In this review of Star Trek #32, the Lore War finally ends, and it’s not the how but the why that matters in this shattering finale.
Star Trek #32
Written by: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly
Art by: Davide Tinto
Main Cover: Malachi Ward
Variant Covers: Davide Tinto, J.J. Lendl
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: June 4, 2025
This review contains spoilers
Star Trek #32 moves fast as the resistance successfully implements their coordinated rescue of Lore’s coveted Quadrant Minds (who are in actuality Montgomery Scott, B’Elanna Torres, Geordi LaForge and Miles O’Brien). Once the four are disconnected, Lore is left disoriented and in the dark, as he rages against his brother Data for the failing to protect his toys.
Across the galaxy, Worf, Benjamin Sisko, Nymira Vondect, Borg-Spock and former Pah-Wraith Shaxs wage war against Lore’s scattered defense forces. Worf and Sisko debate the merits of the risky plan to restore the Bajoran Celestial Temple as they gain entry to Lore’s throne room, only to discover that the renegade android is nowhere to be found.
Data’s detached head greets them and explains Lore’s absence, so Sisko implements his plan anyway (with Data’s help) to link with the Quadrant Minds (they might be disconnected from Lore, but they are still linked to the information hub), but no one can find the Temple, the crux of Sisko’s gambit to restore the universe.
In the wake of his apparent failure, a despondent Sisko is confronted by the actual Lore, who appears in the (synthetic) flesh to gloat. Lore threatens and then cajoles Sisko into submitting to his twisted games, and sweetens the pot by bringing Sisko’s wife and son to him. A torn Sisko falters, but Worf reminds him of his duty and obligation to end Lore’s reign of terror.
Sisko has a sudden revelation (he is half-prophet after all), and makes the most devastating decision of his life as he loses his wife again, this time by choice. A frustrated Lore orders Data to reset the universe, but the suffering Sisko pulls a fast one by summoning the other nine Bajoran orbs to help bring this nightmare to an end, by destroying Lore’s source of power and undoing all of the mad android’s twisted works.
While Lore is caught off guard is by Sisko’s successful gambit, he is truly shocked by his brother’s betrayal, after Data refuses to comply with Lore’s commands. Enraged, Lore threatens Data but is blindsided by Worf, (brandishing Kahless II’s Bat’Leth). Worf finishes off Lore with a blast from one of the Bajoran orbs while commenting about how Klingons treat their gods (hint: not in a good way).
Star Trek #32 ends as Sisko orders a smiling Data to end Lore’s abomination, and reset reality.
Analysis
Star Trek #32 could easily be subtitled “Ben Sisko’s Dark Night of the Soul” or “The Last Temptation of Benjamin Sisko”, as the former Emissary wins the Lore War by willingly losing the love of his life, again.
The last time Sisko was forced to defeat a malevolent enemy, he forfeited his own life to vanquish Gul Dukat in the series finale of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The man has a history.
Writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing leave it all on the field, bringing the Lore War story to its remarkable conclusion, by adding small touches and nice character moments along the way. Although there is precious little Borg-Spock in Star Trek #32 , it’s nice to know that he’s still in the mix. Kelly and Lanzing craft a fitting finale full of thrills, action, drama, and oh so many emotions (the feels).
The writing duo excel at referencing existing source material to provide character-accurate dialogue and behavior. Sisko, Worf, Data and Lore form the crux of the Lore War storyline, and the writers give all four of these fan-favorite characters their due (sure Lore doesn’t get a happy ending, but is he ever really happy?)
Artist Davide Tinto completes his run on Lore War, turning in another stellar installment with Star Trek #32. Tinto’s artwork is a master class in storytelling, action, composition, figure work, backgrounds and most especially, facial expressions: Data’s smile, Lore’s slow descent into madness, Sisko’s array of emotions from crushing sadness and uncertainty to hope and determination.
Final Thoughts
Star Trek #32 is a satisfying wrap up of the Lore War crossover, as the creative team focuses on the four lead characters’ insecurities and interpersonal conflicts, while crafting a rollicking tale full of sci-fi action, thrills, drama and intrigue, with a promise of something new and better on the horizon (see: Star Trek: Omega).
