Descender, Vol. 1: Tin Stars

If there’s anything I love a lot it’s definitely futuristic space sci-fi.I kept hearing about this particular graphic novel on Booktube & Bookstagram, and was always stun by the examples of the art as well as the genre and story premise. Finally being able to get ahold of the first volume was exciting. The art style is even more gorgeous than the examples I’d seen. . . even the more brutal scenes. The story hooked me right out the door. Though it looks like I might be waiting awhile before I can read anymore which is unfortunate as I could see myself flying through this story if I had access. I already want to know more about Tim-21 and see where his story leads. I also can’t wait to learn more about Telsa and Quon who are interesting as well. That particular reveal along with the ending has left me wanting more.Though I’d definitely recommend looking up some content warnings/trigger warnings before starting the series since there’s definitely some sensitive subject matter to be found both in the text and in the art.

When a big name publishing company makes the decision that they're going to print hundreds of comics about a little robot boy setting off on an outer space adventure told in hand painted watercolored panels, you know they've got something to say.My criteria for critiquing stories is simple:Does it capture my imagination?Does it present redemption for the characters?Does it leave me better off having experienced it?Having read this collection of comics, I can confidently say that the answer to all of these questions is yes.Descender is a well paced, well developed and well told emotional tale about Tim-21 - the little robot that could. The stage is set in a galaxy far far away yet the emotions are close to home. Despite a seemingly vast majority of titles from third party publishing companies (a.k.a. if they're not one of "The Big Two"), this lighthearted tale presents the audience with hope and redemption in the face of fear and defeat. The characters are dynamic, relatable and charismatic; making for plenty of engaging plot twists and a suspense that keep you enthralled. In what seems like a familiar storyline, Jeff Lemire has reimagined it completely and the art of Dustin Nguyen reflects that.My only hesitation in presenting this collection with 5 stars is that there are some questions that have yet to be answered. Questions like: Why does a companion bot need a weaponized particle beam in his arm? Why have characters reveal huge plot twists so early, taking away their impact, when they would have served better elsewhere?Overall, don't let these small nuances deter you. Descender is worth the read and I am eagerly awaiting Volume 2.4 stars

Jeff Lemire and Dustin Ngyuen have created a truly unique science fiction realm with its own intriguing history and mysteries, while simultaneously hearkening back to great science fiction realms such as Battlestar: Galactica and Star Wars. It is wonderfully imaginative, suspenseful, engaging, and adorable all at the same time.Lemire's script shows meticulous planning and plotting with a steady pace that leaves the reader wanting more after they close the back cover, and his characterizations are dynamic and relate-able, regardless of whether they are human, alien, or robot. Tim-21, the protagonist, is the perfect choice for the reader to follow on their journey, as he is in the dark just as much as the rest of us are, learning more and more about this world with the turn of every page. I would be remiss if I didn't make note of Driller, a lovable oaf of a hard labor robot, and my personal favorite character. While he never has much to say, it is always something entertaining or poignant.The art...good Lord, the art is phenomenal. Ngyuen's unique style creates a somewhat cartoon-ish realm that somehow feels just as real as the one we all inhabit, all with water-color painted interiors that share a level of quality with Alex Ross' work on Kingdom Come. It is absolutely gorgeous to look at for hours on end, with little nuggets of detail thrown in to ensure that you will find something new with each re-read more often than not.This is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of the comics medium in general, or is a sci-fi fan, or both. I could easily see this story being adapted by a major studio for the big screen and it would feel right at home.

I have been a DC comics fan for a long time but have hardly ventured outside it. Recently, their storylines have gotten questionable as certain writers have taken up major characters and ruined them (IMO).I started looking towards top writers instead of companys and kept getting pointed towards this Descender series. I went in to this not really having any expectations other than: space stories are cool, robots are cool, and the art was pretty neat. I received the first volume and after the first issue, I was hooked. I finished the second issue and then ordered the deluxe set with the first 3 volumes.The story-telling is great and each character seems like they are real characters and not just a 1 dimensional check mark list. I felt for all these characters. Comics now seem like they are more focused on agenda rather then story-telling but this book surprised me. I did not feel I was being lectured or hit over the head with PC culture, but instead, was deeply immersed in the story.In conclusion, this is an instant classic and I hope to be following more of Jeff Lemire's work going forward.

An instantly gripping and beautifully painted classic. I had almost accepted that no brand new, out of the gate series would delight me this much ever again and I was thrilled with Descender. TIM-21 and his disjointed soon-to-be family of random rogues and rusty robots seem destined to become beloved the world over. One of those comic book adventures you hope never gets translated to screen, for fear of losing something in that translation. Lovers of sci-fi, future shock stories, hell even Harry Potter fans should get a kick out of this. Masterfully painted pages and a beautiful poetic lilt to the dialogue, I cannot wait for volume 2. Huge congratulations to the creative team and more so to anyone who gives this lovely book a shot. Cannot recommend it enough.

This graphic novel was recommended by a booktuber I generally share tastes with. I went into this knowing very little. I enjoyed the art style and the basic premise of the story. However, the characters, world and plot were dull, forgettable and lacked interest for me.

This is one of the best science fiction series I’ve ever read. I recommend you get all 6 volumes and just read them all as it’s seriously good.

When I first picked this up I wasn't immediately sold on the artwork, but it has really grown on me. The subtleties in Nguyen's watercolours is absolutely brilliant. I don't remember reading another book as slowly just to gaze at the panels. This is also my first Lemire book and like the art I have been very impressed. His flashbacks driven story is spot on. Looking forward to reading more from him.

An entertaining start to a series that looks to have a promising future, featuring sketchy vibrant artwork and an intrinsic plot line following a young robot and the adventure and mystery he encounters as he awakes to a troubled galaxy, filled with space thugs and villains, bent on destroying him. Honestly speaking, this book is a must-have for any fan of true science fiction and amongst the most promising series this year.