REVIEW: ‘Star Trek,’ Issue #1

Star Trek #1 is written by Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly, illustrated by Ramon Rosanas, colored by Lee Loughridge, and lettered by VC’s Clayton Cowles. It’s published by IDW Publishing. Benjamin Sisko has returned after ascending to another plane of existence with the Bajoran gods known as the Prophets. But his godlike powers are fading as a mysterious force is slaughtering the godlike beings that inhabit the universe. Tasked by the Prophets to find the god killer, Sisko assembles a motley crew and boards the U.S.S. Theseus to save all of existence.

When Star Trek comes up in discussion, fans will often bring up their favorite series. At the top of the list is Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, especially since it introduced more complex characters and storytelling to the Trek universe. In fact, DS9 laid the groundwork for series like Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Discovery to exist! Therefore, I find it fitting that this series revolves around Sisko. The idea of battling a force that can kill gods is also a great hook – not only is it right up Trek’s alley, but it’s the kind of threat that Sisko has experience with.

And he’s not alone. Lanzing & Kelly have assembled an all-star cast of Trek characters from nearly every corner of the franchise. Trust me when I say that if you have a favorite Trek series, there’s a character within Theseus‘s crew from said series. The duo also plays with tried and true concepts from the Trek franchise: Sisko opens a captain’s log where he’s not quite sure of the stardate (given that he’s literally been on another plane of existence for years) and the Prophets tell him that he must “boldly go where no one has gone before.” It’s just another way that Lanzing & Kelly pay homage to a franchise while also taking it in a new direction.

The other part of the book that stands out is Rosanas’ artwork. His art is full of the majesty and terror that only an outer space environment can convey, especially when it comes to the first two pages. Those pages depict Sisko floating in an ethereal void, his body glowing with shimmering blue light. Then the Prophets’ words fill the page, escalating in size and conveying intensity thanks to Cowles’ lettering. Another page features Sisko acclimating to life back on an earthly plane. Whether going through checkups in sickbay or enjoying a drink, he has the same bemused look on his face.

Rosanas also has the chance to play around with Starfleet design, particularly uniforms and starships. The Theseus stands out from other Federation starships due to its design; it has a wider shovel-shaped saucer and an engine that can channel the power of the sun. The crew uniforms also receive an update, looking more sleek and futuristic than ever. Rounding it all out is Loughridge’s color art, which brings the vibrancy one would expect from a Star Trek series. The Theseus looks like a silver bullet shooting through space, and there are plenty of nebulas & star arrangements that will dazzle readers’ eyes.

Star Trek #1 unites fan-favorite characters for a new journey into the final frontier with storytelling & artwork that’s more than a perfect fit for the Trek universe. Fans old and new will enjoy it, and the end of the issue promises an adventure unlike any other. I’m happy to be along for the ride.

Star Trek #1 is available wherever comics are sold.