Theseus Is Their Name: Reviewing ‘Star Trek’ #18

Benjamin Sisko and war are intimately familiar. As another conflict looms large, Sisko makes a bold choice. One that could change the very fate of the Alpha and Beta quadrants for many years to come.

So basically, just another day that ends in Y for the Starfleet captain and Emissary of the Prophets.

A long-brewing confrontation comes to a head in Star Trek #18, the final chapter in the third arc of the series. It is another fantastic issue from Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Marcus To, Lee Loughridge, and Clayton Cowles.

As the intro showcased, we’re used to seeing Ben Sisko make tough calls when it comes to war. One of the best episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, “In The Pale Moonlight”, revolves around him doing shady stuff with Garak to force the Romulans into the Dominion War. If it can save lives down the line, he’s willing to damn his soul.

That’s what made this arc’s conclusion so refreshing: we got the opposite. Watching as Sisko did everything above the board and openly to bring peace rather than war was inspired. It shows character growth, but also how well the writers understand the character. Harry Kim and Admiral Sato’s underhanded shadow choices made things worse. Rather than war, the Tzenkethi people have a brighter future now that their world has been given a literal second chance at life.

I love how Jackson and Lanzing have paced out these stories. These many issues in an arc can often feel like things might meander, but none of these installments felt that way. Every moment and piece were integral to what came before and after. Leading us to this inevitable conclusion, while still leaving us uncertain that it would end there.

Also, the way that Harry Kim was put in his place worked so well. Sisko reminding him that his time on Voyager and that situation doesn’t make him special was “chef kiss.” I hope the character sticks around; it would be nice to see their future interactions (and more time with Tom).

So many emotions and big moments come here, and To nails it every single time. There is just a truly indescribable dynamic energy to the artwork he creates. A heavy weighty feeling that makes sure the serious moments are felt each time. Mixed with a fantastical energy that reminds us of the sci-fi/fantasy elements that are core to this series. A paradox of sorts — that we crave to see — where fun and its opposing factor are living in harmony upon the page.

Epic scenes see ships gliding through space in battle. A dying planet with tech breathing new life into its cooled core. Characters rising to the occasion, standing beside one another in solidarity. Space dinosaurs that feel genuine and true to the world rather than just a funny situation. All of that and more is right here on the pages and To never misses with any of it.

Colors are a key component to all of that as Loughridge has been here all along making sure to bring that energy. Giving each space we see its own flavor of lighting, tone, and emotional energy. A palate that can be very naturally toned-down one moment and over-the-top bold the next. So vivid and vibrant that it’s hard to miss the energy that it delivers. This is a large part of where the very tangible this could be a world we might actually get to see energy comes into play.

Sure, this type of sci-fi future is far outside of our realistic bounds, but it’s nice to be able to (for a moment) feel like it’s not. A quality that the shows easily captured with their live action nature, but one the comics are nailing easily as well.

Words are part of what saves the day, and Cowles makes them flow perfectly. Emotional energy resonates within each one, matching the emotional energy that To brings on the page. It all floats around the page, enhancing the artwork that it rests beside. Never obscuring or stealing focus, presenting itself as a helpful guide to get us through each panel in the correct sequence. These voices are resonating in my head, simple to recreate and sound out because of the personality and volume/tone that Cowles work brings each time.

Star Trek #18 is now available from IDW Publishing.