Star Trek: Year Five #9: Love the One You’re With

Yes, I know everybody’s talking about The Rise of Skywalker this week, and everybody should be. But, I’m here to warn you not to overlook everyone’s second-favorite science fiction franchise, because this issue of Star Trek: Year Five is really interesting. Star Trek has always dealt with controversial topics that modern-day society is talking about, and you’ll be glad to know that it still is. This issue deals with the topic of gender identity and gender-fluidity in a way that only Star Trek can. The authors of this issue, Jim McCann, Jackson Lanzing, and Collin Kelly all do a fantastic job of taking this controversial topic and toning it down so that there are no knee-jerk reactions from the reader. The book is very calm and reasonable in tone and this forces the reader to approach the subject with a level head. Their story tackles the issue head-on, with no leaning towards one side or the other. In short, they’ve succeeded where Rachel Maddow and Sean Hannity could not.  The story continues the exploration of Sulu’s newfound love interest, and the consequences and advantages that it has on the rest of the crew of the Enterprise. The authors manage to tie it into a very interesting Star Trek adventure and throw in plenty of action and suspense like any comic should have. No matter your opinion on this subject, the story will make you sit and think for a couple of minutes after you finish reading this issue, which I believe is the author’s intent.

The art by Silvia Califano is what I can only describe as “lush”. There are pages that are SO luxurious, soft and comfortable that they’ll actually relax you. I’ve only seen art have that kind of effect a few times. Califano is really talented and her run on this book has been fantastic. I’m expecting very big things from her in the future.

Colorist Sebastian Cheng also deserves a shout-out this issue on his amazing job on colors. The way he colors the alien world is so different from the rest of the book, it sucks you in and makes you really believe that you’re on the other planet. Very well done!