…well, let’s boldly get on with it, then!
Ensign’s Log — Stardate 31126
Star Trek: Lower Decks #17
Written by: Tim Sheridan
Art by: Vernon Smith
Colors by: Charlie Kirchoff
Letters by: Clayton Cowles
Design & Production by: Johanna Nattalie
Publisher: IDW
The ongoing gag of having either a recap or “next time on” that mostly reuses scenes from preexisting Star Trek show episodes might reach a climax with Star Trek: Lower Decks #17, the penultimate issue of this epic six-part story. I can’t exactly tell you why without ruining a fantastic reveal, but trust me: it’ll be hard to top this one.
This issue mostly centers on a Mariner action sequence, with support from the bridge crew aboard the U.S.S. Cerritos Illinois. And while there are a lot of payoffs from the previous four issues, it also promises some pretty kookoobananas exciting stuff in the next issue.
As for the gags, I enjoyed the large dose of Dr. T’Ana we were administered in this issue, particularly her double entendre on the bridge. And I also thought the panel with double editor’s notes, and the subsequent punchline it set up, to be very amusing indeed. Plus, the ongoing use of the Normans is very funny.
As with the previous issues, Lower Decks #17 boasts excellent art and colors, especially when it comes to both the exteriors and interiors of Starfleet ships. The lettering is, as always with Cowles, very well done.
Finally, this issue had one of my favorite lines from the series yet: Mariner’s “I’m so sorry, can you speak up? It’s hard to hear you behind the cowardly masks you’re all wearing while you infringe on the rights of totally innocent people.” Oh, Mariner. I wish you had been “Past Tense”’d back to our crappy timeline.
Star Trek: Lower Decks #17 is available at your Local Comic Shop now. For the rest of this week’s single-issue reviews, be sure to keep up with The Beat’s Wednesday Weekly Reviews column!
Keep up with all of The Beat’s Star Trek coverage here.
