Last week IDW released a new Star Trek series, Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming, written by Susan Bridges and Tilly Bridges with art by Angel Hernandez. IDW promised that this series would finally provide fans with the full story of Voyager’s return to Earth after seven years lost in Delta Quadrant.
As fans know, the series finale ended rather abruptly with Voyager being guided home by a fleet of Starfleet ships after exploding out of a Borg vessel just as they entered the Alpha Quadrant. I personally loved Voyager’s finale and thought it offered an exciting and satisfying ending to the series. The finale perfectly captured Janeway’s stubborn determination and her relentless drive to get her crew safely home. I know many fans wanted to see the hero’s welcome and celebration on Earth and maybe some hints at what the future held for our favorite characters. How were the Maquis officers treated by Starfleet once they returned home? Would Seven of Nine be welcomed on Earth as a former Borg? And what about the Doctor’s quest to be recognized as a sentient being? Some of my questions have been answered in other media such as the excellent Star Trek: Prodigy and Star Trek: Picard. Prodigy, in particular, served as a semi-sequel to Voyager, cluing fans in on what some of the Voyager characters had been up to in the past twenty-five years. Picard was able to give special attention to Seven’s continuing story, even giving her a terrific ending to her story even if the rumored Star Trek: Legacy never materializes.
Seeking to entice those fans wanting the whole story of Voyager’s “Homecoming,” Bridges and Bridges’ issue begins mere moments after the events of the finale. Voyager is still on its way into space dock. We are brought up to speed on the current status of the characters fairly quickly before the mysteries of this series begin to take form. Bridges and Bridges invest Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming with the energy of the cinematic adventure this crew never received. There are huge stakes here that require this weary crew to return to service once again. I won’t spoil any details here and ruin the fun for readers, but Bridges and Bridges bring back a classic Voyager villain that many would argue could have been the center of the finale all on their own. In many ways this series is penalizing the crew for leaving unfinished business behind in the Delta Quadrant on their way home. Once again, Janeway will have to confront one of her major decisions that fans have long debated. (No, not Tuvix.) After reading this issue, I can honestly say that it has changed my perspective on past episodes and made me rethink past interactions. This only shows just how well these writers know and love the source material. I applaud the choice of antagonist here, as I felt that particular storyline was full of potential for new stories.
Angel Hernandez’s art really pops here. All the fan-favorite characters are easily recognizable, and Hernandez’s facial work expertly captures their personalities. There is a panel crucial to the plot in the issue that depicts Tuvok encountering a mental vision of some kind. You can feel both Tuvok’s pain and surprise in equal measure. I have to applaud Hernandez’s innovation, as I haven’t seen telepathic powers portrayed in this way before, and I’ve read a lot of comics over the years. Charlie Kirchoff’s colors bring Hernandez’s art to life, perfectly encapsulating the eeriness of a Borg cube in a series of panels recapping Voyager’s journey home. Neil Uyetake serves as the letterer and is the secret MVP of this dialogue-heavy issue. Even with all that dialogue, his balloons never once prevented me from following the action or appreciating the art.
A great start to a new series. IDW continues to prove they are a perfect steward for this license and these characters. Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming is for any fan who wanted Voyager’s finale episode to just last a bit longer. And of course, this book is for all of us who have been eagerly hoping to spend time with these characters again.
Creative Team: Susan Bridges (Writer), Tilly Bridges (Writer), Angel Hernandez (Artist), Charlie Kirchoff (Colorist), Neil Uyetake (Letters and Design)
Publisher: IDW Publishing
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