Villordsutch reviews Star Trek: Picard – Countdown #2…



Continuing our introduction to the upcoming Picard series which is set for transmission in the New Year, issue #2 – penned by both Mike Johnson and Kirsten Beyer – arrives without skipping a beat from the previous issue of Star Trek: Picard – Countdown. Following the truly excellent opening chapter, of this prelude to the new Star Trek show, this is a highly anticipated second issue.



The Romulan Governor of Yuyat Beta is still holding both Admiral Picard and Commander Musiker captive on the doomed planet, only willing to allow the Starfleet evacuation of the Romulans to begin if Picard disregards the planet’s original inhabitants during the evacuation. Picard stands firm in his decision, highlighting both the urgent timetable and the rancid views held by the Governor.

As the argument escalates between both heads of power from Starfleet and the Romulan Empire, an unexpected uprising takes both by surprise and what’s even more surprising – for Picard and Musiker – is who actually started it. Meanwhile, the Romulan Governor sees the perfect opening mid-chaos and brings forward the true plans, which involve herself, the Romulan settlers and the U.S.S. Verity.

After last month’s release in which we were treated to numerousfan pleasing moments, (the return of Geordi, the Romulan evacuation, Picards new ship etc.) this month everything has calmed down a touch as Beyer and Johnson have brought to the pages of Star Trek: Picard – Countdown, a lot more story to chew on. We’re moved from the Governor’s grasp, to waterfalls that flow the wrong way, then on to the instigators of the uprising and their hidden secret. This is all linked together with phaser fire, burning Romulan vineyards and unfortunately a pile of corpses.

Though not as ‘exciting’ as the initial opening delivered in issue #1, this shows how the Romulan Empire wants to survive by any means necessary, either welcoming all help offered or ready to plunge the knife in the back of a Samaritan and revealing that although the Empire is in a state of upheaval, it’s still just as cunning. Secretly I was hoping the Romulan Empire was not about to have their collective talons removed – as the Alpha Quadrant evolved – and here we are in issue #2 of Star Trek: Picard – Countdown, with proof that there are some Romulans that still see the Federation as prey.

As with last month’s release, both art and colours from Angel Hernandez and Joana LaFuente (respectively) cannot be faulted. Here, is a fantastic looking Star Trek comic book and I would love to see both of these extremely talented artists continue working on Trek with IDW Publishing for a very long time. It’s a true pleasure to read a Star Trek comic book that they’ve both brought to life.

Star Trek: Picard – Countdown issue #2, is once again an excellent comic book to read. This “Countdown” prelude is honestly filling me with a lot of hope for the upcoming TV series and for that I think the team involved need a big thank you.

Rating:- 8/10

@Villordsutch