Sirk TV Comic Review: STAR TREK - LORE WAR -TPB [IDW]
The aspect of alternate universes always works on the precept of how different characters react in different situations. The first part of this compendium entitled "Lore War" [Trade Paperback/216pgs/IDW] refers to a new reality which Lore has shaped across four quadrants which reflect his thoughts across the whole universe to bend to his will. Data is there as his right hand because, as in TNG. Data's will always seems can be bent by some simple reprogramming. However Kahless comes to reawaken Sisko as The Emissary which resurrects a resistance. What is interesting is that Lore has obliterated the Romulans and subjugated the Vulcans with Borg in this universe which weirdly had a reverse survival effect where they combined their Katra and became their own collective. What is interesting here is the combining of characters from all the shows but against their own natures, or at least slightly skewed. Alexander (now a Captain) and Worf (as the High Admiral in Lore's Starfleet) makes sense and Alexander admits, after he is awakened by Kahless' blade, that he is closer with his father in this reality. The Maquis which Spock's Borg lead, corporate an intriguing mix with Tasha Yar and Kira (from DS9) as a power couple (which works) and Beverly Crusher (ne Howard now) is the only one that doesn't want to be awakened. the four minds that connect the quadrants with data overseeing is an eclectic mix to say the least but it depends how they reflect as the story moves forward.
Shaks, known from "Lower Decks", is actually one of the most dangerous person but would be intriguing to see him in live action. That said, when a certain someone survives, we get aside story in a completely different style. "Shaks' Worst Day" is when he is awakened by the blade of Kahless after destroying part of it. He is given MO and what follows is an incessant amount of carnage which makes sense in the Lower Decks world but not necessarily in the bigger construct world of live action Star Trek because of its certain amount of surrealism. it is fun to be sure but a bit much, yet it bridges the gap. "Omega" continues the story of "Lore War" but with less edge. While the retaking of the minds makes sense it is surprising there were no other tricks up Lore's sleeve. Data really only needed a little nudge but that really shows a supreme flaw in his programming. The fact that the universe could be run through four human brains also is a little bit much and requires a bit of suspension of disbelief. When the reset comes to bear with certain orbs, it is cinematic but really requires a bit more context to show how everyone was specifically connected. That said the epilogues and how they work are very fulfilling since they connect to other spaces in the Star Trek universe in the Kelvin all the way to the far future. Now whether this is canon or not is to be seen. but it stirs the pot. The Original Series points are the most satisfying though the circular element of Kahless belies a deeper meaning. Of course the perspective of Jake Sisko is a wrapper of sorts so it fits neatly together. B
By Tim Wassberg
