Advance Review — ‘Star Trek: Voyager: Homecoming’ #2 Is Brisk and Entertaining
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
You don’t need to be a Star Trek fan to appreciate this limited series about the prelude to an alien invasion of Earth. It helps, of course, but the story is fast-paced with plenty of strong plot points and mysteries. Some strong art brings the story alive.
Overall
9/10This is not the homecoming that Captain Kathryn Janeway and the crew of the U.S.S. Voyager had in mind. The good news for readers: Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #2 is an entertaining, brisk read chock full of action and believable character interactions.
Instead of some off time after spending seven years in the far off Delta Quadrant, Voyager is stolen by the terrifying and powerful Species 8472 and sucked into fluidic space as a prelude to the alien’s invasion of Earth. Janeway and crew must deal with an ailing Tuvok, an unplugged holographic doctor, and a newborn all while trying to handle the alien menace.
Writers Susan Bridges and Tilly Bridges as well as artist Angel Hernandez are firing on virtually all thrusters here. The writing feels like watching an episode of Voyager (probably even better as the show had plenty of misses). And most of Hernandez’ artwork is top notch, with the familiar characters instantly recognizable.
The Bridges’ writing set a hectic tone to the perilous situation. Like a strong episode or even feature film, there are plenty of character-drive plotlines that help to establish and maintain the pacing. Even more intriguing, though, is Species 8472’s behavior. While they have taken over Voyager and are planning on eliminating humanity, they clearly need something from Janeway and team. It’s an interesting thread that will hopefully pay off in a big way in future issues.
Hernandez gets a couple of splash pages to demonstrate his talent, including a great view of the complicated alien species. As if often the case when faced with tight monthly deadlines, though, some of the smaller panels get the short shrift and leave a lot to the imagination.
While Voyager has its loyal fan base, the decision to set a comic immediately after the crew’s arrival home originally seemed curious. If the first two issues are any indication, though, the bet is paying off.
Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #2 will be available in comic book stores and digital platforms Wednesday from IDW.
