Ascender #6
There’s no escape in Ascender #6, by writer Jeff Lemire, artist Dustin Nguyen, and letter Steve Wands. Lemire and company kick off the next story arc with an engaging, emotional issue that puts the heroes at a distinct disadvantage.
Andy is dragged out of the sea by Mother’s forces. They get him a healer and then ship him off to a vampire camp. On Telsa’s boat, Mila mourns what she thinks is her father’s death, and Telsa comes out to talk with her, sharing her own experiences with the death of parents. The bonding is cut short when the boat is attacked by werewhales. Mother arrives on Sampson, looking for Bandit. She performs a spell at Andy and Mila’s house that allows her to see the past and learns they went to the harbor. She goes there and learns that Mila escaped an hour ago, but that Andy was captured. Back at the boat, the werewhales get the upper hand. At the vampire camp, Andy sees a familiar face.
One of Ascender’s biggest strengths is how Lemire has invested readers in the characters. There are two moments in this issue where that investment pays off. One is reminiscent of an event from the last installment (which sort of spoils the event, but not who it happens to), while the other is a call back to a revelation from a few issues ago and is a heart breaker. Without the emotional investment, these would be good moments, but they have extra oomph because of how Lemire has worked to endear these characters to readers.
Beyond those moments, this is a substantial issue. It sets up the chase between Mila and Mother’s forces rather well and introduces readers to the concept of werewhales. Another big triumph of the book is worldbuilding like this. While Ascender and Descender take place in the same universe, they are remarkably different, due to the passage of time and how things have changed since the end of Descender. Whereas technology used to rule, now magic is the driving force in the universe. Lemire keeps introducing little elements to the book to hammer this home to the reader, and he does it very subtly. The werewhales are a perfect example of this. He doesn’t need to explain what they are, readers can figure it out. They are a neat element, though, and serve to show readers how much things have changed.
Dustin Nguyen’s art is breathtaking, as usual. First off, the watercolor art is just beautiful, full stop. The level of craftsmanship is unparalleled. It really cements the fantasy feel of the book. He also such a way with emotional storytelling. An establishing panel of Mila on the boat fits so much into it without any words. The panel preceding it is a wonderful shot of the boat on the water, going towards a beautiful sunset. The panel with Mila is on the boat, the darkness of the wood deck setting the mood as Mila sits there, drawn into herself, her hair surrounding her face, giving readers the barest glimpse of it- but just enough of a glimpse to feel her sadness. It’s brilliant. Later in the book, there’s a double-page spread of Mother venting her anger at arriving too late to the harbor that perfectly captures her rage as she unleashes a magical scream towards the water. This is some amazing visual storytelling.
Ascender #6 kicks off the new story arc with everyone in hot water. Lemire expertly uses the rapport between reader and character to give the story moments that will keep them coming back for more. Dustin Nguyen’s art is a perfect complement to the whole thing, giving the story the fantasy feel it needs while also making the emotional beats hit that much harder. How will the heroes get out of the jams they are in? Lemire and company make it a joy to keep coming back to find out.
