Villordsutch reviews Star Trek Boldly Go #7…
Part 1 (of 3) of “Murder at Babel“! As the Federation and Romulans convene in the wake of the Borg attack, the precarious peace is threatened by the murder of a key diplomat… and a Starfleet cadet is the prime suspect!
SEE ALSO: Check out the preview for Star Trek: Boldly Go #7 here
After last month’s break from the norm [read our review here], in Issue #6 Mike Johnson and Ryan Parrott return us to the ongoing story arc taking place within the NuTrek post-Borg incursion into Romulan Space, and this month we have a special appearance from the cadets of Starfleet Academy with the addition of Jaylah.
The U.S.S. Endeavour – captained by Kirk – heads towards Babel for a peace conference which involves a Romulan Delegation and a large number of guests, joining the already swelling conference are the cadets who rescued the NX-05 Slayton, Jaylah and an Andorian Ambassador, who is the extremely unhappy father of Cadet Shev.
With tensions already high within the peace conference, it doesn’t take long before the Starfleet contingent lose control of their tongues, especially when they come face-to-face with an old foe. Then when an ace is played by the Romulans – towards Kirk – and a move is made that is so bold that the whole peace conference looks set to break down, it would appear the Borg have already won without even firing a second shot.
Johnson and Parrott are riffing extremely well off Journey to Babel here. They are taking the core elements of the original tale and with some skill, manoeuvring “Murder at Babel” through this Borg story arc which they are continuing across these issues. Seeing elements of the original story being played out on these pages – from an alternative character – is rather splendid. In this case the disgruntled father is Andorian, his disapproval aimed towards his son who puts Starfleet first before his duties back home; meanwhile Sarek and Spock are working together on Babel to bring everyone together. It was also good to see that his father is disappointed in his son’s career in Starfleet as he hinted at back in Starfleet Academy #5.
There is some great artwork going on in this issue from the two powerful covers from George Caltsoudas and Garry Brown and then we have a perfect headshot image of Uhura from Cryssy Cheung. Along with this the art for Megan Levens which stays strong throughout this issue is quite excellent, with some nice sharp angles and lines going on; this makes this comic a pleasure to read. Especially when it’s backed up with the warm palette of Sarah Stern, who makes sure that in this issue contains nothing overly blinding.
I’m enjoying these continuing voyages of the U.S.S Endeavour and I’m glad that IDW Publishing are giving Mike and Ryan the chance to really expand their Star Trek stories.
Rating: 8/10
Originally published April 12, 2017. Updated November 14, 2019.
