With the upcoming CBS All Access show Picard on the horizon, Star Trek: Picard Countdown #1 kicks off the lead-up. In one issue, we’re provided so much detail as to the status of various characters from Star Trek: The Next Generation. We’re also presented the current state of things. And things are a bit mixed.

Picard is now an Admiral in charge of evacuating the Romulans. They’re under threat from a supernova that may wipe out their entire people. But, their secrecy and mistrust of the Federation has made the effort difficult. Dispatched to a world where he’s told only 10,000 Romulans live, Picard is faced with a twist that threatens the operation and the peace.

Written by Kirsten Beyer and Mike Johnson, the comic is a solid introduction to this next phase of the Star Trek universe. The two find the opportunity to update us on the many characters we’ve come to known. They also do it in a way that feels natural and not forced. The dilemma presented feels very Star Trek and a classic issue they’d need to deal with. It also feels very pertinent. With issues like climate change challenging populations and a wave of immigration due to strife, the need to evacuate the Romulans feels like it is a classic sci-fi allegory.

The art by Angel Hernandez is solid. With colors by Joana Lafuente and lettering by Neil Uyetake, the characters all look like their real-world selfs. The design of the world and Romulans also look like they’d fit into any of the recent Next Generation films or later seasons. There’s a beauty to some of the design that hides the insidious nature of it all.

The comic is a solid re-introduction to Picard and teases what should be an excellent television series. The comic feels like classic Star Trek with its blend of solid storytelling and socio-political undertones. This is one that Trek fans, and those excited about the show, should check out.

Story: Kirsten Beyer, Mike Johnson Art: Angel Hernandez
Color: Joana Lafuente Letters: Neil Uyetake
Story: 8.25 Art: 7.75 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review