1286. The Trap (Part 3)PUBLICATION: Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Killing Shadows #3, Wildstorm Comics, January 2001
CREATORS: Scott Ciencin (writer), Andrew Currie (artist)
STARDATE: Unknown (follows the last issue)
PLOT: In orbit, the Enterprise-E is being converted into something else by the Bodai Shin's techno-virus. Riker puts on captured armor and attacks the clan from within, somehow defeating them even as Geordi figures out how to break the virus code. The capture ninja reveals that they want to destroy the Federation before they fulfill their destiny to become a unified mind (a "great light" in the universe). On the planet, Picard flushes out a Bodai Shin by causing a panic and seeing who doesn't react with fear. Sela kills her though, and elsewhere, the clan give the kill order. Back in the void, Bodai Shin ships attack...
CONTINUITY: See previous issues (Sela).
DIVERGENCES: See previous issues (Sela).
PANEL OF THE DAY - Going half-mask may have been a mistake.
REVIEW: On the one hand, I'm intrigued by the whole Bodai Shin cult and how it is reacting to the frequent mention of humanity one day evolving into godlike entities. The theme of belief is well expressed there, though less so in how the ninja are playing mind games with the crew through THEIR beliefs (it just doesn't come through clearly). On the other, I continue to be frustrated by this story. Riker's a little too competent, defeating multiple super-ninja using their own technology. I don't even know how a blind Geordi works out how to fix the virus because the art shows him inspecting the damage visually. And I'm about to call Sela wasted, because we still don't know why the heck she's in the story. (Worf is there to fight, but could really have been anyone as well.) And it's too bad, because it looks great, and the undercurrent of zen philosophy (just about the only explanation for all the heroes' feats) is an interesting one.
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