My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher IDW Publishing for an advance copy of this graphic novel that fills in some of the lost stories dealing with one of my favorite Star Trek television shows, Deep Space Nine.
Even in the future a sentient beings' best friend will always be a dog. Though this dog does lead to a lot of trouble for the crew members of this far flung space station. However it is all worth it just to relax after a hard day of dealing with space diplomacy, feuding allies, and an intergalactic war, by frolicking in a holosuite, playing catch. And trying not to think about what that piece of Borg technology might do to change a war, and or humanity. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine--The Dog of War is a lost adventure from the television show, currently celebrating its 30th anniversary written by fan favorite Mike Chen and illustrated by Ángel Hernández, who both capture the feel, the look, and the characters so well in this story.
Quark the Ferengi owner of Quark's Bar, Grill, Gaming House and Holosuite Arcade has found a new way to make some profit. He's becoming a pet shop owner, at least for one special dog. Quark has found a pure breed Corgi, one that is very rare, and very much in demand. Calling the dog Latinum, as that is what Quark hopes to make a lot of, Quark has made a series of deals for the dog, one of which has left him with a piece of rare technology. Borg technology. With the Cardassian war not going well, allies like the Klingons and Romulans are having problems working together, this piece of technology can change the war. Or so Benjamin Sisko wonders. The power of the technology is very much like a dog getting scratched behind the ears, the dog never wants it to stop. And that kind of technology would be hard to keep in check. Until dognappers strike and the crew must rescue their new four legged-companion.
The graphic novel reads like a good two parter in the middle of the television show's run. The characters sound and appear exact. Chen even has the idea of an A and B plotline running through the story, that work well together and never bog each other down. All the usual characters are here, including some fan favorites, and really add to the story, not just tossed in for fan service. The art is outstanding. The characters,the ships, the backgrounds all fit in well, and really makes one nostalgic for the show. Ángel Hernández can really do action also, and this helps move the story along also. Really a very good graphic novel.
Recommended for fans of course, especially those who miss the show. Also for people whol like good stories with interesting characters, and especially for the art. Really well done, and I look forward to more by both these creators.