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Tyson Hesse's Diesel #1-4

Tyson Hesse's Diesel: Ignition

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The first-ever original graphic novel spawning out of Tyson Hesse’s Diesel, Hesse’s popular “punk motif”-inspired, coming-of-age story about Diandra “Dee” Diesel, her mysterious flying engine, and the airship colony she lives on, Peacetowne. When a long-lost army suddenly appears from beneath the clouds, one impulsive decision made by Dee will change her destiny forever. With only her broken-down robot companion and a mysterious flying engine to help her, Dee is sent on a sky-bound journey that will take her from the darkest wastelands below the clouds to the brightest capital of her world. Her greatest challenge will be to look beyond her family legacy and create a destiny of her own choosing. Tyson Hesse’s (Amazing World of Gumball, Bravest Warriors) visually stunning graphic novel examines the importance of family, responsibility, and heroism, all set in a grand, new world! Includes the first 4 issues of Tyson Hesse's Diesel comic series, as well as over 80 pages of new, original content.

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 15, 2016

15 people are currently reading
303 people want to read

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Tyson Hesse

20 books19 followers

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5 stars
167 (40%)
4 stars
169 (41%)
3 stars
57 (13%)
2 stars
15 (3%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Chad.
10.4k reviews1,062 followers
August 26, 2019
Great world building, art and design. Dee Diesel lives on a floating ship named Peacetown. When she comes across a new kind of engine it sparks an adventure from one end of her universe to the next as she tries to stop the evil bird creatures trying to take over her world. Along the way she meets some of her long missing adopted siblings and finally begins to grow up. Tyson Hesse has created a fun adventure comic for all ages. I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Jack Stark.
Author 8 books34 followers
April 20, 2021
The story is a little uninspired, but the characters are fantastically fun! I would have loved this as a kid.
Profile Image for Andrea Way.
292 reviews15 followers
June 30, 2018
What an excellent beginning to an imaginative new world. Really enjoyable.
Profile Image for Bonita.
46 reviews20 followers
June 27, 2017
IN LOVE WITH ALL THE CHARACTERS AND WORLD BUILDING!! Tyson has such a lovely lively art style that I can't get sick of! SO excited for the continuation !
Profile Image for Mady.
235 reviews7 followers
December 26, 2023
5⭐

Il s'agirait de nous pondre une suite maintenant.
Profile Image for Alexis.
412 reviews21 followers
January 20, 2025
Really good story! Sad the author never continued it. Would have loved to see how the families reunited and why the Dad joined forces with the birds but you kind of get why.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah Schanze.
Author 1 book13 followers
December 29, 2016
I've been reading Diesel since it's first incarnation years and years ago, and it's been a great pleasure to see its evolution into a funny, beautiful, cute, heartfelt graphic novel. I've always loved Hesse's art and it's reached a whole new level of awesome here. I can't wait for the next volume.
Profile Image for Michaela Raschilla.
264 reviews10 followers
March 12, 2017
Picked this up off the shelves today to read during my break and wound up reading the whole thing. This was an incredibly cute little comic. Boom! does some great work for kids and teens. If you are look for a more traditional comic style but without super hero's that is better for kids (Image is my true love but they are rated M for Mature and we know they earn that rating) this is a good publisher to look into.

The world was easy to jump into. Instantly fell in love with the characters personalities and art styles. Even in a short collection like this there was plenty of action, character development, mystery, and emotional impact. Great for little girls looking for a role model who can do things herself, but isn't exactly a Tom boy. (might be an excellent mechanic, but can't turn down a chance to buy a pretty dress).

It has alternative views for women in power as well, the captain at the beginning is not only female, but has short hair and facial piercings.

Definitely one to try if you are looking for something new or want to share with a loved young one.
Profile Image for Mehsi.
15.1k reviews454 followers
February 27, 2017
I spotted this book a few months ago, totally forgot about it, found out about it again, and was delighted it was already out (this meant I could read it as soon as it got delivered).

It took me some time to get used to Dee (she was exceedingly annoying), but after a while I started liking her more and more. It was quite a while, and there were moments where I just wanted to put the book down and do something else. Dee just thought she could get everything, not caring if she would have to hurt people. Her attitude towards the captain? I hated that. Sure, the captain also wasn't nice, but I can fully imagine why she is reacting towards Dee like this.
Luckily, in the book, and after quite some time, Dee learns that there are things she is good at, and that she has skills. She just has to find them. And she has to stop being so darn lazy about everything, thinking things will just walk her way. :|
She became quite an interesting character, and I also loved how electric she was. It is quite a nice skill to have, though I can imagine it might cause some trouble at times. :P

There are several other characters accompanying Dee, or being involved with her. Bull was definitely my favourite, I loved his character, and how sweet (and above all, patient) he was with Dee. Plus his fire skill is just the best! I wouldn't mind having such a skill as well.

The story is also fabulous, lots of twists and turns, lots of action. There are wars waging, friends and family to be found, and it seems that Dee's father is up to something, but what? Is he doing it voluntarily? Is he being forced? Is he brainwashed? I wouldn't think he is the kind of guy who would just do all this. Then again, with the flashbacks, and also what we learn from Bull (Dee's brother, in a way), I am not sure about Dee's father. He seems nice, but he did several things that would make him a bad guy.

The world-building is also pretty nice (though I still have several questions). It seems that this all takes place in one world. You have the top, with cities in the clouds and ships floating about, and then there is the planet itself which is a mess since everyone topside just throws down their garbage, and no one cares about the bottom people it seems.
I was quite surprised to see how nice their cities, on the planet, were though. When I saw the mess when Dee crashed on the planet, I was thinking it would be the whole world, but no, the cities are quite well build. May have to do with the fact that there is a tunnel, though not that many can pass that one, but hey, it might explain all the nice stuff the people have down there. Or else they got it out of garbage, which is also quite awesome. Considering they made that out of garbage, I can see a whole city being build as well. Still it is quite sad that trash just gets thrown away without a care. Plus the fact that the people living on the planet seem to be outcasts and are shunned when they go topside. :( They do look different, sure, but that shouldn't be a reason to be mean.

The ending? Exciting! Hopefully the second book will come out fast. The book was already a fast-paced, OMG I need to know more, party, but the ending? Oh my. Oh my!

Lastly, the art was really my favourite part of the whole book. :P It was actually the main reason I bought this book. Teehee.

All in all, a wonderful book, though again, be warned about Dee, she might be a bit too infuriating in the beginning of the book.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Profile Image for Danielle Booey.
1,234 reviews13 followers
September 22, 2017
Diesel Ignition starts off slow, but quickly ramps up. Dee has lived up in the clouds her entire life with little to no responsibility and the knowledge that when she comes of age the ship will be hers and she will finally get to be the boss. One day through a series of choices the ship that her friends and family have lived on for decades is blown out of the air by the Teppen. An old enemy long thought vanquished. This sets Dee off on a quest to find her family, rescue any survivors from her old ship, and maybe, just maybe learn how to really be a Captain.

A lot fun to read. A new series for fans of Amulet, Mighty Jack, Zita, etc.
Profile Image for Zaz.
1,931 reviews60 followers
April 27, 2019
The world building was pretty interesting, from new ways to travel, to various creatures, through elemental powers. The story kept me involved all along with its several plots and mysterious events. It was well told by the texts, the dynamic art style and the colors. I liked some of the characters and the little robot was very cute, but Dee (the heroine) was quite annoying, especially at the beginning, and there were other angry personalities, which was a little tiresome. I hope we'll see the sequel soon.
7 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2017
First of I have to set the scene. It is maybe not too far in the future a couple hundred years and is set in a world of two parts separated by and impassible lighting storm circling the planet. There is the peaceful world of over the clouds that is scattered with cities on high mountains and floating trade ships and settlements. And the there's dark underworld litter with trash dumped from the overworld and ground settlements. Okay now I can start. This book has an interesting start. The opening scene is a flash back of a bunch of small children (and other things) in a closet with a strange humanoid creature comforting them. Then one the children escapes the closet to see what they were being shielded from. In front of her she see her father taken away by giant birds. Fast forward to today. Tomorrow dee (that's her name) will turn 18 and she will finally be the captain of the ship. But she is not and she still is being bossed around by the grumpy face captain who absolutely despises her. As she is spending one last day in the garage and suddenly a bird the same type as the one who took his father comes on the ship then I forgot what happens in between this and the next thing I am going to say. Then out of the blue a giant ship comes from under the clouds and blows the ship up! Read this amazing book to find out what happens. This book is filled with action and the artwork is amazing. This book made me feel excited. I recommend this to people who like graphic novels. I really liked the art work.
Profile Image for Jenna.
3,813 reviews48 followers
October 27, 2017
This was wonderful! Beautiful artwork and great characters with just enough hints at their pasts and relationships to make it work without giving away too much. World-building seemed simple but felt like there was more to come. The plot was straightforward but discussed pertinent subjects like remembering the past, discrepancies in memory, warfare, inequality, and family.

I’m very tempted to attempt cosplaying Cap..

When do we get more??
Profile Image for Matisse.
430 reviews7 followers
February 7, 2018
Tyson Hesse--the dude who draws all of the adorable Classic Sonic art--gets to show off his skill in his own graphic novel. The story itself is a bit rough around the edges, as though Hesse took Avatar and mashed it with sky pirates and steampunk imagery, and it doesn't fully congeal until after the midway point. It's a fun rough, and a very charming rough, sorta like the first Star Wars movie. This is that rare book that you read at the library and proceed to buy a personal copy of.
Profile Image for Ben.
655 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2017
A lovely graphic novel. I have some apprehension as to how the next book is written. Both because it hasn't been written (at the time of this review) and there are a number of pitfalls that might beset the author. I hope that I am worrying over nothing, as I enjoyed this book, and would like to read more stories with this cast of characters in their fantastic world.
Profile Image for saradevil.
395 reviews
June 4, 2018
Overall, great introduction to a story with solid world building and an engaging cast of characters. Though I find the protagonist to be at once amusing and annoying, there is growth over the stories as the plot begins to unfold and the real challenges become clear. Very much interested in reading the next book.
Profile Image for Marisa.
715 reviews12 followers
January 6, 2019
3.5 stars.
I read 15 pages then put this graphic novel down for well over a month. It was a little slow to develop in those first 20 ish pages. I finished it in one sitting today. Main character was like able more than half of the time. The family reunion of Dee & brothers will definitely continue. I think the author could’ve introduced the Gass vs bird war history sooner.
Profile Image for Misty.
87 reviews
March 16, 2019
This was so much fun! The main character was a bit irritating at first but developed nicely. I looked to see if there would be another one but didn't find any mention of one. I feel like the author could have ended the story there if he wanted to but there are too many questions left unanswered for there to not be a sequel planned. Can't wait for more!
Profile Image for Beth.
4,209 reviews18 followers
July 20, 2019
This was an energetic story, but sadly my weak skills at reading graphic novels kept me from fully enjoying it. I rarely had any idea what was going on in the action scenes. In addition, my low tolerance for whiny spoiled children meant I didn't really like the main character, and somehow I got the impression that she was supposed to be 17 -- if she were 12 as she looked I'd have more sympathy.
Profile Image for Audrey Light And Smell.
941 reviews27 followers
May 20, 2020
Avec Diesel, on retrouve la touche Kinaye, c’est-à-dire des ouvrages pleins de peps, d’humour, d’action et de personnages attachants. Le cocktail parfait pour offrir un moment de lecture divertissant et totalement immersif !

Chronique complète sur le blog : https://lightandsmell.wordpress.com/2...
Profile Image for Ian.
1,217 reviews7 followers
September 7, 2017
The style, tone, and characters are almost endearing enough to make up for the nonsensical plot and world-building. It's frustrating that Hesse thinks the war plotlines are anywhere near as interesting as getting to know Peacetowne and its inhabitants.
Profile Image for TheHangryBookDragon.
367 reviews14 followers
August 10, 2019
MC was so dumb and immature, resulting in WOW. I imagine she will grow and mature in later books... and maybe I'll read them.
Profile Image for Matt Eldridge.
89 reviews5 followers
April 6, 2020
Starting off reading it, I wasn't too fond of the story. I found Diesel really annoying, but by the third issue I got to like her much more. As the book got on, the story really got a lot better. Overall it makes me think of an animated feature and I wish someday it could be.
1 review
July 11, 2021
Great suspense and action

I would definitely recommend this book it’s action packed and the main character is very relatable and I loved the plot twist I haven’t read the rest of the books yet but I can’t wait
Profile Image for Joshua.
265 reviews21 followers
January 3, 2017
I liked the story, but again no 5 star because of grammatical screwups. Looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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