Book Review, Graphic Novel: STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION: THE GORN CRISIS

The Gorn are a race of giant lizard-humanoids who only appeared in one episode of STAR TREK, “The Arena.” Gorn have rarely appeared in the Star Trek universe since then, yet they continue to be popular.

THE GORN CRISIS brings together two popular elements of the Star Trek universe, the crew from STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION and the Gorn. The book is set during the time of the Dominion War that took place during STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE. Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-E are on their way to the Gorn home world in attempt to recruit the Gorn in the war against the Dominion. However, Picard arrives at the worst possible time as the Gorn are in the midst of a Civil War that is being won by the Black Crest, a warrior caste of Gorn who believe that Kirk’s defeat of their leader at Cestus III began the decline of Gorn culture and civilization. Meanwhile, Riker is with Klingon Commander Qyrll escorting engineers to bring the new satellite defenses on the outpost at Elkaruon II online. Riker and the Klingons come under attack by a group of Black Crest Gorn. With Picard and Riker gone, the Enterprise is left under the guidance of Data.

At times THE GORN CRISIS is predictable, but it’s no more predictable than the typical Star Trek story. There’s lots of action and violence. There’s an epic space battle. Also there’s lots of blood: some creatures get beheaded and others are dismembered. After all, this is a battle that includes Klingons and Gorn.

Personally, the only thing I didn’t like about the story were the illustrations. The drawings are not very crisp and there is far too much red and orange through much of the book. The poor drawings and color motif make it difficult to follow exactly what is happening. I had to go back and re-read some pages several of times.

As far as comics go in general, THE GORN CRISIS isn’t great. It’s not even a good example of a Star Trek comic. However, for fans of Star Trek, particularly ST:TNG and those who are fond of the Gorn, this is a story definitely worth reading.