The timing could not be more perfect for me, as I'm currently in a re-binge of DS9, and loving it. I don't read many of the Star Trek expanded universe, having only dipped my toe in a few comics (like the Doctor Who crossover a few years back) so I didn't know what to expect other than that. I was beyond pleasantly surprised: I was absolutely DELIGHTED.

We have the return of our favorites (this is set during the Jadxia era!) as they encounter an extremely rare purebred corgi named Latinum, thanks to Quark's unending quest for profit. What unfolds is a whimsical yet high-stakes adventure that blends the earnestness of the series with a delightful dose of canine charm. The dog, a beacon of pure, unadulterated joy amidst the station's dim lighting. I was half worried there would be a twist where the pup would turn out to be some kind of trick and not a corgi at all, but here's a non-spoiler: the dog is 100% perfect good boy. It's wholesome and adorable -- even while having the high stakes.

Mike Chen's writing prowess shines through, creating a story that feels like it was plucked right out of a DS9 episode. He masterfully balances serious plot elements with the series' signature comedic moments, capturing the essence of what made the show so endearing. The narrative weaves A and B plotlines with finesse, ensuring that the story is rich with character development and nostalgic nods without ever feeling bogged down. When the two come together, it's natural and brilliant.

The artwork is vibrant and fun. The characters, ships, and backgrounds are all meticulously designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the DS9 universe. It's the only comic book that had me getting up to show spreads to my husband just out of sheer giddiness.

As the story unfolds, the crew must navigate the complexities of Borg technology, inter-species politics, and, most importantly, the rescue of their newfound four-legged companion. The graphic novel reads like a two-part episode, replete with all the familiar faces and dynamics that we love. Chen and Hernández have created something special here, a graphic novel that is as engaging as it is nostalgic. For fellow Trekkies and dog lovers alike, this comic book is a must-read, offering a unique and thoroughly enjoyable ride through the stars with the DS9 crew.

Also - is there such a thing as a Borgi?

Out of any review copy I've read- I was most excited to get my hands on this! I don't know how many times I have rewatched the series, and like other fans, I will devour anything DS9. This was just awesome. I will be recommending it for the public library, my thanks to NetGalley for the digital review copy.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher IDW Publishing for an advance copy of this graphic novel that fills in some of the lost stories dealing with one of my favorite Star Trek television shows, Deep Space Nine.

Even in the future a sentient beings' best friend will always be a dog. Though this dog does lead to a lot of trouble for the crew members of this far flung space station. However it is all worth it just to relax after a hard day of dealing with space diplomacy, feuding allies, and an intergalactic war, by frolicking in a holosuite, playing catch. And trying not to think about what that piece of Borg technology might do to change a war, and or humanity. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine--The Dog of War is a lost adventure from the television show, currently celebrating its 30th anniversary written by fan favorite Mike Chen and illustrated by Ángel Hernández, who both capture the feel, the look, and the characters so well in this story.

Quark the Ferengi owner of Quark's Bar, Grill, Gaming House and Holosuite Arcade has found a new way to make some profit. He's becoming a pet shop owner, at least for one special dog. Quark has found a pure breed Corgi, one that is very rare, and very much in demand. Calling the dog Latinum, as that is what Quark hopes to make a lot of, Quark has made a series of deals for the dog, one of which has left him with a piece of rare technology. Borg technology. With the Cardassian war not going well, allies like the Klingons and Romulans are having problems working together, this piece of technology can change the war. Or so Benjamin Sisko wonders. The power of the technology is very much like a dog getting scratched behind the ears, the dog never wants it to stop. And that kind of technology would be hard to keep in check. Until dognappers strike and the crew must rescue their new four legged-companion.

The graphic novel reads like a good two parter in the middle of the television show's run. The characters sound and appear exact. Chen even has the idea of an A and B plotline running through the story, that work well together and never bog each other down. All the usual characters are here, including some fan favorites, and really add to the story, not just tossed in for fan service. The art is outstanding. The characters,the ships, the backgrounds all fit in well, and really makes one nostalgic for the show. Ángel Hernández can really do action also, and this helps move the story along also. Really a very good graphic novel.

Recommended for fans of course, especially those who miss the show. Also for people who like good stories with interesting characters, and especially for the art. Really well done, and I look forward to more by both these creators.

5+/5 Stars. Infinity Stars. The FIRST graphic novel to make it to my Goodreads Infinity Stars shelf. I loved the heck out of this story. This mini-series is my new obsession, and this collected volume is a real gem. I am not over-exaggerating when I say this is one of the best fandom books I’ve ever read.

Mike Chen wrote such an excellent story. Latty/Latinum is the cutest and sassiest pup ever, and Deep Space K9 is my dream park. This story has action, too – plenty of it. This was great all around, and I’ll read everything Mike Chen puts out in the future. You actually don’t need to know Deep Space Nine to read this book. You only really need to know what Star Fleet is and what it does. That’s really it. Everything else that you need to know is explained to you. For me to go into this story with no prior knowledge of Deep Space Nine, I now have so much love and appreciation for these characters and this story.

Ángel Hernández illustrates this series in a way that is undeniably Trekian. His art makes the reading experience feel like you’re watching the show, which is incredible. Hernández has previously illustrated comics for Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Picard, the Star Trek/Green Lantern Crossover, and others. He knows Star Trek. Latty is adorably drawn and immaculately depicts dog expressions.

On top of that, this graphic novel contains full-page spreads of the comic book covers and variant covers. These covers are incredible and include some beautifully wacky illustrations. Do yourself a favor and buy this volume in February. It’s brilliant.

Thanks to IDW for an advanced copy of this graphic novel for review! All the above thoughts are my own.

The full review including additional commentary can be found at https://backshelfbooks.com/2023/11/30/graphic-novel-review-star-trek-deep-space-nine-the-dog-of-war/ It will go live on Back Shelf Books on December 1, 2023.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

4.5
The plot blurb for this comic is pretty apt! The way this comic is written is honestly pretty good, it does feel like it could have been an episode on Deep Space Nine! This story managed to balance serious plot elements with more comedic ones precisely how they would have been handled in the Star Trek show. I found myself thoroughly captivated throughout the entire book, even though the dog parts in the holodeck were VERY silly. But again, it's the same type of goofy parts that literally every Star Trek show has had in the history of ever. The art style is American semi-realistic, which isn't to my personal taste, but it is good from the technical level. The illustrations between each chapter were really cute. I didn't expect the Lower Decks style one, that was such a cute nod to modern Trek.

The Dog of War is an absolute joy to read. Set during the Dominion War, this really does feel like it could have been an episode of the show. The characters feel very true and the artwork is very well done. Quark has a corgi he's named Latinum while waiting for the buyer and everyone gets involved with the amazing corgi cuteness. Meanwhile there's also Borg technology that could help with the war, but may have other dangers as well.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine--The Dog of War by Mike Chen


Star Trek is my fandom. I saw Star Trek IV in the theater in 1986 when I was ten. I remember when I became a Trekkie (spring of 1989) and I have loved Trek ever since. If you re curious, my current ranking of best Trek series as of today is:

LDS
TNG
DS9
SNW
PRO
DSC
TOS
VOY
PIC
TAS
ENT

But this could change tomorrow. I have been a Next Gen fan since season 2, and have been to more than my fair share of Trek conventions. I remember as a kid picking up Star Trek comics at a Creation convention and being so excited to get more stories from the Enterprise. I recently have started reading more Star Trek comics (I just finished and enjoyed Godshock) so I was happy to get an eARC of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine--The Dog of War by Mike Chen from IDW and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The story was fun and light. Set during the Dominion War, shortly after the retaking of DS9, it involves everyone going wild over a corgi that Quark has acquired while also dealing with some recently found Borg technology. The overall story is very frivolous, and the characterization and likenesses of some of the characters feel off, but it is mostly a fun romp. It was an enjoyable way to pass the time.

Thanks to NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is my favorite show, so naturally, when I saw this on NetGalley I had to request it! It was so much fun and felt a lot like watching an episode. I almost wish they had made this episode as it would have been a fun departure from the Dominion War episodes and it adds to Captain Sisko's backstory. My only complaint was that some of the character artwork seemed a little off and didn't quite look like the characters do in the TV show. The artwork wasn't bad, it just looked a little different than I anticipated and that did take me out of the story a bit. Overall, I would definitely recommend this to other DS9 fans.

I was initially interested in this book because of the cover. A Corgi with Borg implants is just plain entertaining to me.
I was also interested in this book because it’s Deep Space 9. I loved that show.
It was great to see the classic crew again set during the time of the Dominion War.
The story started off pretty lowbrow. Quark in the middle of another scheme to make more latinum.
This leads to a pretty heavy mission for the DS9 crew.
The artwork was solid. Good lines and good likenesses to the cast.
I could actually go for a running series of DS9 by this writer and artist team.

"Star Trek: Deep Space Nine--The Dog of War" nearly perfectly captures the rhythm and feel of the original nineties television show. This show provides a great treat for hard core fans and takes the original cast of characters for one more spin. The characters both look and "sound" like the originals and the plot has just the right mix of tense drama, weird science and Sci Fi wackiness to feel like it was actually written for the show. All this, - and the most adorable space dog ever, - what's not to love ?!


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, IDW Publishing for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review,

Review of "The Dog of War #1" by Mike Chen

Disclaimer: I was graciously provided with an advanced copy of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine-The Dog of War #1" in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Prepare for an exhilarating ride in this graphic novel where Sisko's encounter with the Borg takes canter stage. The addition of Section 31 and the charming corgi, Quark, add layers of intrigue and whimsy. With jaw-dropping artwork and a gripping narrative, this series earns a solid five stars. It's a must-read for fans of compelling characters and unexpected twists.

This "lost episode" should not work. I mean, a good portion of it is about a Corgi. A purebred dog.

On the other hand, the other story is more traditional and is about a Borgish device and a person or people who want to possess it. The twist with the Corgi was interesting, and, Jadzia was there, which was totally awesome.

A really fun comic celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Deep Space Nine

I may be a bit biased but I LOVED this book. Not only do I love DS9 and any opportunity to revisit the denizens of this once Cardassian now one of the most important hubs of the Federation, but the main "prize" was a purebred Pembroke Welsh Corgi. A. Corgi. For those who know me, there was no way I wasn't going to read this! Besides that, I loved how it brought to the surface some of Sisko's long standing opinions and thoughts about the Borg and his history with them.

This was an absolute delight, especially for me as a Trekker whose first and favorite series is Deep Space Nine. This story perfectly captures the essence of what makes DS9 and Trek so wonderful, and it reads just like a slightly silly but enjoyable episode set somewhere within the Dominion War. There's a moral dilemma, a tie-in to the overall story, the crew being a big family, some holodeck silliness, shenanigans with Quark, and a bevy of Trek references that are enjoyable without being over the top. It being about dogs is a little silly, but again, well within the range of things that Trek has taken on before, and this hits the perfect note of being fun and endearing without getting cheesy. On top of that, I loved the art between chapters showing characters and the dog that embodies them; I would absolutely buy those to put up on my wall.

I never expected more DS9 content, and this really scratches the itch in such a delightful way! Reading this was a really wonderful and unexpected surprise, and it honestly made me a little emotional, like seeing an old friend after a long time away.