IDW Publishing 2016
Written by Mike Johnson
Illustrated by Tony Shasteen
Coloured by J.D. Mettler
Lettered by AndWorld Design
This issue comes right out of the last movie as it spotlights Jaylah without whom the crew of the Enterprise would’ve had a much harder time surviving that encounter. For those who have seen and loved the movie it’s a great compliment to it. This is her story and the way it’s told is wonderfully done as Mike really gives a look at her experiences, life and everything that makes her so unique and special. For those who haven’t don’t worry it’s an opportunity to get to know this character in her entirety.
Tony continues to really impress me with what he can do with his work. I mean the amount of time that’s spent with just him and his visuals doing the storytelling proves to be amazingly well done. The attention to detail, the pain and emotion she’s feeling it’s all laid out for us through the work. J.D. does some really nice colouring here too and together we really are brought into this in ways that engulf you. The use of page layouts through the angles, perspective and use of backgrounds here are magnificent.
I have to say while Mike’s been the guiding force for the Star Trek Universe for some time now he never ceases to amaze me. The way this story is structured is something i’ve never seen done before as start with Jaylah on her own and we keep going backward to her birth as her life story unfolds for us. Usually there’s a bunch of then and now happening but the look back that Mike takes us on is done in such a strong and interesting way.
I enjoy that we get to see those moments that shaped her life and made her the young woman with passion and drive that the crew met on that planet. When she learns to fight and that she’s tinkerer, a savant style too unless I miss my guess. It’s all laid out for us along with the way she ended up on that planet and how she ended up alone. I also liked her birth when her mother noticed her markings and said what they meant it’s a nice touch. Getting to see that part of her species and know that the markings are unique to each individual.
Here’s hoping that his look at her isn’t the last one we’ll get. She’s a great character and would be a splendid addition to the Enterprise once it’s rebuilt and the crew is back together. Not to mention that after she graduates from Starfleet Academy.
This was a great one of and it’s nice that centers on a potential key character in the years to come.