“There is no magic in the galaxy that I do not oversee. No power I do not control. I am Mother and the universe is mine.”
The cover may say “Ascender” but these collections might as well just be Descender Volumes 7 and 8, and Mike and Alex are here to break it all down, starting with Ascender Volumes 1 and 2, The Haunted Galaxy and The Dead Sea (issues #1-10). The guys explore the decision by Lemire and Nguyen to jump the story 10 years into the future and debate what does and doesn’t work about it. They also pick some nits on some storytelling choices, which felt a little odd for a story both of them very much enjoyed revisiting. Despite these nits, there is so much like here, and they guys dive deep into all of it, from Dustin Nguyen’s art to the return of fan-favorite characters to the narrative (even you, Driller). Getting the band back together to tell a whole new story. That’s actually still the same story from before.
We have one more discussion episode left in this season of Storied Arcs, and in the year, before a special episode drops in two weeks (more on that later). In the meantime, to finish the year our strong, go read Ascender Volumes 3 and 4 (issues #11-18) wherever you get your comic books and we’ll be back next week to wrap up this great series!