The finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation, “All Good Things…” is a masterclass in how to do a television series finale. It features a plot that shows how far the crew of the Enterprise-D has come, and the high stakes of a finale as the entire universe is in danger. Even its final moments, where Jean-Luc Picard begins a poker game with his crew, feels like the perfect way to end the series. I can safely say that Star Trek: Omega #1 comes extremely close to capturing the same feeling as “All Good Things…”
The biggest difference between “All Good Things…” and Star Trek: Omega #1, other than the fact that the latter’s in comic form, is that the epic, universe-threatening event was already covered in the “Lore War” storyline that spanned the final issues of Star Trek and Star Trek: Defiant. Most of this issue, as the beginning page hints, is about endings: the crews of the Theseus and Defiant each say their respective goodbyes to their loved ones (especially Ben Sisko, who has an emotional reunion with his son Jake) or start on new beginnings (Lily Sato embarks on a new journey away from Section 31).
In a way, it’s fitting. Omega marks the end of the current Trek comics, but Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing and Christopher Cantwell are determined to make it an ending worthy of these characters. Not only do they manage to fit into canon since the events of Omega lead right into Star Trek: Nemesis, but they also leave a few doors hanging for future Trek writers. Star Trek: Voyager fans will be happy to see where Tom Paris and B’Elenna Torres wind up. Star Trek: Picard fans will recognize where Lily finds herself. And Star Trek: Lower Decks fans will get a good laugh out of Shaks’ scene. Kelly, Lanzing and Cantwell make sure there’s something for every Trek fan in Omega‘s pages.
IDW
Star Trek: Omega #1 is also packed full to the brim with every artist who’s worked on Star Trek or Star Trek: Defiant. That includes Tess Fowler, Angel Hernandez (who illustrated a large swath of Defiant) Ramon Rosanas (who kicked off the new era of Trek comics), Marcus To (who’s worked with Kelly and Lanzing before, and brings his signature style to one of the best sequences in the issue) and Davide Tinto (who illustrated “Lore War” and gives a great ending to Worf’s journey.)
In a way, this collection of artists isn’t just a way to pay homage to the last two years of Trek comics; it also reflects the “infinite diversity in infinite combinations” that’s powered the Trek franchise. Lee Loughridge and Marissa Louise also deserve a medal for their color work, which spans an entire galaxy of characters and delivers the kind of variety you’d expect from such a wide range of characters.
The character who gets the best ending, though, is Sisko. After all, this story began with him – it’s only right that it ends with him. And the fact that he gets to say goodbye to his son this time is all the more touching. Other moments, especially with Scotty and Beverly Crusher, tug at the heartstrings and might leave a few Trek fans with misty eyes.
Star Trek: Omega #1 delivers an emotional, excellent end to the current era of Star Trek comics. Lanzing, Kelly, Cantwell and the rest of the creative team have delivered a Trek story that deserves to be in the conversation with some of the best movies and series, and I hope the next Trek team carries on in their stead.
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