Villordsutch reviews Star Trek #20…
“The all-new origin stories of the Enterprise crew conclude with this special issue that focuses on TWO Trek Stalwarts: Sulu and Chekov! Witness their first meeting at Starfleet Academy, and learn how their paths intertwined all the way to the bridge of the Enterprise! Overseen by Trek writer/producer Roberto Orci, this issue sets the stage for Sulu and Chekov’s new adventures in the blockbuster film sequel! ”“
Those of you who read my Star Trek #19 review may have thought I wasn’t overly keen on the histories of our Reboot Bridge Crew and if the tales all stayed the same as #19 I would say “You’re right!”, but this #20 has shown me that I can enjoy looking back at the cadet days.
Written by Ryan Parrott (Batman: Gates of Gotham) the story doesn’t go to far back into Sulu and Chekov’s childhoods but deals with two incidents within Starfleet Academy which help develop their future roles on the Enterprise – though I do think that Sulu was awfully busy as a Cadet with Red Squad and possible Section 31 (See Return of the Archons #9).
The fault in this issue lies in the lap of Claudia Balboni (Infestation: Outbreak) as her work here feels messy and rushed. The characters’ faces lose definiation and sometimes are completely unrecognisable. Take for example when Kirk appears. If it wasn’t for his name being mentioned I wouldn’t have had any clue that it was J.T.K. The artwork doesn’t ruin the whole comic, but it doesn’t make it great either.
All in all this is a good comic to buy and if you ignore the rather rushed artwork you can be happy with it. It is a great one-shot and I’m looking forward to #21.
Villordsutch is married with kids and pets. He looks like a tubby Viking and enjoys science fiction. Follow him on Twitter.
Originally published May 7, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
