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4.18 AVERAGE
4.18 AVERAGE
Series Review by Volume:
Volume 1: The Haunted Galaxy
Volume 2: The Dead Sea
This second volume is taking the series in a direction I didn't nessecarily want it to go, but I am keeping an open mind and continuing to hope for the best. The focus on new and old characters is about 50/50 throughout this volume, and there are some I care for more than others. One of the things I thought Descender did so well was introduce new character and have the reader fully bought into their personality and goals in just a few frames. Ascender seems to be doing the opposite for me, every time a new character is introduced I am slow to warm up to them and almost immediately forget about them as soon as the story moves onto my old friends. Every time a character from the prequel shows up I almost want to scream "I know them!", as if I am so relieved I finally get to read about someone who I care about. I genuinely hope that my opinion changes throughout this series, because I really do want to care about these characters the way I did in Descender.
In my review of the first volume I pondered how Nguyen's art style would translate to depicting fantasy instead of sci-fi. Although his painting is full of magic and mystery, which I loved so much when he painted the depths of outer space, I am having a hard time connecting with it when he depicts magic. Perhaps it is because magic is unimaginable and my brain needs a bit more to latch onto to make it real for me. A lot of the depictions of magic in this series are a bit confusing to me, and I feel like I spend too long looking at panels trying to figure out what is going on rather than enjoying the story. I hope that once my brain aclimatises to the laws of magic in this series I can enjoy it more, but for now I will just be squinting at panels trying to fill in the gaps with my imagination.
A big reveal on the last page really saved this volume for me, despite the fact I didn't particularly enjoy this volume I was really excited to start the next.
Volume 1: The Haunted Galaxy
Volume 2: The Dead Sea
This second volume is taking the series in a direction I didn't nessecarily want it to go, but I am keeping an open mind and continuing to hope for the best. The focus on new and old characters is about 50/50 throughout this volume, and there are some I care for more than others. One of the things I thought Descender did so well was introduce new character and have the reader fully bought into their personality and goals in just a few frames. Ascender seems to be doing the opposite for me, every time a new character is introduced I am slow to warm up to them and almost immediately forget about them as soon as the story moves onto my old friends. Every time a character from the prequel shows up I almost want to scream "I know them!", as if I am so relieved I finally get to read about someone who I care about. I genuinely hope that my opinion changes throughout this series, because I really do want to care about these characters the way I did in Descender.
In my review of the first volume I pondered how Nguyen's art style would translate to depicting fantasy instead of sci-fi. Although his painting is full of magic and mystery, which I loved so much when he painted the depths of outer space, I am having a hard time connecting with it when he depicts magic. Perhaps it is because magic is unimaginable and my brain needs a bit more to latch onto to make it real for me. A lot of the depictions of magic in this series are a bit confusing to me, and I feel like I spend too long looking at panels trying to figure out what is going on rather than enjoying the story. I hope that once my brain aclimatises to the laws of magic in this series I can enjoy it more, but for now I will just be squinting at panels trying to fill in the gaps with my imagination.
A big reveal on the last page really saved this volume for me, despite the fact I didn't particularly enjoy this volume I was really excited to start the next.
Ascender continues with the post apocalyptic fantasy horror theme that has replaced the sci-fi space opera of Descender. The characters are well developed with only the new villains' mysterious origins still to be revealed. Curious to see where this story is going.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really do love this series. And I'm so happy about one event that happened though I can't say much else to avoid spoilers. The story is picking up now!
If you haven’t read Descender best fix that – and read the first Ascender volume before you read reviews here, or pick up this volume.
I thank my book log summaries for helping me, as I read my summary for volume one before picking up this one. It definitely helped with the “dive right in” factor. But, Jeff Lemire provided some incredible flashback scenes in this volume, helping fans fill-in the “ten years after Descender” gap and giving us insight into the creation of Mother, while also moving the storyline along. Plus we get the addition of … werewhales! Holy cow those things are cool! {The vampires had me going “say what?”} And the Blood Scrapper?! I’m curious as hell who is behind the mask. Also, is anyone else just thrilled that Telsa has found a someone?! Dustin Nguyen’s artwork continues to be jaw-dropping; the colors are just breath-taking. I cannot wait to grab Volume 3.
I thank my book log summaries for helping me, as I read my summary for volume one before picking up this one. It definitely helped with the “dive right in” factor. But, Jeff Lemire provided some incredible flashback scenes in this volume, helping fans fill-in the “ten years after Descender” gap and giving us insight into the creation of Mother, while also moving the storyline along. Plus we get the addition of … werewhales! Holy cow those things are cool! {The vampires had me going “say what?”} And the Blood Scrapper?! I’m curious as hell who is behind the mask. Also, is anyone else just thrilled that Telsa has found a someone?! Dustin Nguyen’s artwork continues to be jaw-dropping; the colors are just breath-taking. I cannot wait to grab Volume 3.
excuse my French, but why the fuck would Jeff hurt me like that
Spoiler
they brought back my fav character in Descender (Effie) just to kill her like that???? why??????????????????
First, it must be said: Werewhales. Who knew?
It can be difficult to edge back into an ambitious-but-not-quite-established story after months away, and the quick-cut episodic style doesn't help, especially when we're also juggling jumps back in time. I did appreciate the nods back to the Descender series to help pull together backstory with present, but it's an encouraging sign that the extra aid seems less essential as the narrative establishes itself independently. Frankly, I'm not sure I care about the dark creatures' game of thrones and, but the images have incredible power of mesmerism, so I don't mind as much as I would otherwise.
I could gaze at Nguyen's art for ages, and that goes almost equally for the grotesque as well as the emotive. His use of color and stroke is not only what anchors me in these imagined worlds but also lures me to linger.
Mila is still the star, and thus far is underserved. Here's hoping we spend more time with her in next chapters.
It can be difficult to edge back into an ambitious-but-not-quite-established story after months away, and the quick-cut episodic style doesn't help, especially when we're also juggling jumps back in time. I did appreciate the nods back to the Descender series to help pull together backstory with present, but it's an encouraging sign that the extra aid seems less essential as the narrative establishes itself independently. Frankly, I'm not sure I care about the dark creatures' game of thrones and
Spoiler
Effie's return wasn't entirely welcome as I long ago soured on her transformationI could gaze at Nguyen's art for ages, and that goes almost equally for the grotesque as well as the emotive. His use of color and stroke is not only what anchors me in these imagined worlds but also lures me to linger.
Mila is still the star, and thus far is underserved. Here's hoping we spend more time with her in next chapters.
Lemire delivers again! Absolutely freaking love this series. It's living up to its predecessor!