Star Trek: Lower Decks: Warp in its own way
Author: Ryan North
Art: Chris Fenoglio
Color: Charlie Kirchhoff
Text: Jeff Eckleberry
Publisher: IDW
Publication date: October 22, 2024
The first Star Trek: Lower Decks original graphic novel is also the first interactive graphic novel in franchise history (though not the first “Choose Your Own Adventure” story in franchise history). In Star Trek: Lower Decks: Warp in its Own Way, readers join Lieutenant Beckett Mariner on a mind-boggling adventure that asks, “What if…the CYOA story had a sci-fi explanation?” Masu.
This is going to be an unusually difficult one to review. This isn’t because I have mixed feelings about OGN. It’s amazing and worth more than its weight in latinum. However, it would be a huge shame to spoil so many of the surprises of this book, which would make it difficult to discuss it in this review.
So, if you’re a fan of Lower Decks, my advice is to stop reading now and pick up this title for yourself. The less you know about this book, the more you can figure out its twists and turns yourself.
no small parts
First and foremost, Warp Your Own Way is the result of a creative team working at full capacity. North and Fenoglio are both Lower Decks comic book alumni and previously teamed up for a three-issue miniseries in 2022. So they set out to develop this graphic novel, establishing the tone and aesthetic from page one.
CYOA coverage is familiar territory for North, too. Perhaps you’ve already enjoyed his illustrated prose “choose your own adventure” novels, Romeo and Juliet and To Be OR Not to Be. He’s also no stranger to CYOA comics. Remember The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl (2015B) #7 (Art: Erica Henderson, Trading Card Art: Joey Ellis, Colors: Rico Renzi Henderson, Lettering: Travis Lynham)? How could I forget? Or?
Meanwhile, Fenoglio’s skills in portraying Cerritos and his crew have been honed since the miniseries was released. All characters and Cerritos interiors are faithfully recreated as if they were imported straight from the TV series. And the ship’s exterior depiction continues the miniseries’ trend of adopting a kind of narrative aesthetic that lends itself to a continuous graphic narrative. Additionally, I enjoyed what appeared to be cameos from the comic’s creative team (including Star Trek Group editor Heather Antos) throughout the story.
When it comes to Kirchhoff colors, they are consistent and accurate. There’s no problem with Star Trek: The Animated Series’ stylistic palette here. And Eckleberry’s lettering is always clear and easy to read, even when the dialog boxes change a bit (you know what I mean).
Star Trek: Lower Decks: Warp in its own way
And now it’s time to get vague! Warp Your Own Way is a treasure trove of Star Trek references, drawn from throughout the franchise’s history. This time, the references to Star Trek: The Original Series may be a little more emphasized. But there are also plenty of Easter eggs for fans of other shows, including Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Again, without spoiling anything, the reason for all these inclusions is that you will be completely satisfied when it arrives.
Although many members of the Cerritos crew appear in the story, including three other Beta Shifters and Tyrin, this graphic novel is clearly centered around Mariner. This is fine. First of all, Mariner is clearly the main character of the series. And the other is the ongoing Lower Decks comic series from North & Company. Starting in November, there will likely be plenty of opportunities for other characters to take center stage.
In the end, Warp Your Own Way is the kind of story that can only be told effectively through the medium of comics. Indeed, CYOA’s stories are often illustrated prose, but the inherently animated nature of Lower Decks means that the artwork is an essential component. I mean, would a Beta Shifter in a toga or a penguin waddle in a visor be just as interesting without conveying it through art (both of these images are featured on the cover of the book, so I mention them) please stop doing so). I’m afraid not.
If you’re a fan of Lower Decks, you owe it to yourself to pick up this book as soon as possible. It’s a great tribute to one of the best Star Trek shows ever boldly developed. You don’t want to miss it.
Star Trek: Lower Decks: Warp Your Own Way will be available at local bookstores and public libraries starting October 22, 2024.
To check out all of The Beat’s Star Trek coverage, click here. Also, don’t forget to check out The Beat’s reviews section for more graphic novel reviews.
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