Star Trek #14 is written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing. Artwork is by Marcus To, colours by Lee Loughridge and letter by Clayton Cowles. Main cover art (left) is by Marcus To. The book is published by IDW Publishing.
Star Trek #14 is available now, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold.
Synopsis
Captain Sisko and the crew of the USS Theseus team up with Starfleet Operative Kingsnake-a.k.a. Harry Kim-to stop the war-loving Tzenkethi from launching their fleet across the Quadrant. Unfortunately for Starfleet, however, the Tzenkethi leader has a surprise guest of his own who will stop at nothing to thwart Starfleet’s plans. Meanwhile, when the crew is greeted by continuous-and frightening-earthquakes, Dr. Crusher realizes there is more going on with the planet than they may be able to survive.
Review
IDW continues its out of this world new run on Star Trek this week with the second chapter of the “A Savage World of Glass and Bone” arc. After a blistering crossover event across the summer, writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing are refusing to give up the pace as this new arc continues to move at breakneck speed bringing in even more characters from across the franchise.
Picking up right where we left off, Captain Sisko and his away team are on Tzenketh. The planet sits on the edge of war with the Federation. We drop right in to the action as the away team faces off against the Tzenkethi alongisde the return of a fan-favourite character, Harry Kim. His debut in the comics will certainly raise some eyebrows given we knew he was looking after B’Elanna and Tom’s daughter. But fear not Star Trek fans, Harry had a plan all along. But more on that in a moment.
Issue #14 bridges the gap between the opening action set piece and the reveal of a surprise ally to the Tzenkethi. There’s a fair amount of ground to cover both personal and professional. But one of this writing duos strengths is balancing out exposition with action. To put it in Trek context, this issue feels more akin to the J.J. Abrams era movies in terms of its pacing and approach to action. But it’s also a heady mix of character driven plotting which feels rooted in the writing of Trek on the small screen. Star Trek functions at its best when it focusses on its characters allowing the bigger, broader strokes to bring the spectacle.
This issue is a prime example of everything which makes the series great. There are characters old and new. There’s conflict on Tzenketh as well as in the skies above it on the USS Theseus. It drives the plot forwards and ends on a bombshell twist which I certainly won’t be spoiling here. Let’s not forget Marcus To and Lee Loughridge who continue to keep Star Trek consistently looking great. There’s plenty in issue #14 both on the planet and on the Theseus, utilising the series’ expansive cast and providing To and Loughridge which plenty of opportunity to flex their sci-fi muscles.
Verdict
If the “Day of Blood” event cemented that Star Trek was here to stay, then “A Savage World of Glass and Bone” is the perfect way to build on those foundations. Fast-paced storytelling, a shock ending and character returns, what more could a Trek fan ask for?
⭐⭐⭐⭐
