Star Trek: New Visions #11 – "Of Woman Born"
𧏠Genre:
Science Fiction, Space Opera, Alternate Timeline, Photo-Montage Comic
đ§đ Main Characters:
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Captain James T. Kirk – The resolute leader of the USS Enterprise, balancing duty with emotional conflict.
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Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy – The ship’s compassionate chief medical officer, whose discovery propels the central mystery.
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Lt. Carolyn Palamas – A former officer of the Enterprise who shares a mystical connection with the ancient Greek god, Apollo.
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Apollo – The god-like being introduced in the original series, whose return ignites existential and moral dilemmas.
✍️ Writer:
John Byrne – A legendary comic book creator, Byrne not only wrote this issue but also pioneered its unique photo-manipulation storytelling style, blending images from the original Star Trek TV series with new dialogue and narrative threads.
đš Artist & Visuals:
John Byrne – Serving double duty, Byrne utilizes photomontage techniques to construct the visuals. These crafted panels preserve the feel of the 1960s show while introducing fresh dramatic tension.
đ§đŒ Editor Details:
Chris Ryall – As the overseeing editor at IDW Publishing, Ryall ensures that Byrne’s vision is executed with fidelity to Star Trek canon and character integrity.
đą Publisher and Brand:
IDW Publishing – Known for its licensed properties and experimental formats, IDW released New Visions under the Star Trek imprint.
Brand: Star Trek: New Visions (IDW Continuity)
đ Release Year:
2016
đ Brief Plot Summary:
In Star Trek: New Visions #11 – Of Woman Born, the narrative opens with a medical anomaly: Dr. McCoy discovers that Lt. Carolyn Palamas is mysteriously pregnant, despite her absence from the crew for some time. This shock leads to a chilling possibility—could the unborn child be Apollo’s, the enigmatic being once worshipped as a god by ancient Greeks and encountered previously by the Enterprise?
As Kirk grapples with the ethical, emotional, and potentially cosmic implications, the line between mythology and science begins to blur. Is Palamas carrying a new god—or something else entirely? With danger looming and loyalties tested, this issue asks: what happens when divine power meets human vulnerability?
đ Notable Arcs or Storylines:
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Return of Apollo – Revisiting the storyline from “Who Mourns for Adonais?”, this issue functions as a spiritual and thematic sequel.
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Thematic Arc: Divine Legacy vs. Human Will – Explores what it means to inherit power beyond understanding and how humanity confronts ancient forces with modern morality.
đ Fan Theories or Interpretations:
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Rebirth of the Olympians Theory: Some fans speculate this issue hints at the rebirth of ancient god-like beings through science or evolution, positioning Palamas' child as a bridge between two worlds.
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Alternate Timeline Paradox: Given the photomontage format, others suggest this story takes place in a splinter reality within the Trek multiverse, offering a “what if” lens on the Apollo mythos.
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Genetic Intervention: Another theory posits Apollo may have manipulated Palamas’ DNA remotely, reigniting discussions around consent, power, and post-humanism.
đ Review Summary:
John Byrne delivers a visually compelling and intellectually provocative issue that blends classic Star Trek drama with speculative mythology. The photo-art style, though unconventional, maintains authenticity and nostalgia while introducing cinematic tension. Dialogue is sharp and in-character, and the moral quandaries raised deepen the reader’s connection to the crew, especially Kirk and McCoy. While the pacing leans on exposition, the emotional weight and eerie atmosphere keep the suspense high. đ
Final Verdict: A thought-provoking entry for longtime fans, rich with character introspection and bold narrative choices. đ
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
