Star Trek: Discovery - Aftermath (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Trek: Discovery - Aftermath
Authors: Kirsten Beyer & Mike Johnson
Artists: Tony Shasteen & Angel Hernandez
Release Date: April 14, 2020


Synopsis: After the disappearance of the U.S.S. Discovery, Captain Pike and Chancellor L'Rell seek to forge a peace treaty between the Federation and the Klingons. But when a new enemy threatens to sabotage the negotiations, Spock must reclaim his place in Starfleet to save his friends and prevent the outbreak of a new war!

Plus, a special short story featuring Saru! Soon after the events on Q'onoS, the Discovery receives a distress call from someone from Tilly's past. It's up to Commander Saru to lead the crew against this sinister alien threat in his first mission as acting captain!

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Review: I recently caught up on Star Trek: Discovery and really enjoyed the second season. Of course I had to look up what tie-in material I had missed. This graphic novel combines two stories into one volume: Aftermath and Captain Saru.

The Captain Saru story takes place while the Discovery is being repaired before the crew is assigned a new captain. Saru commands a skeleton crew as they rescue another Starfleet vessel that Tilly just happens to be on. It's a fun short mission with Orions as the antagonist. The opening really confused me about blueberries. I'd give this story a 4/5.

The main and first story in this volume chronologically takes place after Captain Saru. It follows the Enterprise after the conclusion of the second season. It does one of the things I love the most about ancillary Star Trek fiction. It brings characters and ideas from all different eras together. Kor from TOS is seen right next to the Klingons introduced in Discovery. We even get to see Kor use a bat'leth. L'Rell and Spock working together was great to see. I like their dynamic. Amanda (Spock's mom) is also featured and she was one of my favorite parts of the second season so I loved seeing more of her. Captain Pike eating Klingon food is wonderful. It really makes me want a show featuring the Enterprise with Captain Pike, Number One, and Spock! I give this story a 4/5.

I really enjoyed both of the stories in this volume. The blending of different aesthetics from the different Star Trek eras is done so well. I give this graphic novel a 4/5. If you enjoyed the second season of Star Trek: Discovery, you'll like this book.


--PAUL