The crew of the U.S.S. Omega are desperately trying to hold the Federation’s vision of a united Galaxy together, but they’re failing. The spirit of cooperation is dead, but Starfleet’s mission might not be, thanks to a research station on the aptly named Deep Space Hope. There, one last shining ray of possibility remains in an ever-darkening universe. A way to put everything back in its rightful place…if only Sato and his crew are bold enough to seize it. Star Trek: The Last Starship #7 kicks off a new story arc and delivers a solid jumping on point for new readers.

Written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, Star Trek: The Last Starship #7 balances the comic well, not showing the fallout of the opening arc but moving things along not just with the state of the Federation but just generally delivering a solid story. Things are looking grim with just 42 worlds left in the Federation and the Emerald Chain expanding their reach and control.

Lanzing and Kelly sets things out well, focusing on what the Emerald Chain represents and giving glimpses as to what may come of their influence. But, the writers also deliver hurdles to the Federation really expanding. They’re not only outnumbered but their leadership is dwindling. The Omega is a different type of ship where time may seem short for them, years may pass in real time. They fix an issue and by the time they reach their destination, they can see how those efforts played out. It makes their mission a bit more interesting but also a bit of whack-a-mole, always slightly behind in the major issues faced. And with that reality, there’s a clear frustration felt by the crew and its leadership.

And while all of that might seem enough, Star Trek: The Last Starship #7 takes the story in a new direction with the focus on the research state Deep Space Hope. What lies there isn’t so much hope as it is horror and the comic delivers that when the crew arrives. It’s a tense, strange moment that feels as much Event Horizon (without the gore) as it does Star Trek.

That horror feel is helped by the art of Hernan Gonzalez. Gonzalez is joined by Lee Loughridge on color and Clayton Cowles on lettering. There’s a scratchy feel and look to the comic which adds to the concepts within. It makes the comic feel like a dream, but really a nightmare, as the crew goes from the issues they face to another issue entirely. The style, much like the opening six issues, isn’t a clean look and like those issues feels like it reflects the chaos the Federation and crew are experiencing.

Star Trek: The Last Starship #7 continues to deliver and this issue not only makes it clear what hurdles the crew faces with the new order but also what hurdles they face to help rebuild the Federation. Add in a discovery that goes in an unexpected direction and you have a series that keeps surprising and exciting with every issue.

Story: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly Art: Hernan Gonzalez
Color: Lee Loughridge Letter: Clayton Cowles
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.25 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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