Warning: contains spoilers for the latest issues ofStar TrekandStar Trek: Defiant!
Hey Paramount, IDW’s latest batch ofStar Trekcomics are too good for TV to pass up. For the last two and a half years, a group of talented creators have taken some huge creative swings, and created some of the best licensed tie-in comics currently on the stands.The comics are so good, in fact, that Paramount should hire the writers to work on the television shows.
The opening shot in the new era ofStar Trekcomics kicked off inStar Trek#400. The anthology’s final story seeded the “God War,” in which Kahless II declared war on the gods. Later, inStar Trek#1, Captain Sisko returns to stop Kahless. He recruited a top-flight crew of all-stars from across the franchise, including Worf. A spat between Sisko and Worf led to the latter leaving the crew, as chronicled inStar Trek: Defiant. The god war culminates in theDay of Bloodcrossover event, but the fight goes on, as seenin the forthcomingLore War.
IDW Caught Lightning in a Bottle With Their New Line ofStar TrekComics
Both Fans and Critics Have Embraced IDW’sStar TrekComics
IDW’sStar Trektitles have not only been wildly entertaining, but have set a gold standard for comics based on the franchise moving forward.
IDW’sStar Trektitles have not only been wildly entertaining, but have set a gold standard for comics based on the franchise moving forward. Critics andStar Trekfans have embraced these comics, and the industry has taken note. The line has been nominated for several industry awards, including the Eisners. Month in and month out, IDW’sStar Trekcomics have thrilled fans with their grand, cosmic story that also embodies the spirit of the franchise. Yet comics are only as good as those who create them, and IDW has put top talent on the books.
A Guide to the First Five Arcs of IDW’s FlagshipStar TrekTitle
1-6
Glass and Bone
13-18
When the Walls Fells
25-30
Liana Kangas, Angel Hernandez, Mike Feehan, Tess Fowler & Travis Mercer
The line consists of two primary titles, with a variety of miniseries and one-shots enhancing the main story. The first title, and the flagship, isStar Trek, which was written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, and drawn by some of the industry’s best artists, including Marcus To and Megan Levens. The second book,Star Trek: Defiant, is written by Christopher Cantwell and drawn largely by Angel Unzueta. A four-issue miniseries spinning out ofDay of Blood, titledSons of Star Trek,was written by Morgan Hampton. Finally, Ryan North and Derek Charmcrafted a one-shot starring Shaxs, fromLower Decks.
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The writers behind IDW’s rejuvenated line ofStar Trekcomics are some of the best in the industry. Lanzing and Kelly came to the line with not only experience inStar Trekcomics, having overseenYear Five, but extensive credits at Marvel, DC and a variety of independent publishers. One of their previous works,Joyride, published by Boom Studios, was a high-concept science fiction adventure that was a wonderful dry run forStar Trek.Defiantwriter Christopher Cantwell came to comics with experience in television, and has writtenIron ManandDoctor Doomfor Marvel.
Lanzing, Kelly and Cantwell KnowStar TrekWell–And It Shows
The Writers Have a Deep Understanding of What MakesStar TrekGreat
Beyond the accolades and experience the writers brought with them, they all have deep knowledge ofStar Treklore, and this is on display every month.This is reflected in the composition of the two crews. As mentioned earlier, they are culled from across seemingly every incarnation of theStar Trekfranchise, even the newer shows such asLower Decks. Lanzing, Kelly and Cantwell have also peppered the books with some deep-cut Easter Eggs, again from every corner of the franchise. One-off references in episodes have become major plot points in bothStar TrekandDefiant.
A Guide to the First Five Arcs of IDW’sStar Trek: Defiant
1-5
12-16
17-21
22-25
Angel Unzueta & Morgan Beem
Cantwell, Lanzing and Kelly also have a deep understanding of the heroes of theStar Trekfranchise.The leads of the two books: Captain Sisko inStar Trekand Worf inDefiant, are expertly written. Lanzing and Kelly nail Sisko’s character. ThroughoutStar Trek: Deep Space Nine’s run,Sisko struggled with his calling as the Emissary, and in IDW’s comics, this continues. The Prophets have a plan for Sisko, but they remain coy. Worf’s arc inDefianthas seen him finally take command of a starship, become a bounty hunter as well as reconcile with his son Alexander.
Star Trekcreator Gene Roddenberry intended for the show to be a vehicle to explore aspects of the human condition, and IDW’s comics are carrying on this work.
Finally, IDW’sStar Trekcomics are more than Easter Eggs and expert characterizations: they also embody the spirit of adventure the franchise is known for.The flagshipStar Trektitle has featured mind-bending concepts and philosophical digressions on the relationship between humanity and their gods.Defiantexplores the human, personal toll the big cosmic events can take.Star Trekcreator Gene Roddenberry intended for the show to be a vehicle to explore aspects of the human condition, and IDW’s comics are carrying on this work.
Paramount Needs to Hire IDW’sStar TrekComic Writers
Lanzing, Kelly and Cantwell Have Proven They Have What It Takes to Make GreatStar Trek
With all of this in mind, it makes perfect sense that Paramount should hire Lanzing, Kelly and Cantwell to writeStar Trekepisodes, or even be show-runners. Lanzing and Kelly were “showrunners” forStar Trek: Year Five, writing a few stories themselves but also entrusting others to play in the sandbox. Cantwell has written and created for television, including the award-winning showHalt and Catch Fire, which he oversaw. Between the three of them, they could craft some memorable and compellingStar Trekstories, if only Paramount would hire them.
