Celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Star The Animated Series with this new adventure written by critically acclaimed writer and director Casper Kelly (Too Many Cooks and Cheddar Goblin) and drawn by Eisner Award–winning cartoonist Jonathan Case (Little Monarchs and Dear Creature), featuring the classic crew in the art style of the original cartoon. Kirk, Spock, Arex, and company tangle with a rogue scientist intent on proving his wild theory that the universe is actually a comic book. What if he’s right? And what if he develops the godlike powers of the comic book artist? And what if that power has driven him mad? Will our heroes find a way to defeat him and restore the universe?

This comic book aims to honor the legacy of the classic animated series but unfortunately misses the mark. While the premise of this comic book holds nostalgic potential, the execution lacks the depth and engagement expected by me personally.

The story in this comic book tries to capture the essence of the original animated series, bringing back familiar characters and settings. The creators of this comic book creates a narrative that seeks to blend humor with adventure, exploring a plot that involves crossing a mysterious barrier. However, the writing feels disjointed, struggling to balance the whimsical elements with the gravitas that Star Trek fans have come to love.

The characters in this comic book, although iconic, are not given the development or complexity they deserve. While familiar faces like Captain Kirk and Spock make appearances, their portrayal lacks the depth and nuance that typically endear them to audiences. The interactions between characters feel superficial, missing the camaraderie and tension that make Star Trek’s ensemble cast so compelling.

The side characters in this comic book add some variety to the story, but like the main cast, they are not given enough development or significance to enhance the plot. Their interactions with the primary characters provide little in terms of growth or conflict, leaving the narrative feeling one-dimensional.

The artwork itself in this comic book is a highlight of this comic book, because it is capturing the retro aesthetic of the animated series with expressive designs. The illustrations that we get in this comic book evoke a sense of nostalgia, effectively paying homage to the original show’s style. However, despite the strong visuals, the art alone cannot carry the narrative, which often feels lacking in substance.

The pacing of this comic book is pretty uneven, with scenes transitioning abruptly and a storyline that seems to meander without clear direction. The creators of this comic book tries to infuse humor and lightheartedness into the narrative, but these elements often fall flat, failing to resonate with the audience. The lack of a cohesive plot makes it difficult for me personally to fully engage with the story.

At the same time this comic book explores the themes of exploration and curiosity are present but not deeply explored. While the comic touches on ideas central to the Star Trek universe, such as the pursuit of knowledge and the unknown, it does so in a way that feels superficial. The exploration of these themes lacks the depth and thoughtfulness that typically characterize Star Trek narratives.

I Give This Book 2 / 5