Advance Review: Engaging With ‘Star Trek – Picard’s Academy’ #4
by Tom Smithyman
Who knew that young Jean-Luc Picard had such a difficult time coming up with one of his signature commands?
The cadet, as depicted in Star Trek: Picard’s Academy, spends much of this fourth issue figuring out how to put an exclamation point on his orders. His first try, the underwhelming “Let’s go,” falls so flat that the cadet instantly knows he needs to give it more consideration. It’s fitting given that, as he feels more in command of during his group evasive maneuvers exam at Starfleet Academy, the right sentiment finally comes to him.
This series has been uneven to date, with the last issue a complete nothingburger. This chapter’s pacing is good, yet the story feels so light that you wonder if some pages are missing from the issue. An optimist would say that Sam Maggs’ writing keeps the story moving, which is true. A realist, though, would point out there just isn’t a lot here. The tale comes off more as a young adult story than a regular Star Trek series. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it should be marketed that way.
It doesn’t help that Ornella Greco’s illustrations border on the cartoony. You would never recognize the young Picard. (Sure, a full head of hair will change anyone’s look, but think back to the photo of the bald cadet in Star Trek: Nemesis for a continuity issue). The pointy ears are the only reason you know Spock is Spock.
Charlie Kirchoff is able to vary his colors a bit more in this issue, thanks to a red alert that dominates the action here. It’s not his fault that each cadet is wearing red, though, which gives the book a heavily saturated look during the most important scenes. But the book still suffers for it.
It is interesting to see the beginning of Picard’s journey to the center seat. No, he shouldn’t be the same character we know and love, but he should be a bit more recognizable – both in his features and his actions.
Star Trek: Picard’s Academy #4 will be available for purchase on January 3, 2024.
Overview
While this issue has a lot more to offer than the last, it’s largely because the story is so thin. The issue does fly at warp speed, which is good, but the main character is literally unrecognizable, both in looks and actions.
