Captain Sisko’s dangerous diplomatic mission with the Tzenkethi continues in this month’s Star Trek Issue #15! For peace to thrive, for the sake of the Alpha Quadrant’s continued existence, they must prevail. However, the Romulans are of course standing in the way of Sisko’s victory. Nothing is ever quite as simple as it seems in space diplomacy. With so many factions at play, I do hope that there’s enough time for a spot of action.
The synopsis teases that for peace to thrive, “blood is about to flow”. So thankfully, it looks like this won’t be a dull affair. It’s part three of the ongoing Glass and Bone arc, so things are well and truly in swing. While we’re not quite at the end, the action should logically be rising. With franchise legend Harry Kim having joined the fold, it’s sure to be a treat.
WARNING – The following is a full review for Star Trek Issue #15 and as such contains spoilers. If you’d rather not have the comic spoiled for you, you should probably turn away now.
One Will Fall
Most of this issue covers an epic combat scene. As a bit of a refresher, the Tzenkethi Coalition are creatures that evolved from dinosaurs. They have a powerful fleet of warships which, if Sisko’s attempt at an alliance goes awry, could spell the end of the Alpha Quadrant. A problem arose when the Romulans sent their own delegation to secure the same alliance. This issue covers the Tzenkethi Festival of Supremacy, where the Federation and Romulan delegations are fighting for their lives.
It’s a classic story structure, throwing the heroes into a bizarre combat situation, and whoever comes out on top wins the prize. The stakes are high. Also, we’re talking about action scenes involving dinosaur aliens. So it’s safe to say that these action scenes look awesome. Where else can you find a comic series that combines fighting dinosaurs and space diplomacy? This is awesome. Plus, it’s diplomacy being led by the legendary Captain Sisko.
He’s not quite the diplomat that Picard is. Instead, one could characterize Sisko almost as a Paladin. A knight, fighting valiantly for his cause. Seeing him lead the crew of the USS Theseus through the Festival of Supremacy exemplifies that perfectly. It gives Sisko some of his most involved work in the series in ages. Seriously, there are about a half dozen pages of nothing but battlefield action at the end. It’s visually stunning, with the art not disappointing in the slightest.
To the Voyage
The recent IDW Star Trek series, including this series’ spinoff Star Trek: Defiant has capitalized perfectly on nostalgia that people have for the last generation of Star Trek shows. This issue is no different, with a genuine heart-to-heart between Harry Kim and Tom Paris. Getting two characters from Star Trek: Voyager together really allowed the writers to demonstrate that they understand these characters perfectly.
It paints a picture, starting from where we first met these characters. I especially loved the callback to the really specific scene of Harry being swindled by Quark all the way back in “Caretaker”. Seeing just how far these characters have come, extending to the moment here with the Tzenkethi Coalition. I do love a good nostalgia fest, and actually bringing together characters who know each other allowed the series to thrive.
It marked an interesting midpoint in the issue. Breaking up the two fighting scenes, Tom Paris gets what could well form something of an awakening. It coincides with a moment with B’Elanna in the most recent issue of Star Trek: Defiant. It really makes me wonder if perhaps these characters are either being written out or are destined for bigger and better things in this ongoing sprawling universe.
Star Trek Issue #15 Preview
Conclusion
Star Trek Issue #15 is a comic that reinvigorated my enjoyment of the series. After a few issues where I wasn’t too sure where the story was going, things are finally picking up. This was an absolute thrill ride. The writers perfectly demonstrate their love for Star Trek legends, bookended by sprawling action scenes that I’m sure would have posed massive challenges for the artists. I was genuinely so impressed reading this, and I hope that the rest of this story can deliver.
However, now we’re really in trouble. While he’ll invariably be fine, he is the series lead, after all, Sisko is now seriously injured. Hopefully, the crew of the Theseus can continue their mission with their captain in recovery. The Glass and Bone arc is barrelling toward its conclusion, and I’m really interested. Looking at the covers, it looks like we’re seeing some new aliens enter the fold as negotiations go on.j
You can pick up your own copy of Star Trek Issue #15 out now on the shelves of all good comic book stores. It’s also available to order both physically and digitally from online retailers such as Amazon. For more Star Trek comic reviews, lore discussions and all the latest news be sure to follow the team here at Trek Central!
Issue Credits
Writers: Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing
Artist: Marcus To
Colourist: Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Design & Production: Neil Uyetake
Group Editor: Heather Antos
Editorial Assistant: Vanessa Real
In the next issue…
Issue #16: The Tzenkethi Festival of Supremacy has come at a heavy cost for Captain Sisko when members of the Theseus crew members lose their lives to gargantuan beasts. But despite seeing through the battle and warding off the ancient reptilian species, Sisko finds himself overshadowed by the Romulans and their efforts to persuade the Tzenkethi into an alliance. All the while, Cardassia joins the bid to win over the reptilian species in hopes of taking advantage of their new war fleet. Can Sisko convince this cunning yet brute force-favoring species of Starfleet ideals… or do the Federation’s foes have a point?
Release Date: January 17, 2024
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