Star Trek: Decrease Decks #1 – 3
Written by: Ryan North
Artwork by: Chris Fenoglio
Letters & Design by: Johanna Nattalie (#1 – 3) and Jake Wooden (#3)
Revealed by: IDW
All three problems with the very extremely anticipated comedian guide adaptation of Star Trek: Decrease Decks at the moment are out there, and the miniseries doesn’t disappoint (besides, maybe, in not being an ongoing sequence). That includes loads of beta shift and a holographic Dracula, this story combines the aesthetics and sensibility of the present with the particular abilities of the creators to duplicate a worthy tie-in comedian to the continued animated Trek sequence.
At the beginning, followers of the present can be extraordinarily happy with these three points. Along with nailing the voice of every acquainted Cerritos crewmember that seems, this subject tells an authentic story with two dovetailing subplots that every really feel very a lot within the vein of Star Trek: The Subsequent Technology (by the use of the California class).
That is bolstered by Fenoglio’s artwork. So far as the scenes that includes the characters and interiors of the Cerritos go, you’d assume you had been screenshots from the present. In relation to the outside photographs of the ships, that are rendered by way of pc generated photos onscreen, there may be some distinction – however since Fenoglio is human slightly than pc (so far as I do know), this distinction is sensible. Plus, the extra “illustrated fashion” photos of the Cerritos (and the mini-Enterprises that make a cameo in #1) serve the comedian completely effectively, particularly on the double splash pages.
That isn’t the one place the place the Decrease Decks comedian’s aesthetic soars, both. Flipping open the duvet of any of the three points instantly treats the reader to a well-rendered “LCARS” introduction/recap web page, a design ingredient that can also be utilized for the again matter in every subject. By adopting the composition of the Starfleet OS for these pages, the comedian ensures that any post-TOS Trekkie will really feel instantly at residence upon opening the guide.
Programming by North Central Positronics
We’ve already established that the sequence works effectively throughout the context of Decrease Decks: it’s even set on a particular stardate (58120.6), inserting the storyline within the again half of season 2, between “The Spy Humongous” (58105.1) and “First First Contact” (58130.6). In response to an interview with StarTrek.com, that is because of the truth that North labored carefully with sequence creator Mike McMahan on the creating of the miniseries.
Along with the attention in direction of continuity, there are many references to many of the remainder of the Trek canon, together with The Animated Sequence and Enterprise. Plus, improbably sufficient, there are even a couple of allusions to the Kelvin timeline trilogy.
However on high of being an important Decrease Decks and Star Trek comedian, every of the creators brings their very own particular addition to the combination. For North, this implies an emphasis on a storyline that predominantly options pc programming, with loads of precise “science” blended into the “science fiction.” This latter philosophy is even emphasised by one of many bottom-of-the-page notes unfold all through the three points, a trademark that can be acquainted to any readers of North’s work on The Unbeatable Squirrel Woman.
I skant imagine they let me get away with this…#StarTrekLowerDecks pic.twitter.com/cfPDeMyYBR
— Chris Fenoglio – Mastodon @[email protected] (@ChrisFenoglio) December 1, 2022
Likewise, Fenoglio leaves his mark, even managing to sneak in a personality sporting a scant. Trekkies have actually been demanding this for years, and Decrease Decks has delivered. Qapla’!
Hologram Followers Rejoice
Perhaps it’s no shock that North penned a “holodeck gone improper” story: for one factor, they’re thought of probably the most memorable episode archetypes from TNG, which takes place simply earlier than Decrease Decks (and is of course contemporary in beta shift’s thoughts). Plus, with the holographic developments which have taken place since The Physician returned from the Delta Quadrant on the conclusion of Star Trek: Voyager, the subject is ripe to be revisited – particularly with somebody as well-versed on the fabric as North.
However this story subverts the same old “evil Moriarty” storyline by giving holographic Dracula the chance to turn into a hero by the conclusion. As identified by the beta shifters, that is Federation philosophy at its finest: serving to sentient life obtain their full potential. Plus, it additionally means we get to learn entire paragraph written by Dracula and speaking up Bram Stoker over Leo Tolstoy. No arguments right here, Drac!
Badgey’s Again Matter
Lastly, the again matter – the “decrease decks” of any comedian – is stupendous. Every subject not solely encompasses a full variant cowl gallery (a necessary inclusion, contemplating how good this batch of variant covers are) however further materials. Whereas my private favorites had been the full-page ads for meals gadgets from the Cerritos replicators (elote FTW), there may be a lot extra, akin to pages revealing Trek references and a two-page unfold with {a photograph} of the huge Decrease Decks mural Fenoglio painted at New York Comedian Con 2022. As talked about above, all of that is offered by way of an impressive design, making you’re feeling as if you’re searching via ads on a PADD within the Cerritos bar.
And naturally, all of that is hosted by Badgey, the homicidal program who murdered Shax and attacked Douglas Station within the season 3 finale. It is a good technique to embody the series-level antagonist with out making him oversaturated, a sensible alternative for the comedian.
Hope for Second Contact?
The Commerce Paper Again is scheduled for launch in Might 2023. Alternatively, if you happen to aren’t the commerce ready sort, all three problems with the Decrease Decks comedian can be found now, presumably at your Native Comedian Store.
However I do have some questions: why solely three points? The place the jug is the Erica Henderson variant cowl to go together with my prized Derek Appeal variant cowl? What different comedian has a “Chekov’s Blood” joke? Why not make this your ongoing flagship Trek comedian?
To paraphrase Captain Carol Freeman’s voice actor Dawnn Lewis, put some respect on the Cali class! The Decrease Decks comedian has earned it.
Verdict: REPLICATE A COPY FOR EVERYONE YOU KNOW (AND YOUR PETS).
Cowl picture: Decrease Decks #3 Variant C by Philip Murphy.
This piece is the inaugural entry in a brand new sequence referred to as TRADE RATING, during which The Beat’s contributors evaluation current and forthcoming collections of comics materials, from single points to webcomics and extra. Verify again every Thursday for a brand new commerce evaluation!
