The newest threat to the Star Trek universe is its most powerful, even more than the Borg. Species 8472 are feared even by the Borg, and now the denizens of Fluidic Space are launching an all-out invasion of the Federation, and as seen in Star Trek: Voyager: Homecoming #2, it may be over before it begins.
Star Trek: Voyager: Homecoming #2 was written by Tilly Bridges and Susan Bridges and drawn by Angel Hernandez. Voyager has been taken over by Species 8472. As seen in the first issue, 8472’s shapeshifting abilities fooled even the most advanced Starfleet detection methods.
In issue two, one member of 8472 withstands direct contact with plasma coolant fluid.
Voyager Made A Lot of Enemies in the Delta Quadrant
Voyager Encountered Old Foes, Such as the Borg, As Well
During its seven years stranded in the Delta Quadrant, Voyager made many enemies, and encountered old ones as well. The Borg, who just a few years before Voyager’s arrival nearly brought the Federation to its knees, call the Delta Quadrant home. It was only a matter of time before Voyager encountered them.
After meeting a breakaway faction of the Borg, Voyager encountered the real deal at the end of the show’s third season. Voyager came across the Borg at a time of upheaval for the Collective: it was under assault by an extradimensional invader, and their numbers were being severely depleted. If the invasion was left unchecked, the Borg would be done.
Species 8472’s real name is unknown. The “8472” designation came from the Borg.
The invaders turned out to be a lifeform unlike any seen on another Star Trek show: Species 8472. Hailing from Fluidic Space, the aliens used organic-based technology. Species 8472’s genetic structure also makes them immune to the Borg’s assimilation process. Since the Borg could not assimilate 8472, they were essentially defenseless before the onslaught, one they provoked.
Species 8472 Was Still a Threat, Even After Voyager and the Borg Stopped Them
Species 8472 Have Launched an Invasion of the Federation
An alliance between Voyager and the Borg turned back Species 8472’s invasion, but the aliens were by no means now friends with the Federation. Indeed, Species 8472 began preliminary work towards invading the Alpha Quadrant, but Captain Janeway was successful in convincing them not to do so. Still, Species 8472 was out there, and still a big unknown.
In the first issue of Star Trek: Voyager: Homecoming, Species 8472 overrun the ship, seemingly breaking their truce. As revealed in issue one, 8472 now sees Voyager as a threat, thanks to the infusion of futuristic tech the ship received from a time-traveling Janeway. Believing the new technology broke the agreement, they resumed the invasion.
Species 8472 Are Star Trek’s Most Powerful Aliens, Full Stop
Species 8472 Are Superior to the Borg in Every Way
As seen throughout Species 8472’s various television and comic book appearances, they are one of the most powerful Star Trek races. In addition to the aforementioned resistance to assimilation, Species 8472 are extremely powerful telepaths. In their first appearance, 8472 lashed out at Kes, who had telepathic powers. 8472’s psychic powers have also exacerbated Tuvok’s mental deterioration.
Species 8472’s appearances also established they have shape-shifting abilities, similar to Deep Space Nine’s Founders. Starfleet developed tests and protocols for detecting shape-shifters, most inspired by the Founders. Yet Species 8472 were able to slip right past them and infiltrate Voyager. This gives 8472 the element of surprise, something the Borg do not have.
8472’s genetic structure was unique, and within it lies their resistance to the Borg, but as seen in Homecoming #2, it just makes them tougher overall. The plasma coolants in Engineering can melt organic material. Voyager’s crew was counting on the coolant being able to take out 8472, but the alien just shrugged it off.
Star Trek Has Never Faced a Foe Like Species 8472
Species 8472 Could Do What the Borg, the Klingons and the Romulans Failed to Do: Destroy the Federation
Species 8472 nearly destroyed the Borg, and it is easy to see why: they are the Collective’s superior in every way. Nothing from the Borg’s usual bag of tricks will work on Species 8472, making the Fluidic Space aliens the biggest, and most powerful, alien race in the Star Trek universe.
Star Trek: Voyager: Homecoming #2 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!
