Testament

by J. Marshall Smith

Meet Testament: the premier caretaker android for the future. Not only were they designed to care for the wellbeing of dozens of interstellar passengers; explorers, scientists, poets, and artists - they have also downloaded millennia of religious texts and liturgies to best serve the members of a religious commune that make up the bulk of their human charges. These members of the Order of the Abundant Grace of the Cosmic Christ, having already chosen a monastic and scholarly life, are ideal for their mission: a one-way voyage to discover all they can about a miraculous far-flung planet capable of life and, by choice, not repopulate.

Soon, only Sister Judith remains on the distant planet, facing decades of life alone with her caretaker and no other human company. Struggling with faith and despair, she seeks purpose, or perhaps something else, in a sudden research trip into hazardous territory. Testament tries to carry out their directives, while staring down their own immortality, and questioning their place in a spiritual infinity equipped with the knowledge and traditions of people who could never have imagined a being like them.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics

118 pages, Paperback

Published December 3, 2025

Reviews

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

My biggest complaint with this book is that there isn’t enough of it. I want more back story, I want more world. This is the story of a group of people who choose to go to a planet so far away that they know they will die there. They also are actively choosing not to colonize so it’s basically a closed monastery. We see the android who is tasked with taking care of these people both on the voyage there and once they arrive. This android is also the one tasked with burying each as they die. It’s sad and contemplative and I just wanted a little more.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

J Marshall Smith's first full length graphic novel confirms he's a name to watch out for. Testament follows a space faring expedition whose crew took a one way trip to explore a distant planet. After many years, Judith is the last remaining member, and tries to come to term with her faith and her mission. Gorgeously illustrated, with some beautifully quiet moments. This is the kind of slice of life scifi I live for

[Clara W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a speedy read that can provoke some good thought. The art style wasn’t my favorite, and it was *quick*, but it was concise. The ending got me into some good discussions! Good for anyone who likes sci-fi and contemplating if androids have souls.

[Niki Berry]

Book club book. Review to come.

[Cadillac Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful, I adore this book! A wonderfully crafted story of purpose, grief, and religion told with intention. J. Marshall Smith blew me away with Testament, incredibly drawn and written. I especially love the way he used screentone for the shifting clouds on the final pages, so simple and effective. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up!

[Brent C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great world, great idea. My only complaint is wishing it was twice as long.... I could have lived in this world for a while.

[KeYana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story and the world it built. Definitely makes you think. Wish it was twice as long!!

[Sam Schnurbusch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look at the immortality of androids. I wish it had been longer, and they had done more world building.

[Brooklin Carri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking. I can only wish to have seen more in depth into these women and their worlds. I loved the simplicity and beauty of the art and the thoughtful setup it has