Summary:
In a fresh perspective, Star Trek's Benjamin Sisko is portrayed with divine attributes in a series of striking "stained glass" comic covers. The new Star Trek covers by JJ Lendl depict revered, god-like beings such as Trelane and hint at impending turmoil in the "Realm of the Gods." Sisko's long-awaited encounter with the Prophets may alter his uneasy status as "The Emissary" in the forthcoming narrative.
Literature Review:
The return of Star Trek's Captain Benjamin Sisko, now recognized as the "Emissary of the Prophets" post his journey in Deep Space Nine, suggests that he may be granted genuine divine status in breathtaking new artwork. IDW's flagship Star Trek title is set to initiate a new storyline involving the franchise's god-like beings, with Sisko finally facing the enigmatic Prophets. To commemorate this monumental tale, artist JJ Lendl has crafted exquisite "stained-glass" illustrations of the characters, and ScreenRant is thrilled to offer fans an exclusive first look.
J.J. Lendl's artwork graces the covers of Star Trek issues #19 to #24, presented here in their entirety as a connected masterpiece. Fans will note that each cover prominently features a key member of the Theseus crew, with secondary characters—some notably god-like beings—also receiving their divine portrayals.
Heather Antos, group editor of IDW’s Star Trek line, elucidated the rationale behind the covers, crediting the concept entirely to Lendl, stating that his initial sketch was so impressive it could have been used as the final cover:
"Much of this year's Star Trek has revolved around engaging with the gods. In the upcoming arc of Star Trek... we're essentially inviting the gods to join the festivities in this narrative. There's a significant amount of religious allegory at play. J.J. was the one who proposed the stained glass concept. His brilliance and talent are unparalleled, and his design thinking is unmatched by anyone I've collaborated with. The speed at which he generates these ideas is remarkable.
I simply asked him if he'd like to create a set of interconnected variants for the upcoming arc titled 'Blue roadmap' for Star Trek, which spans six issues where we delve into the divine and essentially confront the gods. All of this has been leading up to the moment where Sisko engages in a dialogue with the Prophets. J.J. took the idea and ran with it. He returned the very next day with, 'What do you think of this?' This incredible stained glass sketch was so well-executed that we could have considered it final because of its quality. As you can see for yourself, it's beautiful, an absolutely exquisite set of covers. All credit goes to J.J. Lendl."
Captain Sisko's Journey Toward a Confrontation with the Prophets (and Gods in General): The Comics' Catastrophic "God War" Continues
The upcoming story arc, "The Pleroma," will further explore the galaxy's relationship with its deities, as noted by Antos, who says the gods are "joining the party" in this installment. In the inaugural storyline, Klingon Emperor Kahless waged war against the galaxy's gods, constructing a formidable weapon capable of slaying them. Though Kahless was halted by Captain Ben Sisko, Worf, and the crews of the Defiant and the Theseus, he remains at large, harboring a grudge against the gods.
Lendl’s variant covers, as previously mentioned, showcase some of the god-like beings that have appeared across various Star Trek series. The Organians, the Metrons, Trelane, and Nagilum make appearances on the covers, potentially foreshadowing their involvement in "The Pleroma." The Pleroma, newly introduced, represents the "Realm of the Gods" within the Star Trek universe, and previous issues have hinted at brewing unrest within it. The gods narrowly escaped Kahless the first time, and with the added threat of Lore, the Pleroma could be in peril.
Sisko's Unease with Being "The Emissary": Will Sisko's Experiences in the God War Alter His Perspective?
As the galaxy's gods await with trepidation, Captain Sisko is set to have a reckoning with the Prophets, as Antos suggests. Just as Star Trek has delved into humanity's relationship with its gods, the series has also examined Sisko's interactions with the Prophets. After returning him to the physical realm, their relationship has been contentious, and matters may come to a head in "The Pleroma." With a destiny as the Prophets' emissary, JJ Lendl's new Star Trek variant covers depict Sisko embracing his godhood.
Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for more exclusive Trek news, including the recently announced Star Trek: Celebrations one-shot, and to begin their stained glass collection with the arrival of Star Trek #19 on April 17 from IDW Publishing.