Comic Book Review – Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #3

      Villordsutch reviews Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #3…

      If you’ve ever experienced one of those days where everything seems to go wrong simultaneously, think of Captain Janeway. The latest issue of Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming starts with a galactic dilemma that would have anyone rushing to the replicator for an “extra-strong” coffee. This burden weighing on both Janeway and the formidable Voyager is unprecedented, and the crew is running out of time and options in Fluidic Space.

      With the situation looking dire for the Voyager crew (see our review of issue #2 here) – the deflector dish damaged, the ship ensnared in Fluidic Space, systems beyond their control, and Species 8472 poised for a full-scale invasion of the Federation – it genuinely feels like this may be their last stand. Nevertheless, a last-ditch effort from Janeway and her team leads to the theft of a shuttle guided by goo, and an unexpected temporary alliance with an old enemy who instigated the conflict with Species 8472. Even as a possible route home is presented by a seemingly unbeatable foe, Janeway faces a decision that could change her crew’s fate forever.

      This issue is brimming with content. It is thoroughly engaging from start to finish. At one point, I even checked the page count to see if I had somehow missed a “Special Bumper Issue!” label on the cover. But no—it’s simply masterful storytelling from Tilly and Susan Bridges (Star Trek: Prodigy).

      And it’s not merely narrative filler either. Everything presented here fits together like a near-perfect puzzle. For instance, the remnants of a destroyed Borg cube floating in Fluidic Space are a remnant from their initial invasion (from the Voyager TV episodes “The Scorpion Pt1&2”). Within it, we find a small cluster of Borg drones severed from the Collective, desperately attempting to establish their own smaller, albeit chaotic, hive. This subplot, combined with the strengths and weaknesses of Species 8472’s bio-vessels, along with Mr. Paris's learning to pilot one of these powerful organic ships, adds to this action-packed Star Trek comic.

      Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming is undoubtedly one of IDW Publishing’s top Star Trek titles available, both digitally and in print. Not only are Susan and Tilly crafting relentless, full-throttle adventures for the USS Voyager, but with Angel Hernandez (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine) and Charlie Kirchoff (Star Trek: Resurgence #1) handling art and color, they are beautifully bringing every scene to life on the page.

      We are now more than halfway through the series, and we haven’t let up for a moment. In fact, it has turned into one of those comics I'm eagerly anticipating each month as it draws to a close. I honestly don’t know how I will cope once this run is over.

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

      Rating: 8/10

      @Villordsutch