Review by Win Wiacek

Many sequential narrative adventures based on the exploits of Gene Roddenberry’s legendary brainchild have appeared, and the splendid 1980s Star Trek scripted by novelist, journalist, screenwriter and all-around comics genius Peter David are undoubtedly among the finest.

Never flashy or sensational, his work is simultaneously strongly character and plot-driven, and an especially fine example is this superior epic originally issued by DC in 1993. It blends spectacular drama, subtle but rational dramatic interplay and good old fashioned thrills, with the added bonus of much madcap whimsy thanks to David’s impassioned fan-pandering efforts.

Who Killed Captain Kirk? remains a devotee’s dream, pulling together many prior and ongoing plotlines in a manner easily accessible to newcomers, presenting a fantastic whodunit liberally sprinkled with in-jokes and TV references for über-fans to wallow in.

Illustrated by Tom Sutton it begins in the aftermath of a drunken shipboard stag night riot. The Enterprise crew discover a rogue Federation ship with impenetrable new cloaking technology is destroying remote colonies in a blatant attempt to provoke all-out war with the Klingons. At one decimated site they discover a stunted, albino Klingon child who holds the secrets of the marauders, but his traumatised mind will need patience and very special care to coax them out…

Naturally the suspicious, bellicose Klingons also investigating the atrocity want first dibs on the supposed Federation “rebels”, and political tensions mount as Kirk and his embattled opposite number Kron not-so-diplomatically spar over procedure. Emotions are already fraught aboard Enterprise. Preparations for a big wedding are suffering last-minute problems and a promising ensign is currently being cashiered for the High Crime of Species Bigotry.

Moreover, unknown to all, a telepathic crew-member has contracted Le Guin’s Disease (that’s one of those in-jokes mentioned earlier), endangering the entire ship. The crisis point comes with the Federation and Klingon Empire on the verge of open hostilities.

All seems to have been resolved, so taking advantage of a rare peaceful moment, ensigns Kono and Nancy Bryce finally wed, but the Enterprise is suddenly beset by uncanny supernatural events, culminating in the crew being despatched to a biblical torture-realm. When normality returns for the crew, they discover Kirk has been stabbed!

Gordon Purcell illustrates ‘You’re Dead, Jim’, with Dr. McCoy swinging into action to preserve the fast-fading life of his friend. Lost in delirium, Kirk relives his eventful life and is can categorically identify his attacker. The affair seems open and shut, but there’s a shocking twist to set up a fractious reunion.

Masterfully weaving a wide web of elements into a fabulous yarn of great and small moments, David crafted one of his best and most compelling yarns in these pages. It’s a tale to rank amongst the greatest Star Trek stories in any medium and one which will please fans of the franchise and any readers who just love quality comics.