Following on from an epic battle with a God City, it’s perfect timing to relax and rewind. For the most part, that’s exactly what Star Trek Issue #7 is, released today from IDW Publishing. But is it actually worth reading? And how does this set up the next story? As the start of the “Countdown to Day of Blood” initiative, are we any clearer as to what that entails? Read on and let’s find out!
Writers: Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, Artist: Mike Feehan, Colourist: Lee Loughridge, Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Relaxing & Reuniting
After teasing a return to Deep Space Nine at the end of the last issue, the issue opens with the Theseus already docked there. We open with a brief exchange between Data and Kira. Even if the only purpose is to set up the next reunion, it’s cool to see senior officers from these two eras of Sisko’s life interact. Next, we finally see Sisko meet up with Kasidy, Jake, and their daughter Sarah. Not having them meet earlier was something that really annoyed me previously, but having them reunite after Sisko’s identity crisis last issue makes sense.
There’s also a really funny page of a scene at Quark’s. Data and Beverly hanging out together definitely makes sense, and any time the crew of the Enterprise D reunites is simply magic. The real power in this reunion however is seeing Bev hold her ground against Quark’s advances. It verges on comedy, but it’s always nice to see Beverly being a badass, something that’s only been reinforced by Picard Season 3. Plus it’s nice to know that Quark just hasn’t changed at all.
A Familiar Face
There’s little time for pleasantries between Kira and Sisko however. Straight down to business, discussing the escalating Kahless situation. Even though he doesn’t feature in the issue at all, it makes it feel very deliberately written when even a more relaxing issue is only possible because of a need to discuss him. It’s evidence of good arc planning on the part of Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing.
Photo Credit: IDW Publishing via their official Twitter
The description for this issue teased a returning Lower Decks character. At the midway point of the issue, this is revealed to be Shaxs. He is assigned to Sisko as a Bajoran officer, to help him locate the Prophet’s Orbs. The biggest complaint is that he’s toned down a lot, being much less comedic than usual. However, they do reference his past with Kira from the recent crossover episode. So overall, his return works. From future covers, it looks like he’s sticking around for a bit too. I’m excited to see what they do with him!
More Crises of Identity
There’s a scene between Jake and T’Lir, a Vulcan character original to the series. A few issues ago, we teased something substantially wrong with him. He acts a little uncharacteristic of a Vulcan and also briefly became some glowing energy. The scene of him shutting down Jake’s questioning of this is done really well. For something so low stakes, it’s framed as genuinely thrilling and mysterious, showing the reactions of both of them. Credit where it’s due to Mike Feehan, Lee Loughridge, and Clayton Cowles.
I don’t know exactly what’s wrong with T’Lir, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he was a manifestation of one of the missing Orbs, perhaps? Them teasing it so much earlier has me thinking it’s definitely relevant to the arc somehow. There’s also a far far lower stakes scene, bordering on comedy, as Tom Paris accepts that he’s scared of the current situation and misses his wife B’Elanna. It’s another well-written, light-hearted scene that made this issue such a pleasure to read. I mean, who wouldn’t want to drink with Scotty?
Photo Credit: IDW Publishing
Another Battle of Cardassia
Back into the Theseus and en route to Cardassia, the crew find the planet under siege. In an interesting twist, the ships over the planet are of Cardassian origin. It’s not quite as thrilling as a battle with a literal god, but it’s a more than serviceable action piece for the end of the issue. Always nice to see Sisko in his element, by which I of course mean fighting Cardassians.
It’s implied that it could have been a ruse to lure Sisko down to the surface, but I think the current state of Cardassian politics after the Dominion War is an interesting avenue. We’ve seen O’Brien experience the Cardassian legal system, but what’s happening to Sisko is no ordinary trial. To them, Sisko is a war criminal. Just what happens with him is anyone’s guess. I’m sure Barada Damar, supposedly a relative of Damar, will not treat him fairly.
Issue Preview
Conclusion
Star Trek Issue 7 is a welcome, relaxing distraction after the events of the last issue. While moving into the next plotline, and bringing in some really intriguing mysteries, it’s the scenes of the characters just hanging out that stick in your head the most. It’s just so much fun to read and I cannot recommend it enough. Something truly truly special.
You can find Star Trek Issue #7 in all good comic book stores. Additionally, it’s available on both Amazon and IDW’s own website. For coverage and reviews of IDW’s ongoing Star Trek ranges, be sure to follow Trek Central!
Star Trek Issue #8
In the next issue: The newly established Obsidian Council of Cardassia Prime has spoken: The time has come for Benjamin Sisko to stand trial for the atrocities he ordered and for his contributions to war crimes by the Federation during the Dominion War. Arc two of the critically acclaimed Star Trek flagship comic series continues here!
Release date: May 17, 2023
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