STAR TREK: HOLO-WEEN II #3 (IDW PUBLISHING)
After spending the first two issues trying to understand what was happening on Deep Space Nine, the crew is finally starting to go on the offensive in Star Trek: Holo-Ween II #3. Unfortunately, having a better understanding of the situation doesn’t mean they have all the answers, and there are still pieces of the puzzle to uncover before they can save the day..
Let’s talk Star Trek: Holo-Ween II #3 Alex Segura, Bailie Rosenlund, J. P. Jordan & Jeff Eckleberry (IDW PUBLISHING)
Star Trek: Holo-Ween II #3 Alex Segura, Bailie Rosenlund, J. P. Jordan & Jeff Eckleberry (IDW PUBLISHING)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Alex Segura continues to build an engaging mystery, with the crew becoming more proactive as they work to figure out what’s happening. Rather than simply reacting to strange events, they’re finally starting to connect the dots and take steps toward finding a solution. The shift gives the story strong momentum toward the finish, even as the investigation leaves us with plenty of questions.
One of the things that continues to work in the series’ favor is the feeling that we’re uncovering this mystery alongside the characters. We know more than we did at the beginning, but we still don’t have the full picture. The crew is making progress, yet understanding the problem and knowing how to stop it are two very different things. That uncertainty keeps the story engaging and makes the final issue feel all the more important.
Odo and Dax get more attention this time around, which is a welcome development. Deep Space Nine and Star Trek overall has always benefited from their ensemble casts, and giving different characters room to contribute makes the unfolding mystery feel more connected to the station and its people. I’ve appreciated the balance Segura has been able to navigate with the characters.
We’ve had the opportunity to see different members of the crew play meaningful roles as the mystery unfolds. With Odo and Dax taking the spotlight here, I’m starting to wonder if the final issue will bring Sisko back to the forefront. With so much still left to uncover, giving the station’s Commander a bigger role in resolving everything would feel like a fitting way to bring this adventure to a close.
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Bailie Rosenlund’s artwork remains visually striking, maintaining the distinctive look that has helped this series stand out. The style gives the comic its own identity rather than simply trying to recreate the look of the television show. By the third issue, we’re accustomed to it, so it doesn’t have quite the same initial impact. That’s not a knock against the artwork; it’s simply a case of getting used to a visual approach that has remained consistent throughout the series and appreciating it.
The one area where I’m hoping for a little more is horror. At this point, the series is starting to feel more like a Star Trek / Sherlock Holmes mystery than a Halloween horror story. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. The mystery is working, and I’m invested in finding out how everything connects. However, with a title like Holo-Ween, I’d love to see it a bit darker, and more unsettling. The investigation is keeping us engaged, but I want that extra sense of dread that makes a Halloween story feel different from a typical Trek adventure.
With only one issue remaining, the big question is whether Segura can bring all these threads together while delivering a satisfying conclusion. The groundwork is there, the mystery has our attention, and the crew is finally making meaningful progress. Now we need to see whether the answers live up to the questions and whether the horror gets one last chance to shine.
FINAL GRADE: 9
Overall, Star Trek: Holo-Ween II #3 keeps the mystery moving in the right direction. While I’d welcome a stronger spooky presence, the story and its characters continue to make this a compelling read. I’m looking forward to seeing how everything comes together in the finale.
Let me know your thoughts on Star Trek: Holo-Ween II #3 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!