Review by Frank Plowright

The Mirror War details the ambitions of Captain Picard, but not the one beloved of Next Generation and Picard viewers, but his far from peace loving counterpart in an alternate universe. As in the main universe Data, Geordi LaForge, and Deanna Troi are part of his crew, also unpleasant alternate universe doubles, and Benjamin Sisko has a brief, but pivotal role. As The Mirror War was serialised they each starred in their own spotlight, combined for Warriors of the Mirror War.

None are written by the writers of the main series, and all look back into the past of involved characters. They’re treated more as people than evil doppelgangers, and that supplies audience sympathy.

While Data certainly has a large role in Celeste Bronfman’s spotlight, the narrative thrust is more about Lieutenant Barclay, but his name on the title wouldn’t sell as many comics. Barclay is highly motivated, and his family history as revealed here explains why. It’s very readable, but Roberta Ingranata’s art indicates minimum effort, with sloppy figures and barely any backgrounds.

There’s more character to the pages Carlos Rodriguez supplies for Geordi’s story, which as just as well as J. Holtham’s plot is weaker, although it does focus largely on Geordi himself. A key characteristic of the Mirror Universe cast is self-interest, so when against all the odds Geordi is offered a chance at love, will he have other priorities?

Deanna Troi is a key component in Picard controlling his crew. All fear the truths her empathic talents reveal, and she revels sadistically in torturing people. Marieke Nijkamp shows these aren’t new traits developed on the Enterprise, but an extension of her personal ambition, and in Picard she finds someone who matches her ambition. It’s a horrific insight, and Megan Levens is a very good artist when it comes to the people, but doesn’t like the depth backgrounds provide.

The unrealistic anatomy provided by Hendry Prasetya on the Benjamin Sisko story over the opening pages constantly draws attention to the wrong places, and his characters are generic rather than cast likenesses. However, his art improves throughout the story, and his action scenes show real promise. Sisko’s participation in The Mirror War was minimal, and in the service of Kira Nerys, which is also the case here, where trust is the primary emotion explored. Danny Lore supplies a story that’s more for Deep Space Nine fans than those of Next Generation, and the space station that in this universe remains Terek Nor is central.

Sisko and Barclay’s stories make for good reading, but much could look better.