Review: Star Trek Defiant #15

Star Trek comics are at an all time high right now. Both the flagship comic and Star Trek Defiant are bringing depth, originality and very different stories to a head. Star Trek Defiant #15 showcases exactly why Star Trek is so well suited to the comics medium when done right. It allow great characters from across disparate eras and series to interact and develop further.

This story on its surface focuses on a parasitic attack. But that is only a backdrop for some deep character work. Writer Christopher Cantwell demonstrates a deep understanding and love for the characters and conflicts making up the Star Trek universe. The core of the arc involves B’lanna searching to make peace with domesticity and family. She has used the Defiant to flee from her marriage and child. She has fled from her own self under the cover of this mission outside the Federation bounds. This has been compounded by being taken over by the parasites and only being saved by being taken over by Hugh’s borg-lite hive mind.

Indeed each of the characters in this book are wrestling with issues surrounding their identity and what lines they are willing to cross. Nymira is a character central to this as she flees her people’s war as a deserter and again attempts to flee the battle with the parasites on Starbase 99. The issue offers opportunity for each character to decide what lines they are willing to cross, including desertion, drugs, assimilation and murder.

Worf, Ro and Sela head up the action contingent of the issue with some fun, brutal takedowns of parasite controlled Starfleet crew. The art involving swashbuckling action, noir intrigue and space adventure is rendered beautifully by artist Angel Unzueta and colorist Marissa Louise. There is one confusing spot where Spock seems to appear only to be revealed as a giant alien attacker which is a bit confusing in the rendering. But otherwise the team does a great job balancing action with character moments and giving the entire issue thematic weight.

Christopher Cantwell and the Star Trek Defiant team continue to craft a strong, thoughtful and action packed Star Trek tale. This story is entirely different from the tone and themes surrounding the core Star Trek book. While still referencing that story reminding us this remains a shared universe, the book and its strong characterizations remain unique. The strong focus on character along with visceral action hold our attention and give the characters depth without slowing the story down for a second.

Writing: 4.5 of 5 stars
Art: 4.0 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.6 of 5 stars

Overall:
4.4 of 5 stars

Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Artist: Angel Unzueta
Colors: Marissa Louise
Letters: Clayton Cowles
Publisher: IDW Publishing

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.