Advance Review: Star Trek Picard's Academy #1

IDW looks to be trying corner the market with a plethora of Star Trek material. Along with the Day of Blood event, the regular books, there is a new mini-series and now this, an introduction to the most British accent in sci-fi this side of Ewan McGregor! Picard “The Wonder Years” sees a younger Picard, with hair no less, try and survive the academy; you never know, he might just learn something!

Its year two in the academy. Picard is already on his way to being a bit of a smug so and so with an arrogance that belies his lack of experience. He is of course driven to get to the stars but in doing so alienates himself from his classmates. Well, maybe with a couple of exceptions whether he knows it or not. With no galaxy hopping or Borg, Picard’s dangers lie firmly on Earth, until the evasive manoeuvres course!

Written by Sam Maggs, of Jedi Battle Scars, the book charts a kind of young adult course in tone if not in language. Think harry Potter and you kind of get the idea. Maggs does a great job of imitating Picard’s imperious tone and attitude that we all know and love. as the book is set in the past, we know where Picard is going, so it is up to Maggs to imbue some life into the rest of the cast in order for us to care. In large parts, this is a problem that many a tie-in writer faces; Maggs does well, adding in a familiar face for good measure. Who is monologuing the book is curious as is some of the language used, especially given the rest of the book having that YA fieel mentioned previously.

The art is provided by Ornella Greco in an easy going cartoony style that portrays a sense of fun in most panels and pages. This then add to the YA feel, intimated via the settings and the challenges that Picard faces. Greco is well served with the time setting of the book and the lack of a regular crew. This allows for Greco to experiment a little, maybe lossen the reins a tad without irking the people who may comment in the likeness of characters (yes, I am talking about me!). The art style also allows for a certain level of dynamism which is impressive as the book is mainly talking heads for the majority. The colors are provided by Charlie Kirchoff who uses a bold style that reminds me of those 70’s inspired Trek posters. Letters are supplied by Jeff Eckleberry, who deals with the talking heads heads well, with just enough emphasis to unearth the sometimes not so subtle nuances.

The early years of Picard could be quite fun, all things considered, at least until the Nausicaans show up. It will be interesting to see how things pan out with the already established continuity.

Writing – 3.5 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 3.5 Stars

Overall – 3.5 Stars

Written by; Sam Maggs
Art by; Ornella Greco
Colors by; Charlie Kirchoff
Letters by; Jeff Eckleberry
Published by; IDW Publishing

Star Trek Picard’s Academy #1 is due to hit shops 13th September.

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network