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Star Trek: Manifest Destiny #1 Review

Comic Books

Star Trek: Manifest Destiny #1 Review

One of the biggest disappointments of The Next Generation was how the Klingons were no longer at war with the Federation. Well, Worf was pretty awesome, but to lose that warring culture (okay sure the Romulans weren’t very nice either) limited the dramatic impact the show could have had. So it’s with intense anticipation that IDW is delivering a Klingon at war with Kirk and the gang premise in this week’s new Star Trek series.

Is it good?

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Star Trek: Manifest Destiny #1 (IDW Publishing)

Star Trek: Manifest Destiny #1 Review

This series is written by Mike Johnson (behind the fantastic Green Lantern/Star Trek crossover) and Ryan Parrott with art by Angel Hernandez (who also worked on GL/ST). Check out a full preview here. As IDW puts it this is going to be an iconic story arc:

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the STAR TREK franchise in 2016 with this all-new bi-weekly comics event beginning in April! It’s Captain Kirk and the Enterprise crew vs. the Klingon’s in the ultimate showdown! Art by STAR TREK/GREEN LANTERN fan-favorite Angel Hernandez!

Why does this book matter?

Klingons vs. the recent movie iteration of the Star Trek crew means a movie caliber story you’ll only get in comic book form! Plus Hernandez’s art was fantastic in the Green Lantern/ Star Trek crossover and chances are he’ll be equally awesome here.

Star Trek: Manifest Destiny #1 Review
I want to see this in a movie!

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

This is a well paced, well balanced comic book that hits all the right notes at the right time. I promise you won’t be bored and even if you’re not a fan of the series you’re bound to find this entertaining. That’s because it introduces characters, sets up the villains nicely, and hammers home some awesome twists too.

This issue opens with the Klingons taking over a less technologically advanced race of aliens showing us how brutal and violent they are. It thoroughly shows us what Kirk and crew will be up against. It then cuts to Bones using some advanced science from Scotty to help a pregnant alien give birth. It’s a fantastic juxtaposition that shows Klingon’s are all about killing and our heroes on the Enterprise are all about saving live.

The issue then kicks into high gear with an exploration crew checking out a signal on a planet and a full on attack on the Enterprise itself. Throughout this there’s great dialogue, excellent character moments (like Kirk and Spock’s awkward friendship slash work relationship) and one of the most badass sequences we’ve ever seen Bones go through. Star Trek fans, this has everything you’d want in a story.

Hernandez continues to do great work too with one hell of a cliffhanger splash page to cap it all off. Likenesses of the characters to the actors who play them are rather close for the most part which makes this feel like lost footage from a movie. His Klingon renditions look particularly fantastic.

It can’t be perfect can it?

Not all the likenesses are perfect though as Simon Pegg’s Scotty looks a tad off in most panels he’s in. It’s a minor quibble that is easily overlooked though.

It’s pretty clear Bones is the lead in this story, but most of the other characters get their moments as well. I say most because Nyota Uhura gets very little to do and say in this issue. It’s unfortunate since everyone else seems to get a line of dialogue or something to do that allows them to shine. Here’s to hoping she gets a badass moment in issue #2!

Star Trek: Manifest Destiny #1 Review
The Klingon’s look great!

Is It Good?

Klingons bring violence and violence brings an action packed Star Trek series. The character dynamics are intact and strong, but above all else this is a fun ride well worth your time.

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