After what’s been a pretty solid run, Star Trek 22# veers into territory generally reserved for dirty limericks. Spock, having contracted a rare blood disease known as Pon Farr, is in danger of going absolutely batshit. And there’s only one thing that can save him: Sex.

Here’s the official description from IDW:

The hit ongoing STAR TREK series picks up right where this year’s blockbuster sequel STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS leaves off! Don’t miss the all-new adventures of the crew as they go boldly into the unknown, in a story overseen by STAR TREK writer/producer Roberto Orci!

A rare Vulcan disease, Pon Far, essentially boils a Vulcan’s blood making the carrier a homicidal maniac. The only solution is to mate. Or, put plainly, to have sex.  Pon Far is not new.  Old-school trekkies will recognize this semi-ancient story element from way back in the original series, but it’s been awhile since any writer (other than the occasional slash-fiction fan) has felt compelled to bring it back so boldly. Why? There could be a multitude of reasons, but let’s try this one on for size: it’s silly. And it sounds a little like the premise to a goofy late night skin-flick. Or a straight-up adult film.

This doesn’t mean that Pon Far couldn’t make for compelling storytelling, where characters evolve, where drama unfolds, and where we reach the end of the comic feeling thoroughly entertained.  But unfortunately Mike Johnson didn’t pen that kind of issue. It’s almost like Johnson wrote this issue under duress — the dialogue borders on flat, the violence nearly comical, and the emotion just plain off.

The art, sadly, does not buoy Star Trek #22. And in fact, it might make it worse. Roberto Orci’s characters looked staged, like wax museum dolls. The art does not flow, but jar, and when coupled with Johnson’s script the whole thing just makes for disappointing reading.

This series has had enough bright moments that one can forgive the misstep of Star Trek #22. But let’s all hope that Spock has sex soon so we can move on to better stories.

2/5