If you’re not invested in this series by now, I don’t know what it’s going to take to get you there. Issue #4 is easily the strongest issue so far, delivering a much-needed surge of action, fast pacing, and some genuinely gruesome moments that take Star Trek into surprisingly dark territory.
Let’s talk Star Trek: Redshirts – Ghost of the 21st Century #4 by Gerry Duggan, Scott Buoncristiano, Charlie Kirchoff & Jeff Eckleberry (IDW Publishing)!
Star Trek: Redshirts – Ghost of the 21st Century #4 by Gerry Duggan, Scott Buoncristiano, Charlie Kirchoff & Jeff Eckleberry (IDW Publishing)
*** spoiler free reminder ***
What makes this issue work so well is its willingness to embrace a level of brutality that Star Trek has traditionally avoided. These aren’t villains who spend their time grandstanding or explaining some elaborate master plan. They’re putting their intentions into action, and the consequences are horrifying. The darker moments feel completely justified by the story, giving us villains who are genuinely frightening rather than simply making empty threats.
The artwork does an excellent job of bringing that intensity to life. It doesn’t shy away from the more disturbing moments, and that makes the action and violence hit even harder.
Gerry Duggan keeps the story moving at a brisk pace while allowing the conflict to build naturally. Scott Buoncristiano’s artwork, alongside Charlie Kirchoff’s colors and Jeff Eckelberry’s lettering, brings everything together. Nothing necessarily stands out as dramatically different from the previous issues, but the creative team continues to deliver a consistently strong book.
We also get some much-needed context behind the conflict, giving us a better understanding of what’s driving the story. It’s a welcome addition that adds some depth without slowing down the action.
read last issue’s review!
One of the more interesting aspects of this series is how far it’s willing to push Star Trek’s traditional moral boundaries. The franchise has always placed a tremendous emphasis on morality, even when dealing with its most notorious villains. There’s usually some sort of philosophy or moral code behind their actions. This story takes a very different approach, showing us a much crueler side of the universe.
I don’t necessarily think this darker direction would work for Star Trek as a whole, nor would I want to see the franchise abandon the ideals that make it special. But as a standalone series, it’s an interesting direction to explore, and something I’d welcome seeing touched on again.
FINAL GRaDE: 9.3
Star Trek: Red Shirts #4 is easily the strongest issue of the series so far. The action, darker tone, and escalating stakes make this a particularly satisfying read. If you’ve been following the series, this issue is another strong reason to keep coming back.
Let me know your thoughts on Star Trek: Redshirts – Ghost of the 21st Century #4 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!