Ascender

In Ascender (Image, 2019–present), writer Jeff Lemire and artist Dustin Nguyen reunite for a sci-fi fantasy sequel to their acclaimed series Descender, shifting from cosmic robotics to a magical, feudal universe. Only two issues in, the story follows a young girl named Mila navigating a world where technology has been outlawed by powerful witches, while the remnants of the old order—including the beloved robot Andy—linger as haunting memories. Lemire’s intimate, emotional storytelling and Nguyen’s luminous watercolor art create a lush, atmospheric world that reimagines the Descender saga’s themes of memory, family, and loss. This series matters as a bold tonal and genre pivot from its predecessor, showcasing the creative duo’s versatility and deepening their shared universe.