Review: Star Trek Defiant #24

The new era of Star Trek in comics has been even more interesting than on the screen. This continues with the Star Trek Defiant run by writer Christopher Cantwell. Cantwell understands the characterization and themes Star Trek fans want to see. Here there is deep action and conflict but also a depth of characterization truly taking characters through change and growth. This is matched by detailed, thoughtful and intricate artwork by Angel Unzeta. The art along with colors by Marissa Louise create a fable-like look to the main story with a simple style focusing on the pain and trauma of each character.

Star Trek Defiant #24 focuses on the path to redemption for Worf’s son Alexander. They both work together to hunt down the clone Kahless II. This final errand of vengeance takes them to Beta Thoridor. There Kahless II hides following defeat and dishonor, searching for an end with meaning. Kahless wallows as a beggar and lost soul. His past exploits are lost as meaningless rants as he remains unqualified even for menial work. He offers his Bat’leth up for food to strangers who are revealed to be Work and Alexander. Kahless welcomes their arrival as a chance for an honorable death.

Alexander cajoles Kahless into battle. As they battle Alexander draws out Kalhless and inspires him to accept his own limitations and fear and use this as a new beginning. In refusing to kill Kahless when he is at such a low point, Alexander is able to grow by showing mercy to another. His honor and family are restored. Kahless II and Alexander are both able to repent their past and begin anew to find their own paths.

In the background of these events the issue hints at rising threats with Deep Space 3 falling to a mysterious space-time anomaly. Ro and Miles fight against both section 31 and the Cardassians in the Gamma Quadrant. The change in colors and visual style in the Gamma scene show just how skilled this art team is at setting tone and mood. This remains an excellent book with strong visuals set against interesting advances in characterizations and conflicts. The hope is that this book won’t be sidelined by crossovers but remains on its own path to develop its own characters and conflicts.

Writing: 4.5 of 5 stars
Art: 4.4 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.7 of 5 stars

Overall:
4.5 of 5 stars

Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Art: Angel Unzueta
Colors: Marissa Louise
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.