Redshirt readers, thanks for joining us for another episode review of Stargazers: A Star Trek Story. Things are really heating up for Leon and Syrrik, and with Deep Space 9's talent show coming up, I have a feeling that we're rushing toward some kind of massive confrontation with Syrrik and his father.
Let's take a look at episode 17 and how author Jarrett Melendez and Kisai Entertainment's artists utilize storytelling, artwork, and character development to further this compelling young adult webcomic.
1. Contrasting artwork sets the mood for this chapter
As episode 17 opens, Syrrik is preparing for the day and, most importantly, working up the courage to ask his father, Jato, a favor regarding the talent show, as he'd promised his group of friends in the previous chapter.
The artwork in this intro is fraught with tension, and you can almost see Syrrik shrink from telling himself, "You can do this!" as he exercises and tries to build himself up, compared to the way he sighs and drops his head before facing his father.
If you've ever known a parent like Jato, then it's very easy to relate to Syrrik in this scene. There's a giant elephant made of unspoken words stomping around the kitchen, and it makes the room feel small.
After Syrrik's attempt to open up, and Jato leaves the room, there's a single panel where we don't see his expression in the moment. However, Syrrik's clenched fist and a "THUMP" to his own thigh tells us all we need to know. We'll get to words in a moment.
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