Calling Everyone’s Bluffs With ‘Star Trek Picard: Countdown’ #3
by Josh Davison
Mild Spoilers Ahead
Zhaban brings Admiral Picard and Lieutenant Commander Musiker to the capitol building of the Yuyat Beta Romulan Colony. After they’re safely inside, Zhaban fires upon his fellow Romulans and frees Picard and Musiker. Picard contacts the USS Verity and is answered by the Governor of the Yuyat Beta colony. She brags about her victory over Picard, but she’s soon transported to the brig. Picard, Musiker, Zhaban, and Laris are brought aboard the Verity. However, a Romulan Tal Shiar ship soon arrives, and Zhaban and Laris must decide whose side they’re on.
Star Trek Picard: Countdown #3 brings the prologue to the already-released Star Trek series to a close, showing the mission prior to the moment that would change Admiral Jean-Luc Picard forever. That is a weird hitch to Picard: Countdown #3. The first episode of the show has already been least–I’ve even watched it. As such, we know what happens after the events of Picard: Countdown already, as well as some other tidbits about the series premiere.
That said, Picard: Countdown #3 is still a good bit of fun and writers Kirsten Beyer and Mike Johnson continue to show their understanding of what makes Jean-Luc Picard such an engaging character.
The climax is a bit of a letdown. It comes down to Picard and both the Governor and Zhaban one-upping each other in threats and being rewarded simultaneously. There is little action and the actual revelations don’t impress very much.
Angel Hernandez once again makes an excellent outing, with the book looking damn good. Picard, Musiker, Zhaban, and Laris look remarkably like their on-screen versions with an enjoyable bit of stylism added. Joana Lafuente brings a bright color palette which adds to the appeal of the comic’s visuals.
Star Trek Picard: Countdown #3 is a decent finale to the series as well as prologue to the new Star Trek series. The climax is a bit lackluster, but the visuals and dialogue do enough to make this an enjoyable and readable comic. Feel free to pick this one up.
Star Trek Picard: Countdown #3 comes to us from writers Kirsten Beyer and Mike Johnson, artist Angel Hernandez, color artist Joana Lafuente, letterer Neil Uyetake, and cover artist Sara Pitre-Durocher.
Final Score: 7/10
