Comic Book Review – Star Trek: Red Shirts Issue #3

      Villordsutch reviews Star Trek: Red Shirts #3…

      It's safe to say that the existence of a Red Shirt on a Starfleet ship is filled with adventure—whether they desire it or not. IDW Publishing has truly revealed the harsh galaxy where Starfleet's security teams operate. Each month, we're witnessing more of them being eliminated in vivid red ink even before the narrative commences.

      In this month's installment of Star Trek: Red Shirts, there's no opportunity to pause for breath. The allure of the listening post on the inhospitable planet of Arkonia 89 proves too irresistible for the unknown attackers. While we, the readers, know their identity, their method of assault—coordinated strikes on the ground and a surprise bombardment from orbit—catches both the defenders and aggressors completely off guard. It's merciless, effective, and devastating. With casualties rising on both sides in a truly savage manner, an unexpected third party suddenly joins the conflict.

      Star Trek: Red Shirts #3 is ruthless. Christopher Cantwell (Star Trek: Defiant) holds nothing back as he purposefully removes characters from the narrative by any means necessary—strategically, accidentally, or in shockingly brutal ways. I genuinely hope you haven't become too attached to any specific characters, as Cantwell's world delivers heartbreak swiftly and unexpectedly. It's been quite a while since I exclaimed, “Oh my god!” while reading a comic… but this one prompted that very reaction.

      A significant part of that effect comes from Megan Levens’ (Starsigns) artwork. Last month, I noted her clear references to Tales from the Crypt; this time, it feels as though David Cronenberg would appreciate the horror she conjures in just a single panel. It's truly disquieting. It also makes one appreciate just how skilled a transporter operator Scotty was, since Star Trek IV could have taken a drastically different turn when Dr. Gillian Taylor jumped onto Kirk mid-transport. I am now aware of this, and I won't be able to banish that particular image from Star Trek: Red Shirts #3 from my mind.

      Star Trek: Red Shirts #3 is an outstanding comic book. I read it from cover to cover without glancing away; real life couldn’t compete with this chaotic, brutal, and relentlessly violent aspect of Star Trek. It serves as a stark reminder that the Red Shirts of Starfleet have consistently fought hard to preserve the Federation’s peaceful image. If you’re not already following this series, you definitely should be.

      This isn’t a title for anyone who believed that Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s “Move Along Home” represented the height of Trek horror. No—Star Trek: Red Shirts #3 establishes a new, grim benchmark for just how chaotic things can get when Starfleet missions take a turn for the disastrous.

      Rating – 9/10

      @Villordsutch