Oh right, we were in the middle of this story when the madness happened.
Star Trek Voyager #8
Marvel/Paramount Comics (June, 1997)
“Relicquest” finale
WRITER: Ben Raab
PENCILER: Jesus Redondo
INKER: Sergio Melia
COLORIST: Matt Webb
LETTERER: Chris Eliopoulos
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Chip Carter
EDITOR: Tim Tuohy
Before our forced hiatus in comic reviewing, Janeway was forced to join a Vidiian, a Trabe, and a Kazon in finding a relic that was supposed to contain great power. While Chakotay comes up with an “attack first” plan that tricks the other three ships into attacking each other as Voyager is low on power and he doesn’t trust them not to attack the ship, the people on the surface are attacked by a monster. Janeway tries to help the Kazon Kul’Lar and the Vidiian Teraz decides to help her to pay back her earlier kindness. Only the Trabe Durzin is willing to let them die to seek the relic for himself. However, this proves to be a test and Janeway’s kindness (Chuck of SF Debris would be weirded out by that statement) and Teraz’s honor allow them alone to move on while Kul’Lar and Teraz try to get the relic for themselves and are sent home. Plus, Tom and Harry get their punishment for the earlier fight.
What they got right: It’s been a few months but I was able to remember where this story was and that was a good thing in this case. The conclusion is satisfying and ties up all the loose ends. I like that the Trabe, who is fighting for survival rather than conquest, is willing to work with Janeway for their mutual benefit. I hope someday they find a cure for the Phage if they didn’t in the show.
What they got wrong: Harry’s lockpick ends up contributing nothing. Chakotay comes off as a bit paranoid, at least in this issue. The “order” may or may not come up again but we really don’t know anything about it or if it will help either crew.
Recommendation: A good conclusion and a bit better than I would expect from this series, at least on TV. It’s worth taking a look at, and sorry it took so long to stop hanging from this particular cliff.
