Writing a good finale is a challenging task, a delicate balancing act of writing a satisfying conclusion to a story while also being a sendoff to a (hopefully) beloved cast of characters. The best finales find a way to balance these elements, showcasing the impact of the cast on their world and their importance to one another. As a whole, “Star Trek: Year Five” had these challenges and more. Not only did they have to create new adventures for the crew of the Starship Enterprise, but they also had to craft these stories with a known endpoint. We know where these characters ended up. We know the adventures they went on as admirals, ambassadors, and captains of their ships. Still, they needed to create a satisfying conclusion to their five-year mission while setting the pieces for these adventures. So while the next chapters are known, the writers of the series instead chose to focus on the importance of the characters, not only to one another but also to the universe. This creates a sendoff closer to the conclusion of Star Trek: The Next Generation than a show interested in answering all of the questions. Because of this, “Star Trek: Year Five” #25 pulls off an impressive feat, creating a satisfying conclusion for the characters of the original series while setting up the stories that we already know exist.
Written by Jackson Lanzing, Colin Kelly, Jodi Houser, Paul Cornell, Jim McCann, and Brandon EastonCover by Stephen Thompson and Charlie Kirchoff
Illustrated by Carlos Nieto, Silvia Califano, Angel Hernandez, J.J. Lendl, Megan Levens, and Christopher Jones
Colored by Charlie Kirchoff
Lettered by Neil UyetakeThe five-year mission may be over, but now it’s time for the next adventure to begin. Join the crew of the Enterprise for the end of an old chapter and the beginning of a new. This special, oversized epilogue from the entire Year Five writing team bridges the gap between the end of the five-year mission and the beginning of Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
In a way, the knowledge that this isn’t the end of the adventures for the Starship Enterprise gives the creative team a chance to provide the characters with vignettes to show one mission ending but new adventures beginning. “Star Trek: Year Five” #25 has a bit of a bittersweet tone as Kirk, and Bright Eyes reflect on their time together and the time with the crew, both coming to terms with a changing world and the definition of the word “home.” The issue brings back many of the former writers and artists of the series to give sendoffs to the different characters. Some of these stories work better than others. It’s exciting to see Sulu get a chance to shine and start becoming a successful captain. McCann does an excellent job of balancing Checkov’s rigid following of the rules against Sulu’s creative problem solving, showing how the two operate as a team while also showing how Starfleet rewards innovative thinking.
Similarly, it’s interesting to see Spock struggle with his life in Starfleet in “Star Trek: Year Five” #25, ultimately choosing to leave the service. Spock’s story builds in some of the inner conflicts of Spock that make him unique. While he is conflicted about his time in Starfleet, exploring the universe and going against his logical upbringing, he also has fond memories. The one thing that combines all of these stories is a sense of longing. While all of these characters have moved on to varying degrees, some to other ships, some to other planets, and even some to retirement, all of them seem to have some degree of fondness for their time together. Even Bones, who throughout the series seemed to have the most resentment of his time as a space explorer, suggests his daughter get a life of exploration he had. You can tell from these stories that they want to work together, but for now, their paths are separated. That is with one notable exception.
The Tholian ambassador Bright Eyes is the best representative of the importance of the Enterprise crew. Much of “Star Trek: Year Five” #25 is narrated by Bright Eyes as the Tholian sees their world rebuilt and brokers peace with now Admiral Kirk. The two talk about home, about their futures, and about what Bright Eyes has learned from the crew. These moments are profound because of how simple, yet effective Lanzig and Kelly break down the crew while showing their importance. There is something special about this crew, how they work with one another and what they mean to one another. Because Tholians are parts of a larger whole, Bright Eyes has learned the best lessons of the crew and will be bringing those lessons as they rebuild their civilization. It’s a beautiful piece of writing about the Enterprise Crew and why their stories have lasting power. Together, Kirk and Bright Eyes will build a better future, largely because of the team they served with together.
Continued belowOne of the things about “Star Trek: Year Five” that has been consistently great is the art team’s ability to look and the colors of the original series. “Star Trek: Year Five” #25 gives the returning art teams the chance to explore the different worlds and changing look of the universe between the end of the original series and the start of the films. Some of the most impactful art comes from the adventures of Checkov and Sulu as the pair explore a fringe world not quite ready to accept utopia. It is a slightly ramshackle and rundown world, a clear indication that while the Federation has made great strides, there is still plenty of work to do. The coloring of Mr. Spock’s story leans into some of the more psychedelic sides of the adventures of the Starship Enterprise while also showing some of the excitement of their adventures. But the one that shows the transition of the time is the scene of Scotty and Uhurua. It’s the little things in the scene, Scotty overlooking the building of a new ship, the subtle design shifts of the color and shape of the uniform. Other moments in the issue suggest this, but Scotty’s story highlights it the best.
In the end, “Star Trek: Year Five” #25 feels like a love letter to the original crew of the Enterprise, allowing them to continue their missions and showing how they became the legends they are at the start of the film series. The issue does an amazing job of pulling this off and is a lovely end to the series. Perhaps the comics will continue to explore the adventures of different crew members, finding ways to bring them together from time to time, but with an ending like this one, you get a sense of closure from this five-year mission. They boldly went where no one had gone before and made the galaxy a better place because of it.
Final Verdict: 9.0 “Star Trek: Year Five” #25 provides a fantastic conclusion to the Enterprise’s five-year mission and reminds up what made Kirk and his crew so extraordinary.
