Review — Kirk Again Takes Command Of ‘Star Trek: The Last Starship’ #6
by Tom Smithyman
Overview
We finally get to see more of James T. Kirk in this series! It’s a much-needed addition, given how dire things are for the post-Burn Federation. This concluding chapter of the story arc should be setting up more personal drama for the Starfleet legend.
Overall
8/10After two issues of staying disappearing into the background, James T. Kirk finally reemerges from the shadows in the latest issue of Star Trek: The Last Starship. And it’s not a moment too soon.
The legendary captain has his work cut out for him as what was left of the United Federation of Planets is falling apart in the wake of the Burn, the cataclysm that rendered warp drive inoperable and killed trillions across the galaxy. At a conference on Babel, Federation dignitaries debate the Federation’s future, with political intrigue, threats, and betrayals taking center stage.
Fans of Star Trek: Discovery will largely know that the conference is bound to fail, but that doesn’t stop Kirk from trying to be…well Kirk-like. The clone-like version of the captain that was resurrected by the Borg is willing to sacrifice himself for his beloved Federation. We’re used to that, of course. How many different times did Kirk nearly die — or actually die — over the decades?
But this version is different. Drawn by Adrian Bonilla, this Kirk looks largely like the thirtysomething one from the original series, yet he carries with him the memories of his more mature self. Writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly give this version of the character some needed motivation as well as his own baggage, which should pay off in future issues.
Bonilla’s visuals are a little muddier than usual, which isn’t ideal. But this is a dark time for the Federation, so it’s somewhat appropriate. It doesn’t mean, though, that it’s always fun to read.
This story arc — though necessary to the larger tale — has been uneven. Now that we are past it, let’s hope that the creative team brings in more of this new version of Kirk to philosophize and save the day.
Star Trek: The Last Starship #6 — written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, illustrated by Adrian Bonilla, colored by Lee Loughridge, and lettered by Clayton Cowles — is available now in comic book stores and on digital platforms from IDW.
