Warning: contains spoilers forStar Trek#27!
Star Trek’sbest new character in ages cannot be seen on TV, but the shows need to take note ASAP. Two years ago, IDW Publishing rejuvenated itsStar Trekcomics’ line with a bold new approach: mix characters from across the franchise and send them up against a galactic threat. The books have also introduced exciting new characters, and one,Descheeni, may be the franchise’s best new addition.
Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly are no stranger toStar Trekcomics, having written the acclaimedYear Five, also from IDW.
InStar Trek#27, written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Mike Feehan and Tess Fowler, fans get a good look into her character. Captain Sisko is throwing a dinner party to lighten the ship’s mood. Descheeni comes to the party in her civilian clothes, and brings a guitar. This impresses Ensign Lily Sato, and the two hook up at the end of the party. Fans also learn of her favorite people from history,including Jack Kirby, Manuelito (a Navajo warrior) and, oddly enough, Khan Noonian SIngh.
Descheeni Is the Coolest NewStar TrekCharacter
Descheeni Is Also A Serious Win For Representation
Over the past two years, Descheeni has risen from an obscure background character to the coolest new member of theStar Trekfamily.Created by Ramon Rosanas and developed further by Lanzing and Kelly, Descheeni appeared inStar Trek’searliest issues as amember of theTheseus’bridge crew. As the series progressed, she began contributing more and more, and her speaking parts grew as well.Star Trek#27 is the next step in her arc. Fans finally get an awesome glimpse of Descheeni off duty, and it cements her status as the franchise’s best new character.
WhileStar Trekhas often been a trailblazer when it comes to representation, its efforts at depicting Indigenous peoples have often fallen short.
Descheeni is also a serious win for Indigenous representation. Descheeni is Navajo. Her name derives from the Navajo worddeeshchii’nii, or “red-streak people.” She is proud of her Navajo heritage, listing Chief Manuelito, who led resistance against European colonizers, as one of her favorite historical people. WhileStar Trekhas often been a trailblazer when it comes to representation, its efforts at depicting Indigenous peoples have often fallen short. One of the most egregious examples came duringStar Trek’sthird season, in an episode titled “The Paradise Syndrome,” which leaned heavily into stereotypes.
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ModernStar Trekshows have not fared much better. “Journey’s End,” a seventh seasonStar Trek: The Next Generationepisode, was a ham-fisted allegory that, like “The Paradise Syndrome,” was full of stereotypes. Chakotay, the first officer ofStar Trek: Voyager, seemed to be a good model of representation, but it eventually came to light that the show’s “Indigenous consultant” was a fraud. According to legend, he misrepresented himself, and gave bad information toVoyager’screative staff. ThenewerTrekshows airing on Paramount + have also been lacking in Indigenous representation.
Descheeni IsStar Trek’s"Cool Kid"
Descheeni Should Make the Leap to a Live-ActionStar TrekShow
These little quirks help make Descheeni a well-rounded character, and one who can point the way for Indigenous representation inStar Trekshows.
While Descheeni’s presence does not atone the franchise for its mishandling 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. Name checking Chief Manuelito was just the beginning. Yet Lanzing, Kelly and their collaborators have given Descheeni’s character other cool aspects too, such as an unashamed love of comic books. These little quirks help make Descheeni a well-rounded character, and one who can point the way for Indigenous representation inStar Trekshows.
