COMIC REVIEW – Star Trek: Waypoint #3

The latest issue of IDW’s Star Trek anthology is the first to feature Voyager and Deep Space Nine. Naomi Wildman takes center stage in an enjoyable romp, while a Kira-focused tale presents a more personal story.

Mixing intimate and smaller character stories along with irreverent and fun tales has been one the best surprises of IDW’s Star Trek: Waypoint anthology series – both of which are featured in the latest issue. Add to the mix an infusion of new and diverse talent, and Waypoint is shaping up to be some of the best original Star Trek stories ever created.

Star Trek: Waypoint #3 Regular Cover by Daniel Warren Johnson

Star Trek: Waypoint #3 Regular Cover by Daniel Warren Johnson

STAR TREK: VOYAGER – THE WILDMAN MANEUVER

Taking a cue from Voyager episodes like “Once Upon a Time” and “Infinite Regress” (in which Naomi Wildman tells an imaginative story and draws members of the crew, respectively), writer Mairghead Scott and artist Corin Howell deliver a wonderful and amusing tale, presenting it almost exclusively from Naomi’s point of view. Telling the story in such a way offers an entertaining look at life aboard Voyager through the eyes of the ship’s youngest occupant.

Composing terrific character moments for each member of Voyager’s crew, Scott should please the show’s legion of fans – especially its female following inspired by Captain Janeway and her intellectual pursuit and understanding of the universe. Scott hits all the right beats as far as the young Naomi is concerned, especially how she views the crew. One of the story’s more special moments is its focus on Naomi and Seven of Nine’s relationship, which will not disappoint. Also, all the Janeway coffee-meme creators and fans on social media should absolutely love the story’s resolution, in which Naomi must “cue super secret agent music” to complete her assigned mission.

Art by Corin Howell, colors by Jason Lewis

Art by Corin Howell, colors by Jason Lewis

Providing a lighter and sillier story than readers might expect could cause discomfort among more detail-oriented fans, especially from Naomi’s drawings. However, presentation of the issue is part of the story’s overall charm and should not quickly be judged or dismissed. The only disappointment is that the story’s narrative saw Howell change her style, and only allowed readers to enjoy a few pages of her normal art.

STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE – MOTHER’S WALK

Poignant and sweet best describe writer Cecil Castellucci and artist Megan Levins Waypoint #3 entry, as it focuses on Kira’s faith, Bajor’s past traditions, and how its society suffered, and continues to suffer, from the Cardassian occupation. Writing the story through Kira’s eyes allows for a new glimpse into one of the franchise’s most layered characters.

Star Trek: Waypoint #3 Subscription Cover by David Messina

Star Trek: Waypoint #3 Subscription Cover by David Messina

“Mother’s Walk” is a sweet and touching story not only of past traditions forgotten and renewed, but the power of friendship and extended families. Kira is not the lone Bajoran female on the station or the only one to recall past celebrations of mothers and daughters. It’s interesting to witness Leeta’s opposite and completely understandable reaction that demonstrates the dangers of oppressing a group of people and its rituals.

Art tends to be viewed through the lens of past experiences and current events. It might be hard for readers not to see some similarities in the world today, especially in the political climate of the United States and the upcoming Women’s March at the presidential inauguration. However, Star Trek has always been a terrific platform to discuss social issues, and “Mother’s Walk” continues that practice.

 

NEW CREATORS EXPLORING AND SHARING THEIR IDEAS THROUGH STAR TREK

Inclusiveness and diversity have been at the heart of Star Trek since Gene Roddenberry first thought up the franchise more than 50 years ago. Longtime fan and IDW’s Star Trek Editor Sarah Gaydos continues expanding that premise with the Waypoint anthology in a way that would surely make Roddenberry smile. Showcasing talented new creators, she has opened up Star Trek’s storytelling to a brand-new generation of writers and artists who bring their own unique experiences, ideas and hopes to Waypoint’s pages.

Star Trek comic readers are enjoying some of the most inspiring and kid-friendly stories the Final Frontier has seen. The six-issue bi-monthly mini-series continues in March with the first-ever Enterprise comic story and TNG away-team tale.

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So are there a lot of fans of the Waypoint series here?

I thought issues 1 and 2 were excellent. This one has me worried, as I just don’t care about Naomi Wildman as a character, or about Voyager as a series. But I’ll give it a shot anyway.

I personally like the child-like drawings. It’s a cool thing to do especially telling this story in this type of medium.

i liked both stories, i was shocked to discover, i loved the voyager one better, a very sweet and funny story, i loved the bit with janeway’s coffee and science, i loved the artwork,if only more episodes of voyager had been this good
don’t get me wrong ds9 still good

I loved the art in issue 2. This isn’t quite strong enough for me.

THR reports that the Axanar lawsuit has been settled

Non sequitur much?