Tag Archives: neil uyetake

Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #1 has the crew torn from coming home again for a new adventure

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Star Trek: Voyager - Homecoming #1

Captain Kathryn Janeway and her crew are back for one last adventure in celebration of Voyager’s 30th anniversary! Picking up where the series finale left off, Voyager has just returned to Earth. Everyone is looking forward to reuniting with their friends and family after the crucibles they’ve faced—but there is a deadly secret in store, one that takes the crew far from home. Voyager delves back into the breach, all those aboard determined to make it back to their loved ones no matter what, even if there’s hell to pay. Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #1 pulls the reach of home away from the crew as the ship is hijacked.

When it comes to Star Trek, I’ll admit I’m more of a casual fan. I’ve seen all of the films, multiple times, but when it comes to television series, I’ve seen a lot but never an entire season of any of them, let alone the entire series. I watched when Star Trek: Voyager premiered on television and kept up for a while, but slowly dwindled in my viewing. I never saw the finale and while I know of the concept and main characters of the ship, I don’t know the full details of the adventure.

So, I went into Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #1 with a relatively fresh take knowing the basics. Even with those basics, it’s an enjoyable read as the issue toys with the concept of the series while bringing back some big bads for the fans.

Written by Susan Bridges and Tilly Bridges, Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #1 has the crew finally home but not is all right. While they look forward to reconnecting with their families and getting back to Earth, there’s also the specter of their trip and the rules and regulations broken during it all. The future is unknown for some of the crew and there’s many questions to be answered with Starfleet. But, all of that is on hold as a mysterious force has infiltrated the ship with plans to take it over.

There’s no need to wait for another issue to find out who’s behind everything as Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #1 reveals all ending the issue with the crew once again pulled away from home. The villains, I can’t really say much about them, but seems like fans of the television series will have more of a connection with them. That’s the only real negative about the issue, it does require a little knowledge for the reveal of the villain to hit home and have a major impact. Without that, it doesn’t quite have the dread as I think it was going for.

The art by Angel Hernandez is good. Hernandez is joined by Charlie Kirchoff on color and Neil Uyetake handles the lettering. It all looks solid with the characters on the page looking like the actors on the screen. The comic does a solid balance of the more slice of life type moments, some good tension, and then a bit of action towards the end. There’s a visual build throughout and the art nails down the unease of what’s going on throughout the issue.

Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #1 is an entertaining debut. While you don’t need to be a fan of Voyager to really get it, it does help. Still, even those with just a vague familiarity with Star Trek and Voyager will be able to hop in and appreciate the story of a crew so close to getting home but that moment of happiness being stolen away.

Story: Susan Bridges, Tilly Bridges Art: Angel Hernandez
Color: Charlie Kirchoff Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.75 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Kindle

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – The Dog of War #1 is an excellent debut

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Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Dog of War #1

One of the best shows I ever watched was Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The shows had everything going against it. It was another franchise in the Star Trek universe, and it was not a ship, The most known actors were Rene Auberjunois,  Avery Brooks and Michael Dorn.

What no one could predict was how it brought another element to the Star Trek universe. The show become its own phenomenon, as it became somewhat of a cult classic on its own. The show remains a fan favorite, even inspiring a documentary. In Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – The Dog of War #1, we get a “ lost episode” that will have fans of the show looking for their VHS tape.

We are taken back to Deep Space Nine shortly after Starfleet has taken the station back from the Cardassians. As the crew finds remnants of Borg technology, which scares them more than anything, which cases Sisko to wonder what else may be hidden while Quark has procured some valuable cargo for a mysterious buyer, which just so happens to be a corgi. Eventually the crew tries to figure out what the dog so valuable, as Starfleet faces even more casualties during the Dominion War. By issue’s end, Sisko ponders a gambit to win the Dominion War, one that can put him back in the Borg’s grasp.

Overall, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – The Dog of War #1 is an excellent debut issue which gets readers back into the world of DS9. The story by Chen is suspenseful. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that Star Trek fans will not be able to put down.

Story: Mike Chen Art: Angel Hernandez
Color: Nick Filardi Color: Neil Uyetake
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1

When it comes to Star Trek, I consider myself a fan. I’m definitely a more casual fan, having seen all of the films multiple times but when it comes to television shows, it’s more catching things here and there. It was never must-see tv for me. When it comes to the comics, that’s much of the same as well. I’ve enjoyed some here and there but it was never part of my regular reading. Having decided to roll the dice with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1, not only am I hooked on this series but might need to go back and see what I’ve been missing with the television series as well.

With Una accused of unlawful genetic modification by Starfleet, Captain Pike sets out in search of evidence that could prove his first officer’s innocence.

Written by Kristin Beyer and Mike Johnson, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1 keeps things simple in a lot of way. It has a laser focus. It does an excellent job of laying out the situation and giving us an idea as to who the important characters are for this story. But it does so in a solid way where things aren’t “explained” directly to the reader in long winded speeches that are out of place, instead it all flows organically as characters discuss things with each other.

The situation also gets at what makes Star Trek works so well. The social and political themes the series dives into have always been part of its core and this is no exception. At the center of the story is the fear of the unknown and prejudice against others. It’s simple yet very effective. The parallels to the real world are clear and simple taking on prejudice without much subtlety.

With just a cursory knowledge of the characters, mostly through trailers and promotional images, I could easily recognize the cast. Megan Levens‘ art captures the actors well making them all quite easy to figure out who’s who. Charlie Kirchoff provides the color and Neil Uyetake handles the lettering. The action is limited in the issue but the various debate between the characters is presented in an interesting and engaging way and you get a sense of the emotional charge of it all.

It’s not that hard to recommend Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1 for those that have already been watching the television series. It feels like a solid extension of it and that’s from someone who has never watched an episode. But, even for those that have never seen Strange New Worlds, the story is excellent with the socio-political underpinnings that makes Star Trek great.

Story: Kristin Beyer, Mike Johnson Art: Megan Levens
Color: Charlie Kirchoff Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.35 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #300

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #300

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #300 is a comic that should be a celebration. It’s the final issue of the long running series being published by IDW Publishing with a future that’s still unknown. It’s also an amazing accomplishment for writer Larry Hama who has been the architect from the early days. The finale to a long running storyline, the issue should be fireworks and excitement to wrap things up. Unfortunately, like the C-130 within the pages, the result is a crash.

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #300 is an oddity of an issue. Pure action and over the top moments, it encapsulates so much of what makes G.I. Joe fun. The concepts are out there mixing military action and sci-fi weirdness, mixing in a dash of laughs and humor. It’s classic Joe. But, the comic ends on a cliffhanger, an unfinished story that feels both fitting and frustrating. Like a good “to be continued”, the issue leaves you hanging right at a big moment of action waiting for the next episode (issue in this case). But, that may never come leaving it all a bit of a letdown. It’s not so much a celebration as an oddity of a “finale” that doesn’t quite satisy.

Featuring the art of S.L. Gallant with ink by Aria Keane, and color of J. Brown, the art is good. I’m not the biggest fan of Gallant’s style but there’s something for how much is packed into the issue. The action scenes are entertaining and there’s a lot to keep track of and change up. The team handles that well with all of the characters looking solid and each scene hitting its beat visually.

The comic features a PSA from writer Erik Burnham, art by Billy Penn, and color by Luis Antonio Delgado. Like the rest of the comic, it captures the feel of classic G.I. Joe PSAs but like the overall issue, something is slightly off. It’s a nice fun send off but again, doesn’t really feel like that special finale.

And that’s probably what bothers me most about G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #300. It doesn’t feel like a send off. It feels like an unfinished piece by a maestro who deserved a better ending. Still, there’s something interesting and gutsy about leaving things the way it is. This is an issue that’ll be debated for quite a while by Joe fans.

Story: Larry Hama, Erik Burnham Art: S.L. Gallant, Billy Penn
Ink: Aria Keane Color: J. Brown, Luis Antonio Delgado Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 6.5 Art: 6.5 Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Pass

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Star Trek: The Mirror War – Troi #1

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Star Trek: The Mirror War – Troi #1

As we strive on in our journey of life, people often don’t take a chance to reflect.  We get swept up in our everyday troubles and never really take a chance to smell the flowers. We’re always looking for our next ship to arrive, rather than enjoy the current destination. We never really ruminate on how we got where we are.

It’s not until you get older that you start to see it’s the journey that makes you. It is what makes you resilient. It’s what prepares you for the road ahead. In Star Trek: The Mirror War – Troi #1, we find a fan favorite’s voyage thus far, in the Mirror Universe.

We find Troi back on Earth as she reflects on what got her here, and exactly what she had to sacrifice, as we begin back on Betazed, where we find her giving up her people as a pawn piece to the Empire. We soon find out just how skilled a mind she is, as she meticulously manipulates Picard and the crew of the Stargazer to take out the insurrectionists defying her rule as administrator. The final stroke that imbued her to Picard is her betrayal of her closest advisor, showing that she would do anything for power. By the issue’s end, this version of Troi will do anything to grab power, including murder.

Overall, Star Trek: The Mirror War – Troi #1 is an intriguing take on my personal favorite from the Star Trek: The Next Generation, one that proves that sometimes a mind is more dangerous than any man made weapon. The story by Nijkamp is intractably woven. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, this issue shows what a missed opportunity it was for this series to have never gotten a chance to play in this universe.

Story: Marieke Nijkamp Art: Megan Levens
Color: Charlie Kirchoff Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – Amazon

Review: Star Trek #400

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Star Trek #400

Anyone that’s a fan of Star Trek will tell you just how affected they are by the franchise. One becomes immersed within the first few minutes. It’s far more than a military science fiction thriller but a study of the human condition. Each of the properties have done an amazing job of not just entertaining but discussing relevant issues in society.

There has never been a IP which outright talks about societal ills like Star Trek. It was the first show I watched where I felt like I was not alone. It made being smart feel like you stood out for all the right reasons. In the 400th issue of the long running IDW Publishing comic, Star Trek, a collective of creators come together to tell some tales in this connected universe.

In “Captain’s Log”, we find Kirk as he writes final Captain’s log, as he recalls what would a lifetime of memories. In “Soldier On”, We find O’Brien as he foils a Cardassian spy, alerting their military, that Starfleet is a formidable foe. In “Meanwhile”, Scotty wakes up from a nap to notice that no work has been done, and decides his day is already done. In “A Matter of Choice”,  we find out exactly where Wesley Crusher has been all these years and how did he end up  being a guardian of time. In “Starfleeter”, we find a young Keyla Detmer as she bonds with a young Klingon warrior, eventually becoming friends. In “A Perfect System”, a sentient being name Gary Mitchell realizes the mission of Star Trek makes his existence, none essential, as it is in good hands.  In “Where No Publisher Has Gone Before”, the impact of the franchise in comics is told .

Overall, Star Trek #400 is an excellent tribute to this franchise which has meant so much to so many people. The stories by the different writers is astounding.. The art by the different artists is incredible. Altogether, a worthy tribute  and an excellent addition to the canon.

Story: Chris Eliopoulos, Declan Shalvey, Mike Johnson, Wil Wheaton, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Rich Handley
Art: Luke Sparrow, Seth Damoose, Angel Hernandez, Joe Eisma, Megan Levens, Ramon Rosanas
Color: DC Alonso, Steve Dellasala, Ronda Pattison, Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Jake Wood, Neil Uyetake, Nathan Widick
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #3

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Star Trek: Picard - Stargazer #3

Being part of the military always gave me a purpose. I felt listless before I joined the military, not sure of the direction my life was headed. Suddenly after boot camp, I had an idea. I found out things about myself that I never knew needed to be unearthed. 27 years later, that imprint is in everything I do , even doing hospital corners on my bed sheets.

The greatest thing I took from my time, is to give to something bigger than myself. The mere act of selflessness is one that I had to mature in. All those who have served will tell you, that we don’t have fear, it is how we move forward despite. In the final issue of Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #3, we find Picard and Seven of Nine as they fight to save a people and a planet  where they may very well, lose their lives.

On Jenjor IV, Seven of Nine just found out about the ambush of Picard and the Jenjorans, and she must work out a plan to rescue them. Meanwhile, the Romulans start their attack on the Stargazer, which leads to a firefight between the two ships. Unfortunately, Reska and Picard are kidnapped by the Romulans, who decide to gambit Jean Luc for ransom, a chance which did not pay off, as Reska, takes control of the ship killing most of their crew. By the issue’s end, Picard leaves Jenjoran IV on a path to prosperity, while Seven of Nine gets an unexpected call from a familiar voice.

Overall, Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #3 is a grand finale that will get fans primed for the final season of Picard. The story by the creators is exhilarating. The art by the creative team is striking. Altogether, a powerful ending to a an excellent bridge story.

Story: Kirsten Beyer, Mike Johnson Art: Angel Hernandez
Color: J.D. Mettler Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #2

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Star Trek: Picard - Stargazer #2

Trust for most humans is very fragile.  As we tend to hold it close. That is why when it is broken, sometimes, it can never be mended. This is different when you are in the military.

As you are put in some precarious situations and unless you know the person in those situations it can be life or death. That is the  amazing and scariest part about serving, that learning to trust is your first lesson in emotional intelligence. As this essential especially in a combat zone. In Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #2, we find Picard and Seven of Nine banding together to save a colony and the Stargazer.

We are taken back 27 years ago before the events of the debut issue, where the reader finds out that the Romulans conquered and drained all resources from the planet, eventually, leaving  their slaves there to die. We are taken present day, where Seven of Nine and  Jean-Luc, are pinned taking on fire from the Romulan Marauders, who are there to wipe out what is left of the indigenous population, which prompts Seven o introduce Picard and the away team from the Stargazer to Ikal, the leader of the Jenjoran survivors, as they collaborate on an offensive plan to defeat the marauders. Unfortunately, the marauders get a jump on them, finding Jenjorans hideout and their leader Reska, revealing herself.. By the issue’s end, Picard and the Jenjorans are taken prisoner and a Romulan Warbirdhas enter the same airspace.

Overall, Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #2 is a sweeping second issue which speeds up the story. The story by the creators is exhilarating. The art by the creative team is stunning. Altogether, an issue that shows why Picard is one of Star Trek’s most exciting protagonists.

Story: Kirsten Beyer, Mike Johnson Art: Angel Hernandez
Color: J.D. Mettler Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

IDW salutes and celebrates Larry Hama with G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #300

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IDW Publishing will bid farewell to its long-running series of G.I. JOE comic books with the publication of G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #300, written by indispensable visionary Larry Hama with art by SL Gallant, inks by Maria Keane, colors by J. Brown, and letters by Neil Uyetake. The final, overlength issue of the IDW comic will be published in November, and one of its sensational cover variants—illustrated by Jamie Sullivan—sets a new world record for the most characters featured on a comic book cover! 

G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #300 marks the culmination of a culture-shifting 40-year franchise helmed throughout by industry legend Hama. Nearly every issue of the original 155-issue run was written by Hama until Marvel Comics ended publication in 1994, and when IDW acquired the license 15 years later, Hama was welcomed with open arms to continue the storyline right where he left off! Hama, was recently recognized for his lifetime of achievements as an inductee of the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame.

In the bombastic conclusion to IDW’s G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero, Cobra is on the verge of creating its deadliest army ever by resurrecting both dangerous villains and heroes. Will the warriors of G.I. JOE foil their archenemy’s evil machinations before it’s too late? Or will the devious Revanche robots have the last word over both the Joes and Cobra?

In honor of the final issue, A Real American Hero #300 will feature a record-shattering cover image by artist Jamie Sullivan that pays tribute to the scope and impact of the 40-year-old franchise. Sullivan’s cover sets a new world record, featuring a total of 313 unique, named G.I. JOE characters together in a single image.

G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero #300, the final issue of IDW’s G.I. Joe series, will be available with six cover variants, including Covers A and B by Jamie Sullivan; Cover C by Netho Diaz; Cover D by Kieran McKeown; two retailer incentive covers by John Royle and Ron Joseph, respectively; and a special retailer incentive wraparound of Sullivan’s world record-setting cover without trade dress, so every single detail and character can be seen in its full glory.

Review: Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #1

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Star Trek: Picard - Stargazer #1

I can’t say I’m a hardcore Star Trek fan. I’ve watched a lot of the various series, all of the movies, and read a decent amount of the comics. I’m very familiar with the property but a rather casual fan. To me, it’s very “comfort food” being able to escape with characters I enjoy to see their adventures. With the resurgence of the property, we’ve gotten new characters to enjoy, a lot of new adventures, but also to revisit old friends as well, like Jean Luc Picard. Played by Patrick Stewart, the character is the leader so many of us want. Wise in decision but also willing to fight for what’s right. Set between season two and three of Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #1 lets us see exactly what makes this character so great

Written by Kirsten Beyer and Mike Johnson, Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #1 feels like we’re visiting old friends. With a focus on Picard and Seven, the story takes us back to the early years of Picard as he brokered peace over a planet but the decades haven’t been kind since. Asked to join the Stargazer to explore the planet Picard saved, they discover a mystery and possibly death.

There’s an interesting theme in the issue that Beyer and Johnson are going with. Picard makes it clear that not everything is a fight, diplomacy must come into play. But, Seven points out that at times a fight is at times all there is and not everything can be clean, clear, and easy. In the end, they’re both right and the two viewpoints are sure to come together in some way as the story progresses. It’s a little too obvious but in many ways follows a familiar and comfortable pattern that is Stark Trek.

The art by Angel Hernandez is good. With color by J.D. Mettler and lettering by Neil Uyetake, the characters are familiar and look mostly like the actors. That’s partially what holds the comic back as well. Things are slightly off visually, hitting an almost “uncanny valley” moment taking you out of things just a bit. But, it all still looks good. There’s nothing really bad.

Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #1 is familiar. That both works for and against it. It’s hard to read the comic and not hear the actors’ voices. It’s hard to look at the panels and not see them. It’s easy to dive into the comic but it’s partially driven by the television show and actors we love. That aspect both sucks you in and takes you out of it at times. Still, there’s a nice flow to the comic and a lot of potential as to where it goes from here. For fans of Seven and Picard, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Story: Kirsten Beyer, Mike Johnson Art: Angel Hernandez
Color: J.D. Mettler Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 7.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 7.6 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

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