Comic Book Review – Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #2

      Villordsutch reviews Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #2…

      The impressive debut of Tilly and Susan Bridges’ Star Trek: Voyager series, Homecoming (refer to our previous review here), set a high standard for this new IDW Publishing installment — it serves as an almost flawless continuation of Voyager, now presented in comic book format.

      However, the initial thrill has passed. Are we about to witness the same pitfalls that many musicians encounter with their sophomore albums? Is this issue the feared follow-up for Susan and Tilly — or will it shine just as brightly as the first?

      The crew has no time to relax after the astonishing events of the previous issue. Species 8472, masquerading as top-ranking Admirals — including Admiral Paris — have taken control of Voyager just before its return home, locking the command crew out of almost all systems, then turning the ship around and taking it far from Earth.

      With time slipping away to rescue Tuvok from the lasting effects of his neurodegenerative disease, our merciless adversaries are doing everything possible to prevent Voyager from returning home — before ultimately disclosing their plans for both the crew and the Federation.

      This is a formidable enemy! This version of Species 8472 — the terrifying and nightmare-inducing threat that should have appeared in Voyager before events turned a bit, and excuse my overly sentimental tone, “Starfleet” for them — is portrayed here as highly intelligent, quick-witted, and nearly unbeatable, making them genuinely frightening.

      The command crew is depicted as completely outmatched, mistakenly believing they hold the advantage over a group of telepathic aliens who can incapacitate Voyager with a mere touch, leaving them stranded in uncharted space for months. This represents a real threat. I’m already feeling strong “Year of Hell” vibes from Star Trek: Voyager with this narrative — and we're only on issue #2.

      Tilly and Susan Bridges clearly recognize that this entity was stripped of its menace in the television series, even labeling our recurring “human” variants as traitors. The pace is frenzied, completely captivating, and simply superb. You reach the last page thinking, “No! It can’t end here!?” — a true cliffhanger in the classic sense.

      They — Susan and Tilly — also incorporate a subplot featuring Seven, Tuvok, and B’Elanna’s new child, Miral. It mirrors the Voyager episode “One,” with Seven isolated from the other crew members — except this time, she is joined by the barely conscious Tuvok’s voice and an infant crew member.

      Kudos must also go to artist Angel Hernandez and colorist Charlie Kirchoff, who provide explosive action on every page. It’s one thing to be exceptional Trek writers, but a story won’t resonate without outstanding artwork — and thankfully, Hernandez excels in this regard. The visuals are outstanding.

      Additionally, a special mention to Angel Hernandez for the chilling cover: a haunting depiction of Tuvok being dragged down by the claws of Species 8472.

      SEE ALSO: Exclusive Interview – Inside IDW’s Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming with writers Tilly and Susan Bridges

      Rating: 9/10 – Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #2 is simply brilliant. This is a must-read.

      @Villordsutch