Warning: contains spoilers Star Trek #27!
Star Trek The best new character in years may not be seen on TV, but the shows need to be watched ASAP. Two years ago, IDW Publishing rejuvenated its Star Trek line of comics with a bold new approach: mix characters from across the franchise and send them against a galactic threat. The books also introduced exciting new characters and one, Descheeni, it could be the best new addition to the franchise.
Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly know each other well Star Trek comics, having written the acclaimed Fifth yearalso from IDW.
In Star Trek #27, written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Mike Feehan and Tess Fowler, fans get a good look at her character. Captain Sisko is organizing a dinner to lighten the mood on the ship. Descheeni arrives at the party in civilian clothes and brings a guitar. This impresses Ensign Lily Sato, and the two end up together at the end of the party. Fans also learn about their favorite people from history, including Jack Kirby, Manuelito (a Navajo warrior), and, interestingly, Khan Noonian SIngh.
Descheeni is the coolest new thing Star Trek Character
Descheeni is also a huge win for representation
Over the past two years, Descheeni has gone from an obscure background character to the coolest new member of Star Trek family. Created by Ramon Rosanas and developed by Lanzing and Kelly, Descheeni appeared in Star Trek first problems as a member of Theseus' bridge crew. As the series progressed, she began to contribute more and more, and her lines also grew. Star Trek #27 is the next step in his arc. Fans finally got an incredible look at Descheeni off-duty, and it cements her status as the franchise's best new character.
While Star Trek has often been a trailblazer when it comes to representation, its efforts to portray indigenous people often fall short.
Descheeni is also a huge win for indigenous representation. Descheeni is Navajo. Its name derives from the Navajo word deeshchii'niior “people with red stripes”. She is proud of her Navajo heritage, listing Chief Manuelito, who led the resistance against European colonizers, as one of her favorite historical characters. While Star Trek has often been a trailblazer when it comes to representation, its efforts to portray indigenous people often fall short. One of the most glaring examples occurred during Star Trek season three, in an episode titled “The Paradise Syndrome,” which leaned heavily on stereotypes.
Modern Star Trek the shows didn't fare much better. “Journey's End”, season seven Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, was a clumsy allegory that, like “The Paradise Syndrome,” was full of stereotypes. Chakotay, the first officer of the Star Trek: Voyagerseemed to be a good representation model, but it turned out that the program's “indigenous consultant” was a fraud. According to legend, he misrepresented himself and gave bad information to the from Voyager creative people. THE latest Walk shows airing on Paramount+ also lack Indigenous representation.
Descheeni is Star Trek “Cool Kid”
Descheeni set to make the jump to live action Star Trek Show
These little quirks help make Descheeni a well-rounded character and someone who can point the way for Indigenous representation in Star Trek show.
While Descheeni's presence does not atone for the franchise's mismanagement of Indigenous representation, it is nevertheless an important first step. Descheeni's Navajo heritage is very important to her, and she subtly educates fans about it along the way. Chief Manuelito's name check was just the beginning. Still, Lanzing, Kelly, and their collaborators gave Descheeni's character other interesting aspects as well, like an unabashed love of comics. These little quirks help make Descheeni a well-rounded character and someone who can point the way for Indigenous representation in Star Trek show.
Star Trek #27 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!