Review by Karl Verhoven

Although they’re framed by two short stories, this opening Strange New Worlds Omnibus combines graphic novels originally released separately as The Illyrian Enigma and The Scorpius Run. It’s the second of them that’s the best.

Co-writers Ryan Parrott and Mike Johnson supply a shining example of Starfleet’s idealistic purpose as they send the Enterprise into uncharted territory to meet new races and hope to change their attitudes to co-operation. This isn’t a planned mission, though, as the Enterprise meets a tyrant who arranges a rigged starship race between craft from assorted different worlds, and seeing as Pike and crew are in the area…

Angel Hernandez draws the hell out of the story, supplying the spectacular as commonplace, nailing the crew likenesses, and going beyond the call of duty with regard to detail and the design for believable new races. Every page here is a treat (sample spread left).

By comparison art from Megan Levens on the first multi-chapter story (sample spread right) isn’t as effective. Individual panels are well drawn in a fine line, and when it comes to likenesses of the cast some of hers better Hernandez, but it’s at the cost of all her figures lacking a sense of movement. Likewise, Johnson collaborating with Kirsten Beyer provides a story that’s serviceable and featuring some good ideas, but never one that thrills. The thrust of the plot is the Enterprise wanting to make contact with the Illyrians to discover a way of helping their Illyrian first officer. It takes place between the first two seasons of the Strange New Worlds TV show, and adds to Star Trek lore overall, supplying an interesting role for Spock.

Mags Vissagio and Tench are only allocated six pages for their opening story about Christine Chapel’s research prior to joining Starfleet. It’s heavy on the dialogue as it needs to pack a lot in about the genetic research she’s doing and why she might be breaching boundaries. A friend’s advice that “Starfleet is as much about defying orders than following them” might raise a few eyebrows, and Vissagio certainly undersells the point being made, but it’s centred on a clever idea.

Jody Houser and Vernon Smith’s closing five pages tie into second season episode ‘Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow’ in which Lieutenant Noonien-Singh begins addressing her feelings about James Kirk. She’s not allowed to talk about what happened in an alternate timeline, and the result is an elusive conversation that will make little sense to anybody who’s not seen the episode. Smith’s cartooning is rather betrayed by Charlie Kirkoff’s colouring, which is too vibrant and doesn’t adequately separate background and foreground.

‘The Scorpius Run’ is an exemplary Star Trek adventure, but the remainder is professional without hitting the high spots.