Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and the rest of the original era Enterprise crew has gotten a work out from IDW Publishing (idwpublishing.com) in the last few weeks. In the “new” timeline, we can read the second part of the retelling of the TOS episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before.” Meanwhile, in the “classic” timeline, we watch as the crew takes another journey into a mirror universe, where they will soon encounter a different group in the wrong universe, the Legion of Super-Heroes.
Already having read the first issue of “Star Trek: Where No Man Has Gone Before” last month, I was not sure what to expect with the conclusion to this story. Already, there had been slight deviations from the original, and by definition, the second half would see even more changes. Once again, writer Mike Johnson did a fine job. One major change was already evidenced in the previous issue, with Dr. Dehner’s absence. This gives a whole different dimension to the story, which was mostly seen in this issue. Without her there for Kirk to convince to help, he has to face his old friend, Gary Mitchell, alone. Or so he thinks, until Spock arrives to help his new friend. This is a very good way to play this aspect, as it adds to the bonding that is needed by these two characters.
Another change that I liked in this Star Trek issue was how Mitchell took Kirk on a stroll through his memories. Johnson was able to use this to remind us that this is the new timeline by using familiar images from the 2009 movie. Also, this shows us that the relationship between these two individuals is also different.
Artist Stephen Molnar turned in another great issue. His art on the characters is excellent, and he was able to give depth and dimension to the stark planet of Delta Vega.
I have to say that I did enjoy this first short arc for the new series. While I disagree with their choice to bring in stories from the past this to begin this series, the two-part tale was well done, and a worthy part of the Star Trek comic book universe.
As for the other mini-series, there have been various crossovers before, but I have to admit I was shocked earlier this year when I first heard about the project that would be bringing Kirk and his crew together with Brainiac 5, Cosmic Boy, and other members of the Legion of Super-Heroes. These are two very different groups, and I’m not sure that bringing them together will be such a good idea.
Writer Chris Roberson has used this first issue to set up the situation that brings all the players to an alternate universe, one that would appear to be a “mirror” of our own. I am not sure if this is the “official” Mirror Universe as previously seen in Star Trek, but it certainly appears to be very similar and dark, with an emphasis on conquest and war.
Cosmic Boy, Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad, Brainiac 5, Chameleon Boy, and Shadow Lass are returning from a mission, using a time bubble to carry them through limbo. The bubble becomes stuck in the timestream, and begins to crack. Brainy manages to land it, but they are attacked by the planet’s inhabitants. Brainy checks his readings, and confirms that they are in the 23rd century, but not in their universe.
Over on the Enterprise, in their universe, the ship has arrived back at Earth so that Kirk can give the commencement speech at Starfleet Academy. Scotty is left in command while Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Sulu, Uhura, and Chekov beam down, expecting to arrive at the Academy. While they are indeed in San Francisco, it is not “their” Earth.
Overall, I was pleased with the art from Jeffrey and Philip Moy. Most of the Star Trek characters were very nice, with only a few panels that did not look enough like Shatner, Nimoy, and the others.
This issue sets things up for these two groups to eventually meet, and I would guess work together to return to their respective universes. So far, the story is bland and there have been no true surprises. The one aspect that might save this story is that it is set in a mirror universe. In Star Trek, mirror universe stories, when done well, are quite enjoyable and have many possibilities. However, a mirror universe story mixed with a gimmick crossover may be too much to truly succeed. I’ll have to reserve judgment on the story until at least next issue, when hopefully we will see the two groups interact. In my opinion, some aspect of that issue will need to be compelling, or this mini-series may not be worth continuing to read to the conclusion.
