Star Trek: The Next Generation took a huge risk in retooling the original beloved series of the 1960s, assembling a new cast, leader, and problems to resonate with the audiences of the '80s and into today. Following up on such an iconic, gregarious character like Captain Jim Kirk was a weighty task. Rather than retreading familiar territory by introducing a captain with a similar approach to space, Star Trek: The Next Generation created Captain Jean-Luc Picard, an iconic character. The new comic compilation Star Trek: The Next Generation -- Best of Captain Picard #1 gives readers interested in Captain Picard's exploits a good place to start or refresh their memory.
Leading the starship Enterprise-D long after the events of Star Trek, the stoical but sensible Jean-Luc Picard has had his fair share of grand adventures and mighty conquests in the name of peace in the galaxy. Captain Picard's exploits go beyond the original TV series and reach into comics, where some of the franchises's greatest storylines have been created. Those moments are almost too numerous to count, but Star Trek: The Next Generation -- Best of Captain Picard #1 compiles a handful of the most memorable.
Star Trek: The Next Generation -- Best of Picard #1 isn't a new series and instead assembles the first issues of The Q Conflict, The Mirror Broken, DC Originals: TNG #1, Return to Raimon #1, and Picard #1. Featuring some of Picard's proudest and most badass moments, Best of Picard #1 is not only a great intro to this formidable character but a strong study of his psychology and what makes him so beloved in the fandom. Each of these stories does what it promises and shows off Picard's best moments. The stories also do well to highlight what makes the comic universe of Star Trek: The Next Generation so popular and enduring.
Much of Picard's character is explored in each of these chapters, albeit in the cursory way expected from a compilation. He plays the dashing hero, the clinical strategist, the crusading warrior, the cautious diplomat, and even the villain. He is efficient, sometimes ruthless in his calculations, stoical but in touch with his humanity and empathy, and never immune to self-doubt. Even his evil, sleeveless Mirror Universe counterpart has his moments of loyalty and integrity. He is, of course, a fearless, no-nonsense hero, unflinching in the face of danger.
The art in each of these individual chapters is excellent, with varying styles depending on the artist and the tone of the story they tell. The Q Conflict is sharp, crisp, and colorful while The Mirror Broken pays homage to the airbrushed and photo-realistic movie posters of the show's era. Return to Raimon has the bright, pulpy art style of the 1980s and Picard #1 has a bold, cartoony style. While each of these styles plays well in their chapters and captures different sides of Picard's personality and role in the series, they can clash artistically when viewed side by side, making for an awkward read.
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If there is a weakness of Star Trek: The Next Generation -- Best of Picard #1, it would be that it, like a clip show, reiterates what most viewers familiar with the series already know, with little new material to offer. The constant shift in storylines and art styles can be jarring, even for returning fans. As far as introductions go, Best of Picard #1 is somewhat shallow in its execution, offering only the first chapters of each story before jumping to the next. None of these are deal-breakers, however, because as a compilation, this format is expected. As such, this series is ideal for new viewers who otherwise might not know where to start with this ever-expanding franchise.
Being a compilation, Star Trek: The Next Generation -- Best of Picard #1 doesn't bring anything new, but that isn't its purpose. Instead, it confirms what returning viewers already knew and convinces new ones of the series' strength and Picard's compelling depth and power as a character. Like Picard himself, Star Trek: The Next Generation -- Best of Picard #1 does its job very well.
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