Star Trek Discovery: Adventures in the 32^n/a Century #3
Written by Mike Johnson
Art by Angel Hernadez with coloring by JD Mettler and lettering by Neil Uyetake

When her cybernetic implant is damaged and needs to be replaced, Keyla Detmer embarks on a wild adventure with a younger version of herself – Captain Keyla the Starfleeter! Armed with her phaser (tuned to “domesticate”) and her tricorder, Captain Keyla explores a strange new world of ice, where she takes on her old self as a passenger and they team up to explore an anomaly that threatens their lives. same. If you’ve ever wanted a “Calvin and Hobbes” style set in a Star Trek world, this comic is for you.

Star Trek: Discovery is often criticized for focusing so intensely on the main characters, leaving little attention to the members of the bridge crew. Keyla Detmer, Discovery crackerjack pilot and trauma survivor, has long stood out among the cast as a character of fascinating possibilities, and “Adventures in the 32^n/a Century” is a fun and entertaining entry into the Detmer lore.

Issues 1 and 2 of this series focused on Grudge the cat and Adira, respectively, and unfortunately they did very little to expand our connection with these characters. This issue is different, taking us deep into Detmer’s childhood and recent past, opening up a case full of wild fun in the process. As always, Angel Hernandez’s artwork is top-notch, rendering character likenesses and technology with a style that’s both precise and expressive. Here, Hernandez draws a Keyla Detmer who may be seven years old and who is both a recognizable girl who might grow up to look like actress Emily Coutts and a Bill Watterson-esque cartoon character of a daring adventurous child. .

Hernandez’s environmental effects, settings, and creatures are equally appealing. Colorist JD Mettler brings a bright and vibrant palette to this issue, befitting the sunny nature of much of the story, becoming darker and more muted as the real drama of Keyla’s current enigma becomes clear. Letterer Neil Uyetake is able to keep the dialogue and storytelling grounded, while turning the “fun” dial up to 20 with his sound effects.

The contributor who really ups his game for this issue is writer Mike Johnson. While the earlier entries in this series mostly repeated ground we’ve already covered in the series, in this issue Johnson takes us to new places and has a lot of fun in the process. Unlike previous issues, this one has a lot to say, and it says it in the most entertaining and Star Trek way possible. Johnson also brings the thrills: at the end, I had tears in my eyes, not just for Captain Keyla the Starfleeter, but for Captain Denes the Starfleeter, back when I was walking through the woods near my home. with my hand-built landing gear. . It’s a story that touches Trek fans.

At the end of the line ? I’ve reread this comic three times since it was first read, and I have to believe you will too.

I would be remiss if I didn’t say that TrekMovie contributor Aaron Harvey’s “retailer incentive coverage” for this issue is absolutely amazing, perfectly capturing the semblance of the story. His cover for issue 2 showed he can draw likenesses well (even though he claims he can’t!) and this issue proves he can do colorful fantasy with equal aplomb. The regular Angel Hernandez cover is also great, but when I look for this issue in my comic book store, I’ll ask for the version with Aaron’s art on the front.

Cover of the RI by Aaron Harvey

Available now

Star Trek: Discovery—Adventures in the 32nd Century #3 was released on May 4th for a retail price of $3.99. You can find it at your local comic book store or get the digital edition at Amazon/comiXology.

The fourth and final issue arrives next month with a focus on Linus. You can pre-order it discounted at TFAW or pre-order it digital edition at Amazon/comiXology.

A cover of Angel Hernandez

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