Tag Archives: Star Trek

Star Trek Boldly Go #11 Review

20 Wednesday Sep 2017

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Star Trek Boldly Go #11

Review by Paul Bowler

The new voyages set after the events of Star Trek Beyond continue in Star Trek Boldly Go #11, with the former crew of the Enterprise now either reassigned or forging their own paths in this stellar Star Trek series from IDW Publishing. Now the space pirate Eurydice has returned with a mission for Captain Kirk and the crew of the USS Endeavour, one that could expose secrets that will have major implications for the galaxy!

A new chapter in Kirk’s appointment as the temporary Captain of the USS Endeavour gets under way in this issue of Star Trek Boldly Go, along with McCoy, and Sulu, as events flashback to the climatic moments of a fierce battle between the USS Heisenberg and three Klingon warships above the planet Axanar. Captain Garth overcomes the impossible odds and prevents war breaking out. These events go on to become a valuable lesson for new cadets at Starfleet Academy, and subsequently provide the first meeting between Captain Garth and Cadet Kirk.

The first part of this two-part story from the Trek creative team of writer Mike Johnson, artist Megan Levens, and colourist Marissa Louise stylishly builds from the establishing flashbacks as Captain Garth’s fateful mission to Antos IV entwines with the Kirk’s current assignment on the Endeavour in the present. With Kirk’s log entry initially driving the narrative, writer Mike Johnson gives us a real sense of how the Endeavour’s crew have knitted together following the events at Bable, focusing on key characters via the day-to-day running of the ship, and we are left in no doubt that Captain Kirk will miss this crew when his time as interim Captain is over. However, the calm is soon shattered when the Endeavour encounters Thalia, daughter of the feathered space pirate Eurydice, who asks Kirk to help her find her mother who has recently gone missing.

Featuring impressive artwork by Megan Levens, this issue of Star Trek Boldly Go cleverly balances past and present events. Megan Levens clear and concise style effectively relays the action whilst perfectly emulating the clean lines and glossy look of the new film series, characters are reasonably well realized, and the scenes featuring the starship vessels are also dramatically presented – especially the opening battle between the Heisenberg and the Klingons. The colors by Marissa Louise bring added clarity to each scene; with bold tones and delicate hues seamlessly blending together to nicely complement Megan Levans art.

Returning to Antos IV with Thalia, Kirk is quickly on the trail of Eurydice, and it soon becomes apparent that everything is not quite as it seems… Boasting an eye-catching cover featuring the Enterprise by George Caltsoudas, Star Trek Boldly Go #11, with its character driven storyline by Mike Johnson and great art by Megan Levens, is another excellent issue in this IDW Star Trek series.

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Writer: Mike Johnson / Art: Megan Levens / Colors: Marissa Louise

Letters: Andworld Design / Regular Cover: George Caltsoundas

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Star Trek The Next Generation Mirror Broken #1 Review

17 Wednesday May 2017

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Star Trek The Next Generation Mirror Broken #1

Review by Paul Bowler

Get ready to boldly return to the Mirror Universe in Star Trek The Next Generation Mirror Broken #1 as Captain Jean-Luc Picard resolves to seize command of the Empire’s deadliest new warship, the ISS Enterprise! It is a quest fraught with deception, intrigue, and murder – with allies and enemies vying for power at every turn. Picard aims to use the Enterprise to restore the Empire to its former glory, the challenge he faces is immense, but fortunately he has a cut-throat crew on his side that will do whatever it takes to succeed!

IDW Publishing’s new six part Star Trek: The Next Generation Mirror Broken mini-series, written by David Tipton and Scott Tipton, and illustrated by J.K. Woodward, kicks off in fine style with this exciting first issue. The Tipton brothers are a winning team when it comes to writing Star Trek, having already brought us many popular Star Trek comic books, including the Star Trek / Planet of the Apes: The Primate Directive crossover series and the FCBD Star Trek TNG Mirror Broken special (which was also the prequel to this mini-series).

The Tipton’s take on the Mirror Universe is a fascinating and insightful one, particularly as their was never a TV episode featuring the STTNG crew in this alternative dimensional pane. Star Trek TNG: Mirror Broken shows how the aftermath of the STTOS crews’ adventure in the episode Mirror Mirror (1967) that led to that universes Spock’s more logical and tolerant rule over the Terran Empire, was ultimately overrun during the Klingon / Cardassian alliance that was eventually forged during the TNG / DS9 era. With most of its fleet in ruins, the balance of power in Alpha Quadrant has shifted, and the Terran Empire has been driven back to Earth.

Captain Picard and the crew of the ISS Stargazer are among the few remaining starships of the fleet left defending the Empire. Following a run in with a Cardassian vessel, the Stargazer visits the Mars shipyards of Utopia Planitia, where Captain Picard learns about a new warship that’s secretly being constructed for the Empire, and it’s a ship that could shift the balance of power in his favour!

Star Trek TNG Mirror Broken presents us with a sleeveless, pumped up, and ruthlessly ambitious Captain Picard. Even the familiar Picard phrases have a far more sinister, edgier, inflection to them. Picard has been playing the long game, and it looks like the Captain’s steely patience is about to pay off. We also meet some of the other TNG crewmembers in this issue, including the alluring Inquisitor Troy, the efficient Commander Data is ever present with his seemingly stoic penchant for Borg-like perfection and adaptations, there’s a decidedly cunning version of Barclay as well, and the downtrodden La Forge seems equally as cunning as Picard.

Well known for Fallen Angel, longtime Star Trek artist, J.K. Woodward’s art is a perfect choice to illustrate IDW’s STTNG Mirror Broken and realize a darker version of the Next Generation crew in the grittier reality of the Mirror Universe. From the scene setting opening flashback, to the brooding introduction of Picard, J.K. Woodward’s stellar artwork instantly transports you right into the heart of this Mirror Universe saga. The likenesses of all the characters are stunningly realized, the bridge of the Stargazer feels alive with activity during the fight with the Cardassians, and the scenes with La Forge, Picard, and Data on Mars crackle with suspense.

As this year is the 30th anniversary of Star Trek The Next Generation, it makes this Mirror Universe comic book epic all the more exciting, and its great to see these Mirror Universe versions of Picard and Co reunited for this daring escapade to take the Enterprise for themselves and make the Terran Empire great again. Star Trek The Next Generation: Mirror Broken #1, with its intricately crafted storyline by David Tipton and Scott Tipton, and stunning art by J.K. Woodward, certainly gets this IDW mini-series off to a terrific start, and a must read for all Trek fans this new comic book day. Make it so!

Publisher IDW Publishing

Writers David Tipton & Scott Tipton / Art and colors by J.K. Woodward

Letters AndWorld Design / Cover by J.K. Woodward

New Star Trek Beyond Trailer Featuring “Sledgehammer” by Rihanna

28 Tuesday Jun 2016

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New Star Trek Beyond Trailer

Star Trek Beyond BANNER

Check out the third action-packed trailer for Justin Lin’s  Star Trek Beyond, featuring offers new footage and Rihanna’s latest single, Sledgehammer.

Star Trek Beyond is set for release on July 22nd, 2016

New Trailer For Star Trek Beyond!

21 Saturday May 2016

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New Trailer For Star Trek Beyond

Paramount Pictures have released a second trailer for Star Trek Beyond, the trailer features loads of new footage, including scenes with Idris Elba and Sofia Boutella. I’m really looking forward to this movie!

Check out the new trailer & poster for Star Trek Beyond!

Star Trek Beyond New Poster

Star Trek Beyond is set for release on July 22nd, 2016

Star Trek #54 Review

07 Monday Mar 2016

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Star Trek #54

Review by Paul Bowler

Captain Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S Enterprise continue their ongoing mission to explore the final frontier in IDW Publishing’s Star Trek #54, in Reunion Part 2, from writer Mike Johnson, with artwork and cover by Tony Shasteen, and colors by Davide Mastrolonardo. With intergalactic peace threatened the crew of the Enterprise must face a breakaway Orion faction, rescue their captive crewmembers, and confront treachery from within!

Following a rendezvous in space last issue between the Federation starships Enterprise and Tereshkova, that reunited Lieutenant Gaila with her brother, Kai, the ramifications of the events that caused them flee the Orion homeworld fourteen years ago with their father now threaten galactic peace. Uhura was delighted to see her friend Gaila again, but when the Enterprise and Tereshkoya respond to a distress call from the Ullushu system, the ships were ambushed by a renegade Orion faction. Gaila and Kai were transported onboard one of the Orion vessels, where they were taken to meet the instigator behind the attack, their own mother!

Star Trek #54 Cover

Mike Johnson skilfully brings the plot threads together for the conclusion of this new two-part story. Having originally escaped from the Orion homeworld in order to prevent Gaila being forced into an arranged marriage by her mother Vila to secure her families status and power, Gaila and Kai went on to become the first Orion siblings to join Starfleet. Now in Star Trek #54 they are prisoners of the rogue Orion faction, and this time their mother is determined to see that Kai’s marriage takes place – even at the cost of peace! Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise must deal with the situation and rescue Gaila and Kai, but in order to do so they will have to risk breaching the treaty between the Orion Syndicate and the Federation.

However, the Orion ships weaponry has somehow affected the Enterprise and the Tereshkova’s warp cores, weakening the antimatter containment fields, making pursuit of the unsanctioned Orion faction impossible until Scotty can makes repairs, and even then the Enterprise must venture into Orion territory alone. It also transpires that Vila has human spies deep inside Starfleet itself! With the clock ticking, time is running out for Gaila and Kai back on the Orion homeworld, with their mother busy organizing Gaila’s wedding to the insect-like Pacari, Seven-Tellek, while her brother Kai battles for his life in a gladiatorial arena.

The art by Tony Shasteen is superbly detailed and captures all of the characters likenesses perfectly. Each scene flows seamlessly into the next; the exciting page layouts build the momentum throughout, and the bold hues and tones of colorist Davide Mastrolonardo ensures Star Trek #54 looks amazing. There are numerous key moments in this issue: from the dramatic scenes of the starships in deep space, there are some highly impressive vistas featuring the Air-Chipelago on the Orion homeworld, the stark reality of the gladiatorial arena leaves absolutely no room for modesty, Kai and Gaila make a daring escape from their mothers clutches, and there’s stunning reveal for the Enterprise that will take your breath away!

Although it does feel like everything has been resolved a little too quickly, Reunion Part 2 is still a thoroughly enjoyable story, and the finale scenes with Uhrua, Gaila, Kia, and Kirk brings the issue to a nice close. Star Trek #54 is another great issue, writer Mike Johnson’s exciting script balances the action with some fine character moments, and Tony Shasteen’s impressive artwork brings this fast-paced story to life in fine style. This IDW series is a must for Star Trek fans, with its energizing story and art, it continues to expand on the concepts and premise of the Enterprise’s ongoing mission, and ramps the excitement up to warp speed with every issue!

Publisher: IDW / Writer: Mike Johnson / Art: Tony Shasteen

Colors: Davide Mastrolonardo / Letters: Neil Uyetake

Regular Cover: Tony Shasteen / Variant Cover: Cat Staggs

Star Trek Into Darkness Film Review

16 Thursday May 2013

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Star Trek Into Darkness

Review by Paul Bowler

Star Trek Into Darkness (poster)

After rebooting the floundering Star Trek franchise in 2009, JJ Abrams boldly inventive revamp was a box office smash. With its all new cast of young officers and just the right balance of action and adventure, Abrams crafted an entirely new version of Star Trek, while remaining true to the legacy of the original series and its iconic characters. For the sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness, director JJ Abrams returns along with the principle cast in a film bursting with eye popping special effects and spectacular actions sequences.

Star Trek Into Darkness (4)

When their mission to stop a volcano erupting on a distant planet causes Captain James T Kirk (Chris Pine) to disobey regulations, Kirk ends up being stripped of his command. Forced to serve under his old mentor, Rear Admiral Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood), it looks like there is no way back for Kirk this time. But when Starfleet is left reeling from a terrorist attacks on London and San Francisco, by John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch), Kirk is reinstated by Admiral Marcus (Peter Weller).

Kirk is soon back on the Enterprise, along with first officer Spock (Zachary Quinto), communications officer Uhura (Zoe Saldana), navigator Pavel Chekov (Anton Yelchin), chief medical officer Dr Leonard McCoy (Karl Urban), chief engineer Montgomer Scott (Simon Pegg), helmsman Sulu (John Cho), and newcomer Dr Carol Marcus (Alice Eve).

Star Trek Into Darkness (3)

Captain Kirk and his crew set out to track down the mysterious Harrison deep inside Klingon territory, with orders to deal with the threat. But when they discover who Harrison really is the crew of the Enterprise must face their greatest challenge yet, outgunned and facing impossible odds, they must succeed at any cost.

With its great ensemble cast and exciting plot, Star Trek Into Darkness is a resounding success on all levels. The friendship between the hot headed Captain Kirk and the logical half human Spock is really put to the test in Star Trek Into Darkness, as they face a crisis of confidence, with Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto both giving terrific performances. Spock’s relationship with Uhura also brings an added dimension to the character, while Kirk sets his sights on new Science Officer Dr Carol Marcus.

Star Trek Into Darkness (1)

Karl Urban plays a crucial role as Dr Leonard “Bones” McCoy, John Cho’s helmsman Sulu gets right in the thick of the action, along with Anton Yelchn’s Chekov, and Simon Pegg is on brilliant form chief engineer Scotty.

Benedict Cuumberbatch is fantastic as John Harrison, exuding a palpable menace in every scene; he poses a far more credible threat to Kirk and the Enterprise than Eric Bana’s aggrieved Romulan from the first film. As Starfleet reels from the wrath of Harrison’s attacks, the stage is set for some epic confrontations between Kirk and his deadly adversary, and fans will savour every moment as Harrison’s back story gradually unfolds.

Star Trek Into Darkness (2)

The trio of writers on Star Trek Into Darkness are headed by Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, who wrote the first film, and co author of Prometheus and the television series Lost, Damon Lindelof. The plot of this highly anticipated sequel is full of references to old Star Trek episodes and characters, and the nostalgic tone sits perfectly within the warp core of this rebooted franchise. Star Trek Into Darkness is directed with copious amounts of lens by flare by JJ Abrams that gleams across all the brilliantly orchestrated set-pieces: featuring exotic alien planets, a thrilling jump into an erupting volcano, phaser fights, a stunning jetpack ride, and with plenty of jaw dropping action for the USS Enterprise to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Star Trek Into Darkness takes this reinvigorated franchise to even greater heights. Filled with spellbinding action, great character moments, humour, and plenty of nods to the past for fans, Star Trek Into Darkness will leave you eagerly awaiting next voyage of the Starship Enterprise as her crew set out to boldly go once more.