Hive comes to a close with this issue. Let’s take a look back for a second. This mini-series had a pretty cool concept, it was going to be a sequel to First Contact and Nemesis. Let’s face it Next Gen fans, whenever we saw that the Borg was going to be in an episode, excitement ensued. Indeed, these cyborgs might just be the most popular of Star Trek villains. This story also uses the always cool Seven of 9 from Voyager and brings back Data. (In a plausible way.) The conclusion is a fine read, there’s plenty of stuff longtime fans will enjoy.

Here’s the official description from IDW:

Continuing the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation!

It’s climactic finale of one of the most talked about Star Trek events of the year as past and future collide! Past and future intersect as Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Locutus meet to decide the fate of the United Federation of planets-and the entire Borg Empire!

Data has arrived in the present. He tells the crew about the plan to eradicate the Borg using a virus. This creates a controversy, but in the end it’s the plan. Of course Seven of 9 will attempt to save as many Borg drones as she could. Will they succeed and alter the future? Brannon Braga’s writing obviously shines, he knows the characters really well. One of my favorite parts was the conversation about the virus at the table. The points made are all legit, so it makes for an interesting read and asks the reader which side he/she is on. Sadly Picard doesn’t exactly ‘meet’ Locutus as the description would have you believe. The main thing that felt kinda forced was with LT. Archer. She wasn’t really a main character at all in these past issues, so her major reaction felt just a bit forced. Still, the scene with Picard, Data, Seven, and the Queen was pretty intense.

Art wise, it’s pretty good. Sometimes the faces don’t quite match the scene. A part that comes to mind is when Worf helps Riker evade a phaser blast, the former’s face looks way too relaxed. There are only two covers, but both are great. The main one showcases head shots of Picard (with Borg remains fading away, a nice touch) Seven, and the Queen. Cover B however is the one Trekkies will want to pick up.

Overall, a fine conclusion to Hive. As a story celebrating The Next Generation’s 25th anniversary, I’d say it has succeeded. It’ll make for one killer trade paperback for any fan.

4/5

My name is Daniel (@Destroyer_199), the main guy for comic reviews here at Unleash the Fanboy. I was born in 1995 in the Big Apple, spent my formative years in Staten Island, and currently reside in the awesome state that is New Jersey.