Change (and how we deal with it) is one of the themes that runs throughout the Ascender series – one that I think is important, especially in these unsettled times.  It affects us not only on a personal level, but also on a global scale, as well.

In issue ten of Ascender, we return to Mila and her father’s storyline.  Mila believes her father is dead, and instead of talking about it to Telsa and Helda, she cuts off her hair in an act of defiance, as well as a demonstration of something she can control.  Helda recognizes the act for what it is, but Telsa is convinced that there is nothing wrong with her, and all they can do now is find their ship and get off planet. They find the ship, but another danger awaits them.  Meanwhile, Andy waits in captivity with his now-vampire wife guarding him; however, a twist of fate forces him to make an awful decision.

I want to highlight the excellent job that the letterer is doing in this issue. The lettering has always been top-notch, but Mr. Wands brings it up to another level in this issue – from Mila’s reflective voice-over to Mother’s non-human minions (You can almost hear their intonation of English from non-human throats.) to the robots whose voices resemble binary code.  He has made excellent choices, and it not only adds another layer of depth, but one of character, as well.

If you haven’t read the series yet, I suggest starting at the beginning to get the most out of it. In the meantime, I’m in the process of reading the prequel series. (I know. I’m late to the party.)

Creative Team: Jeff Lemire (writer), Dustin Nguyen (artist), Steve Wands (letterer)
Publisher: Image Comics
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