A reader’s guide · Choose your path
Where to start.
Despies has several connected storylines. Choose the kind of story you enjoy, then follow its reading path. Some galleries and comics reveal later events; those are clearly marked.
These are entry points, not one universal timeline. You can explore another path whenever you like, while saving later-story material for when you are ready.
For the main storyline
Start with Elonia.
Follow this storyline in order:
The links lead to book information or free opening previews. Follow the book pages for available purchase links.
Another beginning
Meet Rylo and the team.
Rylo’s Origin offers another way into Despies, following a life drawn into an unfamiliar world.
For a shorter introduction, try Before the Team: eight origin mini stories that can be read in any order, with no prior Despies knowledge needed.
Free reading · An ongoing story
Begin Earthbound.
A rescue, an unexpected bond, and danger that follows its survivors to Earth. Read the first eight chapters of Ezekiel and Serena’s urban-fantasy story, with small illustrations between chapters.
For mature readers: violence, blood, captivity, bereavement, strong language, and adult themes.
Prefer illustrated stories?
Choose a Stratus comic.
- Beyond the Lines: Twin Worlds — dangerous investigations, rescue work, and a veteran team operating beyond Stratus territory. A serious science-fantasy adventure.
- Stratus: Redline — explore the team’s info cards, then follow the link to read the comic on WEBTOON.
- Familiar Trouble — friendship, exploration, and the irreverent banter of comrades who know each other well. Read on WEBTOON.
These are different tones within the same universe. Follow each story’s content notices; comic format does not necessarily mean family-friendly.
Read together
Family discoveries.
The family reading collection brings together Zizi & Geno, an alien veterinary adventure, and a cross-cultural cooking show.
Explore unfamiliar worlds through curiosity, observation, and everyday discoveries. Parents and families can choose what suits their readers.
A separate, general-audience show
Stratus-Sphere 9.
Join Gayla, Jolta, and Van for science, magic, demonstrations, and conversation.
This series is separate from the family collection and aimed at an older general audience, with room for wider questions about the universe and its politics.
Save for later · Spoiler warning
Apophos.
The Apophos comic covers later-story developments. It is best saved until you are ready for spoilers, rather than used as your first introduction.
Go to the Apophos spoiler warning →
The reader remains behind its existing spoiler warning. Choose whether to continue there.
Need a reference as you read? Explore classes and paths, or return to all stories.