“Descender” #1 – 9 out of 10 – Image; Written by Jeff Lemire (“Sweet Tooth”); Illustrated by Dustin Nguyen (“Batman: Streets of Gotham”); Lettering by Steve Wands (“Scalped”); In Stores 3/4/2015.
It’s a big week for comic creator Jeff Lemire. Not only does his debut issue of the new comic series “All-New Hawkeye” hit comic racks, so too does the first issue of his latest (of an ever growing quiver) creator-owned comic series, “Descender.” And for those readers who felt Lemire’s take on Marvel’s purple vesting archer wasn’t Lemire enough – meaning it wasn’t as unconventional as some of his creator-owned works (e.g. “Trillium” and “Sweet Tooth”) – “Descender” #1 serves up a full-helping of the weird sci-fi that keep fans asking for seconds.
The issue begins with a quick narrative explication of the title’s setting: The Planet Nirata, the technological and cultural hub of an alliance of nine planets. Dustin Nguyen illustrates a world that could act as the conceptual designs for a new Tomorrowland. His minimal use of colors creates a world that is bright and clean. The coloring of the book becomes instantly heavier once the Harvesters – Galactus-sized robots – appear.
The actions of these Harvesters turn biological beings towards anti-robot fanaticism and ultimately a robot genocide. The answer to retaliating against the Harvesters lies in Tim-21, a child-companion android and the last of his kind.
The universe of “Descender” has obviously been well thought out. Lemire’s blog has interviews posted in which he explains the depths that he’s explored this universe. He has also expressed what a relief it is to freely explore the extent of his universe and only have to answer to Ngyuen. This is an interesting point to focus in on, as just a couple of months ago, I made mention of Lemire’s “Teen Titans: Earth One” graphic novel suffering from heavy-handed editorial.
While “Descender” #1 is just a glimpse of what is to be a space epic, the comic and entertainment industry’s elite have already weighed in on the title’s quality:
“Jeff Lemire has dreamt up an emotional, imaginative new universe, lavishly brought to life by the great Dustin Nguyen. I can’t wait to see where they take TIM-21 next.” – Brian K. Vaughan, “Saga”
“I am already rooting for poor Tim, theorizing about the origin of the Harvesters and gripping the cross bar of the roller-coaster begging for another ride.”– Damon Lindelof- co- creator of “Lost”
Ngyuen uses his unique style to change a world from stream-lined and immaculate to chaotic and cankered. His coloring is perfect for the galactic-space landscape where much of the series is sure to take place. Nguen’s take on a ghost mining colony on an uninhabited moon is the perfect blend of isolation from Duncan Jones’ film “Moon” and the unsettling stillness from Paul W.S. Anderson’s film “Event Horizon.” All the while readers will see panels full of intelligently designed robots and both sexy and nightmarish aliens.
“Descender” #1 earns a 9 out of 10. Upon first reading I felt that Lemire was packing too much of a universe into one issue – albeit an over-sized 30 page issue. Though upon a second, more thorough reading, what Lemire leaves left out of narration and dialogue, Ngyuen fills in with illustration. The illustration is so fitting for the story that the elements conveyed (like the pre and post Harvester planet) are easily taken for granted. While there is a fair amount of telling (and not showing) in narration boxes and an explicative computer, it doesn’t pull the reader out of the story.
The “Descender” series is going to be a huge hit. Sony Pictures Entertainment has already announced its acquisition of the feature film rights to the series a full month before the first issue even hit comic book shops. And apparently, there were other studios fighting for the rights.
“It was a competitive situation for ‘Descender,’ and we are thrilled that it ended with Sony Pictures acquiring the series,” Lemire and Nguyen said in a statement. “We know that their film translation will do justice to the original comics, and we are thrilled with their belief in the franchise potential.”
Be sure to get in on this series early, as “Descender” #1 will sell out quickly. Two covers are available to the public: one by Nguyen and one by Lemire.
Read this comic if you enjoy the works of Issac Asimov, Luc Besson’s “The Fifth Element,” and/or Star Trek.
Click to read a PDF preview of “Descender” #1.
Trent Hunsaker is a podcaster and popculturalist. Podcasting for Kevin Smith’s SModcast Internet Radio and the A Part of Him Podcast Network, he also operates Death Ray Comics, sweats, and reads comics – but mostly just sweats.