Space is often described as the “final frontier” in the Star Trek series, but any Trek fan knows that’s not true. Whether it’s a new quadrant in Star Trek Voyager, the distant future in Star Trek Discovery, or a recurring threat in the Mirror Universe, the galaxy is always expanding. Star Trek #25 by Jackson Lansing, Colin Kelly, Liana Kangas, Lee Lockridge, and Clayton Cowles takes it to a whole other level.
Following the events of Star Trek #500, the insane android Loa detonates a bomb that destroys existence as we know it, forcing Benjamin Sisko and the crew of the USS Theseus to flee into fluid space . There they encounter a race of extradimensional creatures that Tom Paris and the rest of Voyager’s crew encountered while in the Delta Quadrant. The only problem is that these interdimensional beings are also affected by Loa’s actions and are trying to get out regardless of who they have to kill.
Lansing and Kelly develop a character-driven story that focuses on Paris, who leads the crew of the Theseus against a threat far more powerful and intelligent than themselves. Their talent for character work is on display. Paris is upset because the universe has just exploded and his wife Brenna may die while he and his daughter are trapped in a hellish alternate reality. Sisko even says that the Theseus crew must be the best representatives of Starfleet no matter what, and that Paris has a chance later in the issue.
IDW Publishing
Star Trek #25 also marks new ground of sorts for Kangas, who took over art duties from Megan Levens. She still retains the semi-photorealistic elements of the Lebens run, but with very expressive results. The moment Paris gets slapped, his head seems to be bobbing from side to side and I laughed out loud. When it comes to creatures that attack Theseus, Kangas goes for pure nightmare fuel. They feel like a hellish amalgamation of bone and fungus, and the fact that Roughridge gave them a rusty red color that resembles dried blood doesn’t help. So are Cowles’ haunting black speech bubbles.
It’s the last page that really cements the idea of a new “final frontier.” This is a big challenge, and proof that Lansing and Kelley are carrying over from every era of Star Trek with this comic. All eyes may be on the upcoming Lore War crossover, but Star Trek #25 reminds us that there are still many frontiers left to explore in the Star Trek universe .
“Star Trek” #25 truly enters an unexpected frontier
Star Trek #25
Star Trek #25 reminds us that there are still many frontiers left to explore in the Star Trek universe.
Lansing and Kelly keep their flair for character work intact, focusing on Tom Paris.
Liana Kangas paints some very trippy and disturbing images depicting fluid spaces.
The last page that makes you want to read.
This comic continues to draw from every corner of Trek lore, and that’s what makes it so great.
