All in all, if you liked the Descender series, I think you'd also highly enjoy Ascender.
All in all, if you liked the Descender series, I think you'd also highly enjoy Ascender.
November 11, 2021
Very beautiful and this new world intrigues me very much.
November 28, 2019
Rebel Girl Dropped into an Ascender Adventure
It was totally the cover art! Yes, I’m a sucker for gorgeous comic art. The flying creatures and the way the girl was sitting just said so much about the world (a cross between fantastical and sci-fi) and the watercolor style totally kills it. Plus I loved that the protagonist of Ascender vol 1: The Haunted Galaxy was a little girl.
Did Ascender vol 1 sweep away this Fangirl?
Right away I liked Mila. She lives with her dad on a backward planet up in the mountains. She wants to move to the nearest settlement and doesn’t care she has to declare for “Mother,” a despot ruler. I felt for her, she’s old enough to know this isn’t a way to live but not old enough for her dad to trust her with their sensitive situation.
And they’re up against a wicked Mother.
Mother is a witch and necromancer. She has a vast army at her beck and call that remind me of goblins and orcs. From small aerial creatures to huge lumbering monsters to human sized weapon wielders. She has access to the counsel of the previous witch rulers. And we see she’s really quite ruthless.
The hound is the key to taking her down.
This Mother has eradicated technology. Even travel between planets is done using dragon like creatures she controls. But Mila finds a robot. A robot dog! Cutting between Mother and learning about the rebels, we also follow Mila and her dad as they try to escape with their war winning tech. And boy do they hey makes traveling from point A to point B fun!
It makes for a fun and intense mashup world.
We have fantasy monsters practicing necromancy, who support an evil witch who has destroyed technology. All in a sci-fi universe with tech loving rebels who want their planets back. And it all comes down to a little girl, her dad and a pet robot dog! It’s so super fun, and the fusion of genres is brought together by the gorgeous watercolor art.
The family makes Ascender different from other comics.
When you have a young protagonist the first thing the author does is kill any adults that love and care for the kid. Then we have a child that must deal with adult situations on their own. I really enjoyed how I was constantly surprised at every plot twist. This author isn’t one who just takes the easy road. And that made this volume exciting!
Her dad makes me love Mila more.
I won’t confirm anything about her dad but I was on the edge of my seat even though we were setting up a new story universe. Her dad is a hero from Descender, the series before Ascender, so I shouldn’t be surprised he wowed me. I look forward to Mila capturing her father’s passion for freedom. Right now she’s concerned about living… but that’s going to quickly change for this innocent.
If the author can keep this kind of intensity consistent then even middle volumes will surprise readers. That potential makes Ascender a series to watch (and read)!
Ascender vol 1: The Haunted Galaxy introduces us to a watercolored fusion world that has the potential to be explosive. We have a villainess witch who has already sent planets back to the dark ages. And the pair who is going to beat her? A girl and her dog. I challenge you to not be intrigued…you need to check it out.
It was totally the cover art! Yes, I’m a sucker for gorgeous comic art. The flying creatures and the way the girl was sitting just said so much about the world (a cross between fantastical and sci-fi) and the watercolor style totally kills it. Plus I loved that the protagonist of Ascender vol 1: The Haunted Galaxy was a little girl.
Did Ascender vol 1 sweep away this Fangirl?
Right away I liked Mila. She lives with her dad on a backward planet up in the mountains. She wants to move to the nearest settlement and doesn’t care she has to declare for “Mother,” a despot ruler. I felt for her, she’s old enough to know this isn’t a way to live but not old enough for her dad to trust her with their sensitive situation.
And they’re up against a wicked Mother.
Mother is a witch and necromancer. She has a vast army at her beck and call that remind me of goblins and orcs. From small aerial creatures to huge lumbering monsters to human sized weapon wielders. She has access to the counsel of the previous witch rulers. And we see she’s really quite ruthless.
The hound is the key to taking her down.
This Mother has eradicated technology. Even travel between planets is done using dragon like creatures she controls. But Mila finds a robot. A robot dog! Cutting between Mother and learning about the rebels, we also follow Mila and her dad as they try to escape with their war winning tech. And boy do they hey makes traveling from point A to point B fun!
It makes for a fun and intense mashup world.
We have fantasy monsters practicing necromancy, who support an evil witch who has destroyed technology. All in a sci-fi universe with tech loving rebels who want their planets back. And it all comes down to a little girl, her dad and a pet robot dog! It’s so super fun, and the fusion of genres is brought together by the gorgeous watercolor art.
The family makes Ascender different from other comics.
When you have a young protagonist the first thing the author does is kill any adults that love and care for the kid. Then we have a child that must deal with adult situations on their own. I really enjoyed how I was constantly surprised at every plot twist. This author isn’t one who just takes the easy road. And that made this volume exciting!
Her dad makes me love Mila more.
I won’t confirm anything about her dad but I was on the edge of my seat even though we were setting up a new story universe. Her dad is a hero from Descender, the series before Ascender, so I shouldn’t be surprised he wowed me. I look forward to Mila capturing her father’s passion for freedom. Right now she’s concerned about living… but that’s going to quickly change for this innocent.
If the author can keep this kind of intensity consistent then even middle volumes will surprise readers. That potential makes Ascender a series to watch (and read)!
Ascender vol 1: The Haunted Galaxy introduces us to a watercolored fusion world that has the potential to be explosive. We have a villainess witch who has already sent planets back to the dark ages. And the pair who is going to beat her? A girl and her dog. I challenge you to not be intrigued…you need to check it out.
January 26, 2020
A gazillion stars
I don't even know where to begin.
I was so devastated by the end of Descender it took me a while to digest all the emotions, and you readers know what I am talking about. It was hard to try the sequel...so much love for the previous part...quite a few stop-and-go before this volume. And it was like coming back into the arms of someone so loved and loving...
The art is so absolutely gorgeous, I slipped right back into it, the watercolour so bold and emotive at the same time, the contrasting shades so rich...believe me, mesmerizing.
Ten years after the apocalyptic ending of Descender, life went on and society exchanged the dominion of technology for the unforgiving, totalitarian power of Mother's magic and her vampires. Just this element alone got me completely hooked. Witches are back, and they are as mean and menacing as they can be...I can't wait to unravel this mystery and all the commentary attached to it. I really hope more of this new society will be revealed going on.
Some of my favourite characters have made the new leading child, a choice I applaud. I miss Tim 21's purity of love but Mila has a fantastic spirit I can't wait to see developed. She has already been tried so much. Even my favourite little pet droid is back, with quite an entrance...damn these family reunions...actually no, please give me more!
Lemire may not work every time or for everyone, but trust me, this WORKS, this is alive, with a beating heart and trembling wings. There is something so poetic and elemental under all the layers of sci-fi and social commentary. Please take the time to sink into this world, this tale. He knows how to weave, you will not want to leave. Drama, melancholy, hope, love, sacrifice, warmongering, cliffhangers...you'll get it all.
I didn't give it five stars just because it's too short, I wanted so much more. Greedy, yes.
I don't even know where to begin.
I was so devastated by the end of Descender it took me a while to digest all the emotions, and you readers know what I am talking about. It was hard to try the sequel...so much love for the previous part...quite a few stop-and-go before this volume. And it was like coming back into the arms of someone so loved and loving...
The art is so absolutely gorgeous, I slipped right back into it, the watercolour so bold and emotive at the same time, the contrasting shades so rich...believe me, mesmerizing.
Ten years after the apocalyptic ending of Descender, life went on and society exchanged the dominion of technology for the unforgiving, totalitarian power of Mother's magic and her vampires. Just this element alone got me completely hooked. Witches are back, and they are as mean and menacing as they can be...I can't wait to unravel this mystery and all the commentary attached to it. I really hope more of this new society will be revealed going on.
Some of my favourite characters have made the new leading child, a choice I applaud. I miss Tim 21's purity of love but Mila has a fantastic spirit I can't wait to see developed. She has already been tried so much. Even my favourite little pet droid is back, with quite an entrance...damn these family reunions...actually no, please give me more!
Lemire may not work every time or for everyone, but trust me, this WORKS, this is alive, with a beating heart and trembling wings. There is something so poetic and elemental under all the layers of sci-fi and social commentary. Please take the time to sink into this world, this tale. He knows how to weave, you will not want to leave. Drama, melancholy, hope, love, sacrifice, warmongering, cliffhangers...you'll get it all.
I didn't give it five stars just because it's too short, I wanted so much more. Greedy, yes.
October 4, 2019
Woooooooo, Lemire and Nguyen are back baby! Descender did this great thing, much like Star Wars, where you get some space opera & some fantasy/magic elements. These two give you a much more dynamic world than either "genre" might on it's own and -for me- it really worked. The characters, humanity and tension all built issue after issue to this amazing conclusion. (so I guess go read Decenders Vol. One if you haven't already)
Confession time: I've been subscribed to this book as a month title at my local comic book shop since before it launched, however I have had such a busy year I haven't read single issues of anything in months. The collected trade here was my first chance to get into this world and it does. not. disappoint. Someone please tell me Dustin Nguyen has won an award, any award, for his cover art on these books. They are amazing both in scope and composition and do what any good cover should do: pull you into the book and story immediately.
We're introduced to new antagonists immediately and the differences in the world of Descender and this one are immediately apparent in the best way possible. It sets you up for a familiar cast to tell you a whole new story. It would be really hard to talk about this without getting spoilery quick, so I'll just say it gets a whole-hearted recommendation from me and if you like fantasy comics or stories about complicated family dynamics, this book will satisfy.
I received an ARC from Edelweiss.
Confession time: I've been subscribed to this book as a month title at my local comic book shop since before it launched, however I have had such a busy year I haven't read single issues of anything in months. The collected trade here was my first chance to get into this world and it does. not. disappoint. Someone please tell me Dustin Nguyen has won an award, any award, for his cover art on these books. They are amazing both in scope and composition and do what any good cover should do: pull you into the book and story immediately.
We're introduced to new antagonists immediately and the differences in the world of Descender and this one are immediately apparent in the best way possible. It sets you up for a familiar cast to tell you a whole new story. It would be really hard to talk about this without getting spoilery quick, so I'll just say it gets a whole-hearted recommendation from me and if you like fantasy comics or stories about complicated family dynamics, this book will satisfy.
I received an ARC from Edelweiss.
September 30, 2019
Descender was a bit of a slow starter, but ultimately became one of the comics I most looked forward to in each new issue/volume. Ascender starts off fast and it's great to be back in this universe with these creators again. The story takes place 10 years after the Harvester/UGC galactic war, in the remnants of that universe. Tech has largely been eradicated and now magic has taken its place and the universe is ruled by "Mother," the leader of a coven of witches, who has vampires and other creatures (dragons, giants, etc.) at her disposal. There are still some rebel groups of the former UGC forces fighting, but Mother's grip is pretty iron-fisted and she's gradually stamping out the last remaining technology. Andy and his daughter Mila are visited by Bandit, the robot dog, which sets off a lengthy chase as the two seek out Telsa, who might still know where a functioning spaceship can be found. Love this story and the soft, watercolor artwork by Dustin Nguyen continues to be a delight as well. Very highly recommended and I'm looking forward to the next volume eagerly.
January 16, 2020
Well, the art is still amazing, and this new series is doing what it can do be a jumping-on point for new fans while also serving up callbacks for Descender fans and showing just how much different a galaxy guided by magic rather than technology would be. It's a tall order for a single volume, and all of that is just the background world of a story about a young girl, her father, and an errant robot on the run from the villainous mages.
I'm not entirely sure it's successful in balancing world-building with plot, but it definitely gets closer to gelling the further into the volume you get. I'm far enough removed from Descender that a lot of the references went over my head, but there was still more than enough of interest to keep me reading. And again, the art by Dustin Nguyen is stunning, with the move to a magic-centered galaxy giving him very different opportunities to show off his unique style.
Will it be as strong as Descender was? I don't know. But it's off to a strong if not spectacular start.
I'm not entirely sure it's successful in balancing world-building with plot, but it definitely gets closer to gelling the further into the volume you get. I'm far enough removed from Descender that a lot of the references went over my head, but there was still more than enough of interest to keep me reading. And again, the art by Dustin Nguyen is stunning, with the move to a magic-centered galaxy giving him very different opportunities to show off his unique style.
Will it be as strong as Descender was? I don't know. But it's off to a strong if not spectacular start.
November 15, 2019
4.0 Stars
As a follow up series, you should absolutely pick up and read the six volumes of Descender before venturing onto this graphic novel. I preferred Descender over this one, largely because it was more focused on science fiction and robotics, while Ascender is much more fantastical. It took me a while to get into the story, but once I was re-introduced to familiar characters, I became invested in this new story. The setting and tone of the stories gave me some Star Wars vibes, which is always a plus. The ending was great and left me wanting volume two.
As a follow up series, you should absolutely pick up and read the six volumes of Descender before venturing onto this graphic novel. I preferred Descender over this one, largely because it was more focused on science fiction and robotics, while Ascender is much more fantastical. It took me a while to get into the story, but once I was re-introduced to familiar characters, I became invested in this new story. The setting and tone of the stories gave me some Star Wars vibes, which is always a plus. The ending was great and left me wanting volume two.
December 1, 2019
I absolutly love the world that has been created in Descender and continued here! The beautiful, clear art is lovely to look at. Watervolor may seam strange for a series of this type, but the team nailed it! I am enjoying seeing the glimpses into what happened during the ten year gap, as some of the magic stuff is rather confusing right now, but that is giving me hope it will become clear.
That ending too....
That ending too....
December 21, 2019
This was a fantastic start!! I’m honestly so invested in these characters and this world.
January 15, 2022
Actual rating: 3,5 stars
October 29, 2019
Lemire does it again..probably one of my fave authors. Great extended world building of an amazing world. Awesome characters and lovely art.
September 29, 2022
Once I finally finished all of Descender, it was only natural to move on to Ascender. Lemire created such a spectacular world within these books that one wants to stick around and see what’s next.
Ascender is what’s next. Set about a decade later is a world severely hobbled/destroyed/decimated by the robotic powers that be, this tale follows a young girl, the daughter of two of the protagonists from the Descender books. A smart and scrappy kid, when we first meet her, she’s living with her dad on the outskirts of a society that worships Mother, a vampiric witch.
Then a certain robotic pup (love you, Bandit) finds them and shows them a map to the stars and soon the two are being pursued, locating old comrades, and fighting to stay alive. Ok, let the adventure begin. Onward.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
Ascender is what’s next. Set about a decade later is a world severely hobbled/destroyed/decimated by the robotic powers that be, this tale follows a young girl, the daughter of two of the protagonists from the Descender books. A smart and scrappy kid, when we first meet her, she’s living with her dad on the outskirts of a society that worships Mother, a vampiric witch.
Then a certain robotic pup (love you, Bandit) finds them and shows them a map to the stars and soon the two are being pursued, locating old comrades, and fighting to stay alive. Ok, let the adventure begin. Onward.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
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