Star Trek is about to transform Worf’s son Alexander into the franchise’s most exciting Klingon. Alexander was an important part of last year’s Day of Blood crossover event, and in the aftermath, he has embraced a new path: practicing medicine. In a first look at Star Trek: Defiant #23, Alexander’s new calling may be over before it starts–and if he survives, then the future is his.
IDW Publishing released their January solicitations, including Star Trek: Defiant #23. Written by Christopher Cantwell and drawn by Angel Unzueta, the solicitation reads as follows:
Alexander's cha'DIch Worf has tasked him with a near-impossible task for his Errand of Valor: rescue the workers rebelling against a deuterium mega-power, Archanis Inter-Corporate. He must fight selflessly in the name of the helpless... even if it costs him his life. If that weren't enough of a challenge, a face from Alexander's bloody past appears to test where his heart truly lies.
Meanwhile, in the minefield of the Alpha Quadrant, Ro, B'Elanna, and O'Brien find themselves in a stalemate between the Cardassians and Section 31 that could end explosively.
Star Trek: Defiant #23 is the second part of the “No Old Warriors” storyline, which sees Worf try to help his son reclaim the honor he lost at the end of Day of Blood. The story will also no doubt feed into the upcoming The Lore War crossover.
Alexander's Role in the Star Trek Universe, Explained
Alexander Was Failed by a Lot of People--Including His Own Father, Worf
While Worf tried to be a good father to Alexander, he often came up short.
Worf’s son, Alexander, has not had an easy go of it in the Star Trek universe. The product of an affair between Worf and the half-Klingon K’Ehlyr, Alexander did not know his father for the first few years of his life. After his mother’s death, Alexander was sent to live with Worf’s human parents on Earth, but it proved too much for the elderly couple to handle. As a result, Alexander was sent to live with his father aboard the Enterprise. While Worf tried to be a good father to Alexander, he often came up short.
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And it is this troubled relationship with his father that would color Alexander’s teenage years. After the Enterprise’s destruction, as seen in Star Trek: Generations, Alexander returns to Earth, and Worf decides to leave him there. Worf then transferred to Deep Space Nine, and Alexander would not be seen again until the sixth season episode “Sons and Daughters.” Now a teenager, Alexander joined the Klingon Defense Force, as a way of proving to his father that he truly was a warrior. Despite this new allegiance, Alexander was still drifting.
Alexander Joined a Cult to Get Back at His Dad
Worf Nearly Lost Alexander--This Time for Good
As a result of this state of mind, Alexander was perfect prey for Kahless, the cloned Klingon Emperor. Seeking to live up to his namesake, Kahless declared war on the gods of the universe, creating a fanatical cult called the Red Path to do his bidding. Kahless made his move in Day of Blood, provoking an uprising on the Klingon homeworld. Worf and the Defiant’s crew traveled to Q’Onos to quell the rebellion, and Worf was shocked to see his son had thrown his lot in with Kahless. Worf was at long last confronted with his failures as a father.
Alexander was played on screen by two different actors: Brian Bonsall on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Marc Worden on Deep Space Nine.
Day of Blood not only altered the dynamic between father and son forever, but also ultimately led Alexander down the path he now travels. Kahless killed Alexander, but he was saved thanks to the Bajoran Prophets. As seen in the Sons of Star Trek miniseries, Alexander still felt alienated, but his adventures in an alternate universe showed him he had an aptitude for medicine, and the book ended with Alexander agreeing to practice for the Federation in exchange for a commuted sentence. Fans left wondering how Alexander’s career in medicine is going need not wait long.
Alexander Now Walks a Better Path in the Star Trek Universe
Becoming a Doctor Helps Alexander Stick Out from the Crowd
Custom image by Mark Donaldson
Now, Alexander has seemingly found his place in the Star Trek universe, and his arc could not be more inspiring. Alexander has risen from a confused and isolated child to practice the noble calling of medicine. Alexander’s new role as a medic allows him to tap into his natural gifts and use them to better the lives of everyone around him. Most Klingons are depicted as warriors and soldiers, and making Alexander a doctor helps him stand out further. While Alexander may not be the warrior his father hoped, he will in time become the coolest Klingon in the franchise.
Star Trek: Defiant #23 is on sale January 29 from IDW Publishing!
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