Review by C.J. Bunce
The best Star Trek tie-in stories seem to always come from the Star Trek: The Next Generation third to fifth seasons. The era was also prime for holodeck episodes. Next month, a four-issue series brings Captain Picard’s Enterprise crew back with its latest holo-story, this time giving comic book readers a holiday tie-in story. Star Trek: Holo-ween has everything you want from a throwback Star Trek story. For fans of all things cyborg, look forward to a double threat as Mary Shelley’s OG cyborg is paired with a new incarnation of “The Borg” of Trekdom. Just like NextGen borrowed from the original series by continuing the episode “The Naked Time” with its own “The Naked Now,” this time the villain of the original episode “The Wolf in the Fold” gets a new life.
Below take a look at the cover art for the series, including variants from Star Trek’s best artist, J.K. Woodward, and comic book favorite Robert Hack.
That villain is Redjac, an entity that can possess and take over other beings. In the original series that included the real-life Jack the Ripper. Redjac is back again, seizing its chance to take over the ship and crew Moriarty-style. This is one of those fantasy stories that feels like it could have been a NextGen script.
The four-issue story comes from writer Chris Sequeira and Eisner-nominated artist Joe Eisma. The Halloween twist is triggered by Counselor Deanna Troi attempting to improve crew morale by reviving a classic holiday celebration. This is a straightforward holodeck themed story in the tradition of Hollow Pursuits, Elementary, Dear Data, Schisms, and Phantasms.
A note for collectors of original comic book art: J.K. Woodward, who normally sells his original cover art, had actor Jonathan Frakes sign this one for him, so don’t expect to ever see it come on the market. Completists may want to check out one or more variant cover options available for each issue. The first issue of Star Trek: Holo-ween is in stores October 4, 2023. Add this fun new title to your pull list at Elite Comics or your local comic shop today.
