As war between the Vinn and the Continuum of Makers threatens humanity, the crew of the Machito seeks help from a unique species on Astheet who can "see" gravity and may be key to piloting advanced warships. Multiple storylines converge around themes of survival, memory, and unlikely alliances, with a blend of humor and emotional depth.

Reader Review Summary

Set during a galactic war between the Vinn and the Continuum of Makers, this fourth collected volume of the graphic novel series follows the crew of the scout ship Machito as they search for hope for humanity. Their journey leads them to the planet Astheet, home to a species that has evolved to perceive gravity, a trait that has allowed them to survive in their dangerous environment. The Machito's mission is to recruit these beings to pilot humanity's warships, racing against time as the conflict escalates. The narrative weaves together multiple storylines, including the Machito's crew, Ahmis the renegade Maker, the Fillipods, and the Spark of Thought, creating a sprawling tale with intersecting agendas and perspectives.

Readers appreciated the depth of the story, the development of multiple factions, and the focus on the Machito's crew. The collected volume format was praised for allowing readers to experience large portions of the story at once, as opposed to the slower pace of the webcomic's weekly updates. Specific characters such as Skitter, Nosh, and lil Vinnie were highlighted as favorites, with particular mention of Skitter's storyline on Astheet for its emotional impact. The Fillipods were singled out as a standout alien species, and the combination of story, art, humor, and occasional emotional moments were noted as strengths.

Some readers noted that the story is becoming long and sprawling, with numerous threads and factions, which can make it feel complex and potentially unwieldy. The slow update schedule of the webcomic was mentioned as a drawback, as it leads to a slow-paced unfolding of the narrative and a long wait for the story's resolution. There was also a concern that the story could potentially take years to conclude, given the current pace.

The book is scheduled for publication on February 28, 2025, and is categorized under graphic novels and science fiction. It is written by Dave Kellett and has received an average reader rating of 4.57 out of 5 from 7 ratings, with 2 full reader reviews. The volume continues directly from the previous installment and brings together various ongoing plotlines, with indications that these threads may converge in future volumes.