In the shadow of the Burn, the Federation was left fractured, vulnerable, and nearly lost. Now, its fate hangs in the balance. As the Babel Conference unravels, Captain Sato must protect Starfleet’s ideals while enemies close in on every side. Meanwhile, James T. Kirk embarks on a dangerous mission that will test the limits of loyalty, courage, and sacrifice… Star Trek: The Last Starship #6 delivers a dramatic finale to the opening chapter as the Federation’s promise of peace and stability is threatened to be upended.

Star Trek as a whole has done an amazing job of examining our reality, politics, social issues, and society as a whole. It’s strongest when its stories are thinly veiled discussions about our lives. Star Trek: The Last Starship #6 delivers exactly that in an excellent finale to the opening chapter.

Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, the previous issue revealed the Babel Conference was about to collapse as a new order is proposed that would replace the Federation. Star Trek: The Last Starship #6 dives right into that, focusing on this new reality and potentially what it means, ending on a down note. While the series as a whole has had a theme of hope and fighting for what’s right, the issue absolutely ends with the death of the promise of the Federation.

It’s hard to not read this first six issues, especially this final issue, and not see its commentary on the reality of today as a fascist order upends the flimsy rules and reality that has guided the world for decades. Much like our world, this new order is guided by wealth and “capitalism,” instead of the more socialist ideals of the Federation and previously of Earth.

This new order also comes at the end of a threat, an attack by technology on technology, again something we’re seeing play out in our real world as the tech bro oligarchs march lock in step with their jackbooted buddies, all to gain wealth and power and attempt to install a new world order.

The art by Adrian Bonilla continues to be interesting with a style that’s hard to describe but really intriguing to look at. With color by Lee Loughridge and lettering by Clayton Cowles, the comic shines as James Kirk struggles to save the day. We get a better idea of the struggle he’s going through as we can physically see his new body impacted by the weapon deployed against the crew. There’s something visually interesting going on as the pages turn and we see Kirk torn apart as the dream of the Federation is torn apart, giving us a a perfect match of art and theme.

Star Trek: The Last Starship #6 is an issue full of action and drama that is both a low point but also doesn’t miss the hope and dream that drives the concept of Star Trek. The series has been fantastic so far and with this being the opening chapter, I’m excited to see what comes next.

Story: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly Art: Adrian Bonilla
Color: Lee Loughrdige Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.25 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.25 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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