We talk a lot about Star Trek beyond the scope of the series and films that the franchise makes. Though, we don't talk about it enough. Today, we're angling to make up for some of that. We've touched on toys, video games, and more, but today we're looking at a comic that was made that somehow went under the radar.
We've seen a lot of comics made, usually by IDW, over the last few years, but not a lot like this one. in this new book, you are smack dab in another adventure with the crew of the USS Cerritos, but this time, how it ends is up to you. That's right, this is a throwback to the iconic "choose your own adventure" books from the 70s and 80s.
in these books, which also came back hard in the 1990s, you pick which narrative path you want to follow, with the hope that you choose correctly and get a satisfying ending. Sometimes though, that's not the case, and you end up monster chow.
This time, however, instead of your basic page-turner, you are now flipping through fully illustrated pages against the backdrop of Star Trek: Lower Decks. The comic, released by IDW and written by Lower Decks comic writer Ryan North, has the same energy and frenetic pace as the series. Something the comic writer is able to match despite being printed.
The comic is a great modern retelling of the classic concept that so many older fans remember. Despite the novelty of doing this type of story in a comic, it is not the first time that Star Trek has done this, having put out a Choose Your Own Adventure book in 1984. That book, written by Michael J. Dodge, was sort of lost to time with fewer and fewer fans remembering it.
Now, however, is a chance to bring some eyes back to a concept long-thought dead for decades, only this time in fully illustrated pages of comic books. The art in this new comic book, entitled Star Trek: Lower Decks – Warp Your Own Way is done by Chris Fenoglio and he captures the style of the show flawlessly.
Hopefully, this little gem hits wit the fans and more of these issues are created. They're unique, fun and give readers a different experience than just plopping down to read or watch another episode of their favorite series. Heck, maybe Lower Decks can find a second life in comics with these CYOA books becoming a regular thing.
After all, they show is a comedy and the animation lends itself to working well in any medium. So you're going to have some unique and vibrant looking comics (compared to other IDW books), plus the humor and tone will allow for many fans of all ages and background to embrace the stories told.
For those interested in purchasing the book, it can be found in any number of comic shops around the US, in many book stores and online at numerous digital vendors.