Review: Descender, Vol. 1: Tin Stars

Descender, Vol. 1: Tin Stars by Jeff Lemire
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's been a while since I read a good robot story. This one, Descender, is a largely minimalistic, tightly written, gritty tale, which feels like a more emotionally mature version of A.I., with a more empathetic version of David.

The world building is detailed, and that narration gives you just the right amount of exposition, enough to keep you hooked, but not boring you with the details.

The characters are not one note, and each have their own personality. There's a mixing and matching of various groups and factions, all out for their own goals, but circumstances put them in unlikely teams, where they have to work together for mutual benefit and survival.

All the action and fights are not glorified, or bombastic, but serve the purpose of progressing the story, which I appreciate.

As is customary in such stories, there is an overarching plot, world ending threats, and secrets hidden within our protagonists, which could be key to this world's salvation; you know, usual ride.



Descender has an opening chapter featuring this gleaming technologically advanced, federation-like conglomeration of planets, with hope and a positive outlook towards the future.

Which all comes crashing down soon after. Now, the world and its people are left broken and stranded, covered in cuts, dents, and a whole lot of rust and grime. And the art style often reflects this. Which is something that I appreciate.

The first arc has set up future events well, making me eager to read the subsequent story. Would definitely recommend reading.

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