Now that Star Trek star William Shatner is officially the oldest person to ever travel into space, the sci-fi franchise feels as relevant as ever. Veteran Trek writers Scott and David Tipton return to the Mirror Universe to send the Mirror version of the Next Generation's crew of the enterprise on a stunning new adventure in IDW's Star Trek: The Mirror War  #1, a fun, well-drawn first issue.

Star Trek: The Mirror War #1 begins with Captain Picard and Data attending a shady meeting with a man named Rogers. The meeting quickly devolves into a shootout, leaving Data and the captain no choice but to run and transport back to the Enterprise, where Deanna Troi is interrogating Lieutenant Reginald Barclay. Barclay has just found his way back to the Mirror Universe after hiding out on the other version of the Enterprise. He tells Troi that while he was there, he discovered the existence of a race of shipbuilders called the Faundori, who he believes are the key to winning the war against the Klingons. While Troi and Picard are still suspicious of Reginald's motives, they confirm the existence of the Faundori in their universe and hatch a plan.

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Picard and Data shoot their way out of a bar fight

The Tiptons do a great job of characterizing the Mirror Universe versions of the iconic crew of the Enterprise. While Picard is still a master strategist, he isn't restrained by a moral code -- a fact that helps keep him distinct as a protagonist and establishes the atmosphere and tone of the Mirror Universe as a whole. As effective as the Tiptons' characters are, they aren't particularly subtle. There are times when efforts to communicate this version of the Captain's short temper or Striker's suspicious nature feel both unnecessary and a bit redundant. While much remains mysterious about Picard's plans, this issue introduces the makings of an exciting story and a tense dynamic between crew members.

Gavin Smith adds all manner of sinister details to the landscape of the Mirror Universe. These quiet additions to the world, combined with his excellent character designs, help sell the alternate universe. Smith's portraits of these familiar characters are faithful representations of the heroes fans love, but they convey a certain edge that adds to the story's conceit. Smith uses large, horizontal panels to capture chaotic fight scenes without missing a single detail.

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Deanna Troi questions Officer Reginald Barclay in the Mirror Universe

The Mirror Universe is a bizarre, hostile place populated with fascinating characters. The Tiptons and the rest of the creative team do a tremendous job of introducing the Mirror Universe to new readers while moving the plot into new, intriguing directions. While there are a few imperfect moments, Star Trek: The Mirror War #1 is a great, fast-paced comic that lays the groundwork for an intriguing series.

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