What do you think?
Rate this book
Star Trek (2011) #2
Star Trek, Volume 2
The voyages of the new crew of the Enterprise continue in this re-imagining of the original series using the altered timeline from the 2009 movie. Contained in this volume is the re-telling of the classic episode "Operation: Annihilate!" and an all-new, two-part story that takes place soon after the events of the first film! Star Trek writer/producer Roberto Orci oversees this original story set in the timeline leading up to the blockbuster film sequel!
104 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
65 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Mike Johnson
609 books53 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Mike Johnson is a comic book writer.
An almost lifelong Trekkie, he has scripted more Star Trek comic books than anyone else to date.
Mike Johnson is a comic book writer.
An almost lifelong Trekkie, he has scripted more Star Trek comic books than anyone else to date.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
October 14, 2021
"It is simply not logical for a Vulcan ship to be on its own this far from the surviving fleets. Any ship doing so would be in direct conflict with the edicts of the ruling council." -- Mr. Spock (of course)
"And Vulcans would never disobey orders, would they?" -- Capt. James T. Kirk, giving a sly look
Not quite as good as the initial installment, Volume 2 again features two distinct stories (with the intrepid U.S.S. Enterprise crew illustrated to resemble the cast of the 2009-2016 reboot movies), but this time only the first tale is adapted from a script related to the original 1966-1969 TV series. 'Operation: Annihilate!' - adapted from a late first season episode - was good in a brisk way but still felt like it lacked some depth in presentation. The original follow-up 'Vulcan's Vengeance' was even more disappointing, it being overly talky and lacking in action and suspense. Also, the illustration style did not seem quite as good or sharply defined as in the first volume. Lastly, the continuity editor must have been out to a particularly strong liquid lunch that day - solid supporting player Lt. Zahra (a female yeoman) amazingly appears to changes races and hairstyle/length/color throughout both stories, somewhat adding to the feeling that not as much care was put into this sequel of sorts.
"And Vulcans would never disobey orders, would they?" -- Capt. James T. Kirk, giving a sly look
Not quite as good as the initial installment, Volume 2 again features two distinct stories (with the intrepid U.S.S. Enterprise crew illustrated to resemble the cast of the 2009-2016 reboot movies), but this time only the first tale is adapted from a script related to the original 1966-1969 TV series. 'Operation: Annihilate!' - adapted from a late first season episode - was good in a brisk way but still felt like it lacked some depth in presentation. The original follow-up 'Vulcan's Vengeance' was even more disappointing, it being overly talky and lacking in action and suspense. Also, the illustration style did not seem quite as good or sharply defined as in the first volume. Lastly, the continuity editor must have been out to a particularly strong liquid lunch that day - solid supporting player Lt. Zahra (a female yeoman) amazingly appears to changes races and hairstyle/length/color throughout both stories, somewhat adding to the feeling that not as much care was put into this sequel of sorts.
March 8, 2020
A re-telling of the TOS episode "Operation: Annihilate!", with the crew of Start Trek AOS. Therefore the story of Jim‘s brother Sam has slight differences to the original. Again, for obvious reasons, no surprises. Aka pretty boring, if you know Star Trek.
The artwork is better than in volume 1, but still not stellar.
Followed by „Vulcan‘s Vengeance“, a new story following the events of the Narada and the destruction of Vulcan. It was ok. Nice idea, pretty sedate storytelling. Not terribly exciting.
The artwork is better than in volume 1, but still not stellar.
Followed by „Vulcan‘s Vengeance“, a new story following the events of the Narada and the destruction of Vulcan. It was ok. Nice idea, pretty sedate storytelling. Not terribly exciting.
April 2, 2023
We get one repurposed TOS story in this second Star Trek volume and then a follow-up to the storyline of the first Star Trek movie. The TOS story fits the bill: it's small, clever, and quickly resolved.
The second story is intriguing, but also has galactic implications and awkwardly brings back settled characters. It feels out of place, even if it's an otherwise fine read.
The second story is intriguing, but also has galactic implications and awkwardly brings back settled characters. It feels out of place, even if it's an otherwise fine read.
February 4, 2020
Star Trek Kelvin Timeline Ongoing Volume 2 from IDW (2012), written by Mike Johnson, with artists Joe Corroney and Joe Phillips, collects issue #5-8 of the ongoing series following the crew of the USS Enterprise from the new movies Kelvin universe.
This second volume includes the Kelvin adaptation of an old TOS episode, and an original two-part story (but with a clear reference to the impact it could have on another TOS scenario).
In which we learn that this young alternate version of Kirk isn’t yet able to beat Spock at 3D Chess, Hikaru Sulu finally gets a part, and we’re offered a passing reference to Star Trek VI : The Undiscovered Country.
Issues #5-6 « Operation Annihilate » : The story starts with an interesting flashback to the aftermath of young James T. Kirk « Sabotage ! » joyride from the beginning of the first Abrams’ movie, giving us motivation for his reckless act. « Present » day, the USS Enterprise investigates an epidemic of mass insanity jumping planet to planet. As Spock gets infected, Kirk is reunited with his estranged brother.
Issues #7-8 « Vulcan’s Vengeance » : in a shady tavern, a smuggler seemingly delivers schematics of Nero’s ship from the first Abrams movie to romulans... or are they Vulcans ? Meanwhile, the Enterprise discovers a sabotaged deep space sensor relay near the romulan neutral zone. Could there be romulans trying to emulate Nero, or emotional vulcans looking for revenge for an act committed by a renegade romulan from a future that doesn’t exist anymore ?
IDW delivers some new solid, although not exceptional stories. The art seems to get better, both for characters and backgrounds, but takes a step back in issue #7. That’s quite inconsistent. Some character development finally happens, as Spock’s actions in the three first storylines are addressed by the end of Operation Annihilate adaptation, leading to the original story that follows. This one, giving the writer free reign, would have benefited from more pages, but shows promise for the future of the series. Minor characters from the movie getting further developed reminded me of what made the DC Star Trek comics so special.
This second volume includes the Kelvin adaptation of an old TOS episode, and an original two-part story (but with a clear reference to the impact it could have on another TOS scenario).
In which we learn that this young alternate version of Kirk isn’t yet able to beat Spock at 3D Chess, Hikaru Sulu finally gets a part, and we’re offered a passing reference to Star Trek VI : The Undiscovered Country.
Issues #5-6 « Operation Annihilate » : The story starts with an interesting flashback to the aftermath of young James T. Kirk « Sabotage ! » joyride from the beginning of the first Abrams’ movie, giving us motivation for his reckless act. « Present » day, the USS Enterprise investigates an epidemic of mass insanity jumping planet to planet. As Spock gets infected, Kirk is reunited with his estranged brother.
Issues #7-8 « Vulcan’s Vengeance » : in a shady tavern, a smuggler seemingly delivers schematics of Nero’s ship from the first Abrams movie to romulans... or are they Vulcans ? Meanwhile, the Enterprise discovers a sabotaged deep space sensor relay near the romulan neutral zone. Could there be romulans trying to emulate Nero, or emotional vulcans looking for revenge for an act committed by a renegade romulan from a future that doesn’t exist anymore ?
IDW delivers some new solid, although not exceptional stories. The art seems to get better, both for characters and backgrounds, but takes a step back in issue #7. That’s quite inconsistent. Some character development finally happens, as Spock’s actions in the three first storylines are addressed by the end of Operation Annihilate adaptation, leading to the original story that follows. This one, giving the writer free reign, would have benefited from more pages, but shows promise for the future of the series. Minor characters from the movie getting further developed reminded me of what made the DC Star Trek comics so special.
October 22, 2015
This was ok. I feel like this series has potential that's just not being met.
May 6, 2019
Kirk has a brother who ran away from home because of their abusive uncle. It's a fun information, but it's too bad that it isn't explored in greater detail. While the threats on the Enterprise crew are serious, everything is resolved by the end with no trauma or progress to be mentiond. The second story finally makes this series stand out. It features the return of the Romulans from the movie and a serious threat to the Romulan-Federation peace treaty.
The Enterprise discovers a pattern of unexplained insanity that has afflicted a number of planets. During their investigation on the latest affected planet, Deneva, the away team is attacked by its inhabitants who speak with one voice: 'intruders!' They then find a room full of pink creatures that are likely the cause of the mass inanity. Spock gets attacked by on of them. The away team is saved by Kirk's brother George who has run away from home for years.
The surviving members of the Narada return. They aquire the plans for the Narada from a smuggler and the last remaining drop of Red Matter from a Vulcan ship with a classified mission. They want to spark a galactic war to destroy the Federation.
The Enterprise discovers a pattern of unexplained insanity that has afflicted a number of planets. During their investigation on the latest affected planet, Deneva, the away team is attacked by its inhabitants who speak with one voice: 'intruders!' They then find a room full of pink creatures that are likely the cause of the mass inanity. Spock gets attacked by on of them. The away team is saved by Kirk's brother George who has run away from home for years.
The surviving members of the Narada return. They aquire the plans for the Narada from a smuggler and the last remaining drop of Red Matter from a Vulcan ship with a classified mission. They want to spark a galactic war to destroy the Federation.
September 15, 2022
A quick read, consisting of two stories as did volume 1. Operation Annihilate gets the alternative timeline treatment. It's not that different apart from the fact that in this timeline Kirk's father died and he was brought up by an apparently abusive uncle who took in his mother (the uncle was her brother) and Jim. Older brother Sam couldn't put up with it and left home, something Jim has never forgiven him for. In this version, Sam isn't killed by the creatures. There was also the oddity that the things enveloped people's heads like the creature in the Alien series rather than clamping onto their backs and injecting their spines. The things seemed to dwell just in the brain and not take over the rest of the nervous system. I found the whole thing rather perfunctory.
The second story was original, based on the conflict between Romulus and the destroyed (in this timeline) Vulcan or rather its survivors. I wasn't keen on this either. Although enjoying a Kindle Unlimited trial sub at the moment, I'm not sure I'll bother with any more of this series. So an "OK" 2 star rating.
The second story was original, based on the conflict between Romulus and the destroyed (in this timeline) Vulcan or rather its survivors. I wasn't keen on this either. Although enjoying a Kindle Unlimited trial sub at the moment, I'm not sure I'll bother with any more of this series. So an "OK" 2 star rating.
January 13, 2018
Great continuation of the movie. If you like the new Star Trek movies, you'll love this. If not - tbd - but give it a shot anyway!
April 19, 2021
3/5 for 'Opperation: Anihilate!' and 4/5 for 'Vulcan's Vengeance'. 3.5/5 overall.
+1 Engaging plots. Preferred 'Vulcan's Vengeance' to the AOS version of 'Opperation: Annihilate!', though
+1 Ethics and anti-violence themes, especially from Kirk and Spock in 'Vulcan's Vengeance' (which opposes war, the concept of vengeance, genocide and the Good vs Enemy binary).
"Vengeance is never a result of logic"
-Female characters:
+1 Security Lieutenant Zahra with the pant uniform (that every female Starfleet officer would be wearing if we had logic and practicality in mind instead of obsolete sexism) and with an active role on an away mission in 'Vulcan's Vengeance' (piloting, fighting).
-1 All other women (including Zahra in the first story :/, who otherwise also has an active role in an away-mission) in the illogical, double-standard sexist uniform minidresses. In away-missions. Being Security officers. Fighting. OK *facepalm*
-1 Uhura didn't do much. Appeared in her role as communications officer in both stories, but mostly there to worry about Spock's issues :/ (also featuring lack of communication thanks to Vulcans' repression of emotions "I do not fully understand your concerns...I will endeavour to alleviate them as circumstances require"). Her relationship isn't the most important thing about her! And women aren't here to primarily deal with their male partner's issues, stop writing them as doing that all the time! I mean, I generally like Spuhura, but I hate the way they focus on that too often :/ (thanks Beyond for improving on that issue)
-Other characters:
+1 The characterization of all main characters is generally well depicted
+1 Bones' presence and snark is always 100% welcome :D
"Jim, when we get out of this, remind me to check on my transfer to that clinic back in Huntsville...the one without the fear of imminent death" xD
+1 Hendorff insisting that Kirk don't call him 'Cupcake' every time he gets a chance xD
-Random thoughts:
-1 Vulcans being problematic: There's a problematic scene where Spocks threatens to force mind-meld in order to get information from a Vulcan science vessel officer :/ :S (that's basically the worst kind of assault/invasion you can do to a Vulcan, and illegal in Vulcan society, I'm not sure if I should see it as an strategical bluff, or as a bit OoC from AOS Spock's part that he was actually considering that :S, or just as plain problematic because Spock Prime actually did that in An Undiscovered Country :/). Also Sarek initially intending to destroy Romulus out of vengeance for Vulcan's destruction makes him more morally dubious than expected.
-1 Not that much of a fan of the glorification of the traditional 'happy heteronormative family' in 'Opperation: Annihilate!'. It wasn't overdone, seeing as the story was more focused on Kirk and his brother (and it was nice to delve deeper into Kirk's backstory), but still.
- Incoherence with movie!canon: Winona Kirk didn't die, as is suggested in 'Opperation: Annihilate!', and her job in Starfleet is not mentioned either in Kirk's flashbacks.
- Still not sure if Frank is Kirk's uncle or stepdad (uncle in this version, but incoherence about Winona, so), but what we know for certain is that he's (at least) verbally abusive to Jim and Winona and thinks himself the head of the household and the one who can make all decisions and control everybody :(. Sexism still going strong in 23rd Century's Iowa here :/
+1 Engaging plots. Preferred 'Vulcan's Vengeance' to the AOS version of 'Opperation: Annihilate!', though
+1 Ethics and anti-violence themes, especially from Kirk and Spock in 'Vulcan's Vengeance' (which opposes war, the concept of vengeance, genocide and the Good vs Enemy binary).
"Vengeance is never a result of logic"
-Female characters:
+1 Security Lieutenant Zahra with the pant uniform (that every female Starfleet officer would be wearing if we had logic and practicality in mind instead of obsolete sexism) and with an active role on an away mission in 'Vulcan's Vengeance' (piloting, fighting).
-1 All other women (including Zahra in the first story :/, who otherwise also has an active role in an away-mission) in the illogical, double-standard sexist uniform minidresses. In away-missions. Being Security officers. Fighting. OK *facepalm*
-1 Uhura didn't do much. Appeared in her role as communications officer in both stories, but mostly there to worry about Spock's issues :/ (also featuring lack of communication thanks to Vulcans' repression of emotions "I do not fully understand your concerns...I will endeavour to alleviate them as circumstances require"). Her relationship isn't the most important thing about her! And women aren't here to primarily deal with their male partner's issues, stop writing them as doing that all the time! I mean, I generally like Spuhura, but I hate the way they focus on that too often :/ (thanks Beyond for improving on that issue)
-Other characters:
+1 The characterization of all main characters is generally well depicted
+1 Bones' presence and snark is always 100% welcome :D
"Jim, when we get out of this, remind me to check on my transfer to that clinic back in Huntsville...the one without the fear of imminent death" xD
+1 Hendorff insisting that Kirk don't call him 'Cupcake' every time he gets a chance xD
-Random thoughts:
-1 Vulcans being problematic: There's a problematic scene where Spocks threatens to force mind-meld in order to get information from a Vulcan science vessel officer :/ :S (that's basically the worst kind of assault/invasion you can do to a Vulcan, and illegal in Vulcan society, I'm not sure if I should see it as an strategical bluff, or as a bit OoC from AOS Spock's part that he was actually considering that :S, or just as plain problematic because Spock Prime actually did that in An Undiscovered Country :/). Also Sarek initially intending to destroy Romulus out of vengeance for Vulcan's destruction makes him more morally dubious than expected.
-1 Not that much of a fan of the glorification of the traditional 'happy heteronormative family' in 'Opperation: Annihilate!'. It wasn't overdone, seeing as the story was more focused on Kirk and his brother (and it was nice to delve deeper into Kirk's backstory), but still.
- Incoherence with movie!canon: Winona Kirk didn't die, as is suggested in 'Opperation: Annihilate!', and her job in Starfleet is not mentioned either in Kirk's flashbacks.
- Still not sure if Frank is Kirk's uncle or stepdad (uncle in this version, but incoherence about Winona, so), but what we know for certain is that he's (at least) verbally abusive to Jim and Winona and thinks himself the head of the household and the one who can make all decisions and control everybody :(. Sexism still going strong in 23rd Century's Iowa here :/
June 27, 2016
Fun & entertaining. The first story was a re-telling of a TOS first season episode Operation: Annihilate! which was well done & the second story's about a small group of Vulcan's that are conducting a covert mission against the Romulans as a means of Avenging the destruction of the planet Vulcan. Writing & artwork are both good, it's just a fun read. I'm glad I decided to give this series another shot.
May 4, 2021
A 2 Story collection, which had an interesting ideas but really did not take the time to flesh out. The 1st had to do with Kirk's long lost brother & the 2nd was a quasi sequel to the 1st movie.
December 7, 2023
Operation: Annihilate is a good choice of episode although it's a bit awkward to have to switch Sam Kirk for George since Sam was never born. If we put on our science fiction hats and think about the likelihood of that happening organically, it's not looking strong, but this is more of a TOS Remastered series and less of a full reimagining in the Kelvin timeline, so I'm not trying to be too mean.
I might be a bit mean to the series' first original story. This is more of an attempt to explore the world of the Kelvin timeline and I would have to say it's a miscue. Wild character choices for some familiar faces, which is, of course, fine for an alternate universe story, but I felt it needed more support. Both of these stories, in fact, feel rushed by the two-issue constraint. And, while there's more interpersonal development than the characters got on the show, but there's probably more that could have been done in that department.
I guess the only way to satisfy all of my complaints would be to adapt each episode into its own TPB which would be wildly prohibitive, so I understand the bind.
I might be a bit mean to the series' first original story. This is more of an attempt to explore the world of the Kelvin timeline and I would have to say it's a miscue. Wild character choices for some familiar faces, which is, of course, fine for an alternate universe story, but I felt it needed more support. Both of these stories, in fact, feel rushed by the two-issue constraint. And, while there's more interpersonal development than the characters got on the show, but there's probably more that could have been done in that department.
I guess the only way to satisfy all of my complaints would be to adapt each episode into its own TPB which would be wildly prohibitive, so I understand the bind.
March 27, 2017
This collects a retelling of a classic episode with the new characters and a story that could only come to pass in the new, Vulcan-less universe. Both are interesting. I appreciated the exploration of Kirk's relationship with his brother, the ways it changed and the ways it didn't, as well as Spock's visit to Romulus, a world he was so strangely connected to in the original canon. As always, the art on this book does an excellent job of updating the sixties aesthetic of the show without losing the feel of those pioneering episodes.
I highly recommend this comic to Star Trek fans.
I highly recommend this comic to Star Trek fans.
March 13, 2024
Star Trek Vol. 2
A crisis on Deneva reunites Kirk with his estranged brother, George. Then a discovery in the shattered ruins of Vulcan may provide a proud people with a means to extract vengeance on their Romulan brethren.
The 'Star Trek' relaunch looks promising as the writers begin to create their own stories rather than adapting old episodes. The artwork is solid and the panels and layout makes this an easy and engaging read.
A crisis on Deneva reunites Kirk with his estranged brother, George. Then a discovery in the shattered ruins of Vulcan may provide a proud people with a means to extract vengeance on their Romulan brethren.
The 'Star Trek' relaunch looks promising as the writers begin to create their own stories rather than adapting old episodes. The artwork is solid and the panels and layout makes this an easy and engaging read.
August 22, 2017
Enjoyed the vulcan story more. I do wish that the "lesser" threesome of Uhura, Chekov and Sulu had more to do, but those were always my favorite characters. I do like Lt Zahara who seems to be a version of Tasha Yar, whose death I never forgive TNG for.
January 15, 2024
Both retells a TOS story and offers an original tale set in the Kelvin timeline.
August 9, 2012
*4.5-5 Stars*
*The Gush*
As my severely long review of the previous volume in this series suggest, I love the idea and execution of these comics. The blending of old and new are wonderfully done and I feel help to both link the new with old beloved series as well as give the AOS a chance to shine on its own. That is shown very well here in this new volume with one story coming from the original series and one story brand new and hot off the presses before the next film!
Operation: Annihilate
This was one of my favorite episodes from the classic series and so when I saw this was being done I immediately dove right in. Once again, the series does a great job of balancing the old and the new. The main plot is the same, but because of the alterations in the timeline, there are differences. The aftermath of Sam's disappearance (a deleted scene from the movie) is dealt with before jumping into the mission to Deneva. Kirk's reintroducing to his brother is handled well, both showing the angry child he can't quite shake and the talented young man he is becoming despite his history. The landscaping of the colony needs a brief mention. In TOS, it was shot on this really 60's bad architecture that was suppose to look futuristic and instead looks...eeuhh. The comic did a great job of blending the original look of the episode with an update for the modern reader so that it looks more futuristic as well. I even showed this to my husband (who could really care but I was so impressed I had to tell someone). The aliens as well are a blend of the original and modernization and again are quite good.
Vulcan's Vengeance
An excellent brand new story for the series! I know personally I've had all kind of ideas of what might have happened after the film credits rolled. The fact that Roberto Orci (the writer/producer of the first movie and its sequel) oversaw it gives this story the stamp of official approval though it is a long standing rule in the Star Trek community that only the TV shows and Movies are considered truly canon. A subspace relay near the Romulan neutral zone is destroyed and close by a Vulcan ship is under attack. What the Enterprise finds there leads them on a journey worthy of the original series with Jim Kirk standing in the center of Romulan government being the Starfleet captain it appears is in his DNA to be. Spock too gives an amazing show, going out of his comfort zone to do what is not only logical but right. Old friends from the movies show up, as well as give an insight into how the Vulcan people are handling the genocide and destruction of their home world. I don't want to say more because I don't want to spoil anything.
Both stories give us characters who stay true to themselves, even under difficult situations. The stories are a wonderful blend of new and old - as the movie was itself. The Romulan officers, for example, are in the same outfits (even the dorky headgear) but the birds of prey are updated without compromising their shape. The drawing is amazing with plenty of detail and very good renditions of the characters. The mystery of the changing eye color seems to have been solved; I did not find a place where the wrong eye color jumped out at me anyway. Some the characters that didn't really get a place in the sun in the last volume got some more screen time - all in a positive way.
*The Rant*
I will agree a bit with what one reviewer said: we aren't getting enough of the AOS. There have not been any (that I know of) novels and only a few YA novels about their time in the Academy. Those approximately 150+ page novels and these comics are it! I understand that Abrams and his new group of actors have other projects but that means there should have been a steady stream of novels both before and after. Now that there is a plot for the movie, hopefully they have some people lined up writing novels for this. I for one love this AOS and see a lot of potential. So far the only people who have realized that potential are the fan fiction writers, some of them quite well actually. So please, somebody, write us up some stories. We are waiting to buy.
*Conclusion*
If you liked the last one, read this. If you are unhappy with retelling (I may not understand it but I do know some people do), read the second story. If you haven't read Volume 1, I would go read it first, but it is not necessary and the two stories in here are great on their own.
*The Gush*
As my severely long review of the previous volume in this series suggest, I love the idea and execution of these comics. The blending of old and new are wonderfully done and I feel help to both link the new with old beloved series as well as give the AOS a chance to shine on its own. That is shown very well here in this new volume with one story coming from the original series and one story brand new and hot off the presses before the next film!
Operation: Annihilate
This was one of my favorite episodes from the classic series and so when I saw this was being done I immediately dove right in. Once again, the series does a great job of balancing the old and the new. The main plot is the same, but because of the alterations in the timeline, there are differences. The aftermath of Sam's disappearance (a deleted scene from the movie) is dealt with before jumping into the mission to Deneva. Kirk's reintroducing to his brother is handled well, both showing the angry child he can't quite shake and the talented young man he is becoming despite his history. The landscaping of the colony needs a brief mention. In TOS, it was shot on this really 60's bad architecture that was suppose to look futuristic and instead looks...eeuhh. The comic did a great job of blending the original look of the episode with an update for the modern reader so that it looks more futuristic as well. I even showed this to my husband (who could really care but I was so impressed I had to tell someone). The aliens as well are a blend of the original and modernization and again are quite good.
Vulcan's Vengeance
An excellent brand new story for the series! I know personally I've had all kind of ideas of what might have happened after the film credits rolled. The fact that Roberto Orci (the writer/producer of the first movie and its sequel) oversaw it gives this story the stamp of official approval though it is a long standing rule in the Star Trek community that only the TV shows and Movies are considered truly canon. A subspace relay near the Romulan neutral zone is destroyed and close by a Vulcan ship is under attack. What the Enterprise finds there leads them on a journey worthy of the original series with Jim Kirk standing in the center of Romulan government being the Starfleet captain it appears is in his DNA to be. Spock too gives an amazing show, going out of his comfort zone to do what is not only logical but right. Old friends from the movies show up, as well as give an insight into how the Vulcan people are handling the genocide and destruction of their home world. I don't want to say more because I don't want to spoil anything.
Both stories give us characters who stay true to themselves, even under difficult situations. The stories are a wonderful blend of new and old - as the movie was itself. The Romulan officers, for example, are in the same outfits (even the dorky headgear) but the birds of prey are updated without compromising their shape. The drawing is amazing with plenty of detail and very good renditions of the characters. The mystery of the changing eye color seems to have been solved; I did not find a place where the wrong eye color jumped out at me anyway. Some the characters that didn't really get a place in the sun in the last volume got some more screen time - all in a positive way.
*The Rant*
I will agree a bit with what one reviewer said: we aren't getting enough of the AOS. There have not been any (that I know of) novels and only a few YA novels about their time in the Academy. Those approximately 150+ page novels and these comics are it! I understand that Abrams and his new group of actors have other projects but that means there should have been a steady stream of novels both before and after. Now that there is a plot for the movie, hopefully they have some people lined up writing novels for this. I for one love this AOS and see a lot of potential. So far the only people who have realized that potential are the fan fiction writers, some of them quite well actually. So please, somebody, write us up some stories. We are waiting to buy.
*Conclusion*
If you liked the last one, read this. If you are unhappy with retelling (I may not understand it but I do know some people do), read the second story. If you haven't read Volume 1, I would go read it first, but it is not necessary and the two stories in here are great on their own.
June 13, 2020
KIRK: "This is Captain James T. Kirk of the Federation starship Enterprise. We come in peace."
MCCOY: "'We come in peace?' That should impress them."
KIRK: "I'm doing my best here, okay?"
This is my second time through Mike Johnson's 5+ year comics run on IDW's "Star Trek" ongoing series, based on the alternate universe version of the Enterprise crew from the Chris Pine & Zachary Quinto film series. The films themselves are favorites of mine, but the fact that the comics are too is really almost entirely down to Johnson's writing.
I liked volume one of this series quite a lot -- but Johnson really doubles down on the character development & insight in this offering. Two stories make up this volume, and both are to do with family -- the first Kirk's, the second Spock's. The first two issues are an alternate take on the TOS episode "Operation: Annihilate;" the latter is a story spun out of the events of the 2009 Trek movie.
... but, actually, what I love about this collection (and about Johnson's writing on this comic in general) is that *all* the stories are spun out of the events of the movies -- or at least, the characters are. Films only have time to offer broad strokes, so what I've long loved about this comic series is how much more time it gives us with these characters. And Johnson is a champ at taking what was on the screen and deepening it, finding new directions to explore in, and making for truly rich stories. (With plenty of time for some great adventure and exploration.)
Both stories hit home -- especially the second, "Vulcan's Vengeance." These are difficult times; it was inspiring, and oddly soothing, to watch our characters face some of their own emotional fall-out. The crew doesn't have all the answers, but they do have each other, and that made for a rewarding read.
Looking even more forward to the rest of this series!
MCCOY: "'We come in peace?' That should impress them."
KIRK: "I'm doing my best here, okay?"
This is my second time through Mike Johnson's 5+ year comics run on IDW's "Star Trek" ongoing series, based on the alternate universe version of the Enterprise crew from the Chris Pine & Zachary Quinto film series. The films themselves are favorites of mine, but the fact that the comics are too is really almost entirely down to Johnson's writing.
I liked volume one of this series quite a lot -- but Johnson really doubles down on the character development & insight in this offering. Two stories make up this volume, and both are to do with family -- the first Kirk's, the second Spock's. The first two issues are an alternate take on the TOS episode "Operation: Annihilate;" the latter is a story spun out of the events of the 2009 Trek movie.
... but, actually, what I love about this collection (and about Johnson's writing on this comic in general) is that *all* the stories are spun out of the events of the movies -- or at least, the characters are. Films only have time to offer broad strokes, so what I've long loved about this comic series is how much more time it gives us with these characters. And Johnson is a champ at taking what was on the screen and deepening it, finding new directions to explore in, and making for truly rich stories. (With plenty of time for some great adventure and exploration.)
Both stories hit home -- especially the second, "Vulcan's Vengeance." These are difficult times; it was inspiring, and oddly soothing, to watch our characters face some of their own emotional fall-out. The crew doesn't have all the answers, but they do have each other, and that made for a rewarding read.
Looking even more forward to the rest of this series!
July 15, 2012
It's fairly entertaining. But I'd much rather be reading Abramsverse Trek novels. Don't get why they are being so spare with the new Trek offerings. It's a shame that the property is going to seed just because of slow film-makers. It's been so long since the Abrams movie that it feels like it belongs in a alternative timeline instead of being the big new Trek franchise. Should be getting ready for the fourth movie at this point, instead of the second.
This meager offering in the comic book just isn't enough to satisfy. It's more of a reminder that Trek needs to been on screen at regular intervals. The more often the better.
This meager offering in the comic book just isn't enough to satisfy. It's more of a reminder that Trek needs to been on screen at regular intervals. The more often the better.
August 3, 2012
More fantastic re-imagined "Star Trek" stories from the new timeline, with a few original ones thrown in.
January 21, 2018
In this volume of Star Trek we find Kirk and crew trying to figure out why a bunch of planets in a row have all been destroyed by an unknown plague that seems to cause the inhabitants to go insane and kill each other and themselves.
But on this planet, things hit a home, a little too close to home to Captain Kirk. Can he and his crew figure out what is going on before tragedy befalls this planet as well?
In the next mission, we see some smugglers getting their hands on the Nerada’s ship specs from the Klingons. Afterwards they attack a Vulcan science vessel. The Enterprise finds them and has to race to figure out what they are up to as the smugglers escape into Romulan territory. The Enterprise finds out that the Vulcan science vessel had located a few drops of Red Matter. The stuff that destroyed their planet. Is Romulus planning on capturing this important data to attack the Federation and others throughout the galaxy?
To be honest, I didn’t like this one as much. There was too many “surprises” that are too coincidental. I’m not a big fan of this types of surprises when considering the odds against them.
It has DRM on Amazon, but you can get a DRM Free copy via Comixology (if bought from Amazon you get access to both since Amazon owns Comixology, however if bought from Comixology you only get it from Comixology).
But on this planet, things hit a home, a little too close to home to Captain Kirk. Can he and his crew figure out what is going on before tragedy befalls this planet as well?
In the next mission, we see some smugglers getting their hands on the Nerada’s ship specs from the Klingons. Afterwards they attack a Vulcan science vessel. The Enterprise finds them and has to race to figure out what they are up to as the smugglers escape into Romulan territory. The Enterprise finds out that the Vulcan science vessel had located a few drops of Red Matter. The stuff that destroyed their planet. Is Romulus planning on capturing this important data to attack the Federation and others throughout the galaxy?
To be honest, I didn’t like this one as much. There was too many “surprises” that are too coincidental. I’m not a big fan of this types of surprises when considering the odds against them.
It has DRM on Amazon, but you can get a DRM Free copy via Comixology (if bought from Amazon you get access to both since Amazon owns Comixology, however if bought from Comixology you only get it from Comixology).
April 16, 2018
More great stories from this universe. I really love these comics for how they're developing the personalities of the characters. As I haven't seen all the episodes of the show, I'm not familiar with the original Operation: Annihilate that they're borrowing here. Now I really want to watch the episode, though.
What I really like about these comics is how they incorporate the differences into who the characters are and how they behave. It makes sense for Jim's home life to be extremely different because of the loss of his father, and for Spock and the other Vulcans to have different relationships with their planet destroyed. Of course they're still Kirk, Spock, Sulu etc, but they aren't exactly the same as their OS counterparts.
If I had to complain about anything, it's that the other characters aren't given as much focus. Fair enough that it's focused mainly on Kirk and Spock, but I would've loved more from Uhura. Her relationship with Spock has always been interesting in this version of events. But for what it is, it was very enjoyable. I already liked this version of the original crew, but these comics are making me love them even more.
What I really like about these comics is how they incorporate the differences into who the characters are and how they behave. It makes sense for Jim's home life to be extremely different because of the loss of his father, and for Spock and the other Vulcans to have different relationships with their planet destroyed. Of course they're still Kirk, Spock, Sulu etc, but they aren't exactly the same as their OS counterparts.
If I had to complain about anything, it's that the other characters aren't given as much focus. Fair enough that it's focused mainly on Kirk and Spock, but I would've loved more from Uhura. Her relationship with Spock has always been interesting in this version of events. But for what it is, it was very enjoyable. I already liked this version of the original crew, but these comics are making me love them even more.
May 26, 2019
This volume begins with the trend from the previous collection, reverse engineering a plot from the Original series to fit the new Kelvin timeline. This time its “Operation: Annihilate!”, a weaker entry from the first season (that I nevertheless happen to enjoy). The adaptation/reconfiguration works here, mostly because, unlike the episode, Kirk gets to spend some time with his brother and nephew, deepening his character.
Would that the volume ended there.
The back half of this collection is “Vulcan’s Vengeance”, the first genuinely original story of this series and—based on its quality—one hoped the last. Art and plot both feel loose and incomplete here, with weird story jumps (when did Kirk learn about the stolen ship plans, anyway?) and the denigration of a certain beloved supporting character for poorly explained reasons that feel more plot hammer-y than anything organic or set up. Just a disaster of a story, eliminating any good will earned by the first half of the collection.
Would that the volume ended there.
The back half of this collection is “Vulcan’s Vengeance”, the first genuinely original story of this series and—based on its quality—one hoped the last. Art and plot both feel loose and incomplete here, with weird story jumps (when did Kirk learn about the stolen ship plans, anyway?) and the denigration of a certain beloved supporting character for poorly explained reasons that feel more plot hammer-y than anything organic or set up. Just a disaster of a story, eliminating any good will earned by the first half of the collection.
March 11, 2020
I really don't like the retelling of the TOS episodes, because not only do they seem hurried, they also seem much easier in the new setting.
The second part had a good plot, but Sarek's reasoning was off. And where the hell was Prime Spock who should have still been alive at this point. Why didn't he stop Sarek? There should have at least been a few sentences on how he tried and failed.
Apart from that the colouring is strange. Eyecolours vary that much that Uhura at some point has blue-ish eyes and Spock the same bright blue they also used for Kirk. They also tended to make Uhura look paler than Zoe Saldana, and even white in one panel. While this seems to be happening a lot in graphic novels and comics, it's no less racist, even if not by mean intention.
So, all things considered, something one can spend some time with without regret, but not a shining moment of Trek Comics.
The second part had a good plot, but Sarek's reasoning was off. And where the hell was Prime Spock who should have still been alive at this point. Why didn't he stop Sarek? There should have at least been a few sentences on how he tried and failed.
Apart from that the colouring is strange. Eyecolours vary that much that Uhura at some point has blue-ish eyes and Spock the same bright blue they also used for Kirk. They also tended to make Uhura look paler than Zoe Saldana, and even white in one panel. While this seems to be happening a lot in graphic novels and comics, it's no less racist, even if not by mean intention.
So, all things considered, something one can spend some time with without regret, but not a shining moment of Trek Comics.
November 10, 2019
I really liked the new version of Star Trek and picked this up at the library when I found it.
In the first story we see Jim's brother,George,whose planet has been infested by organisms that make people insane.Spock finds out that ultraviolet light harms them and with the help of Scott heal the planet's inhabitants.
In the second,Spock's father,Sarek,due to his greief at the loss of Vulcan and his wife,planned the destruction of the Romulans through the remaining drop of red matter.The Enterprise crew prevent this,but unfortunately have to leave that terrible weapon at the hands of the Romulan Empire.
If I see any other comics of this series I will read them because it was really good.
In the first story we see Jim's brother,George,whose planet has been infested by organisms that make people insane.Spock finds out that ultraviolet light harms them and with the help of Scott heal the planet's inhabitants.
In the second,Spock's father,Sarek,due to his greief at the loss of Vulcan and his wife,planned the destruction of the Romulans through the remaining drop of red matter.The Enterprise crew prevent this,but unfortunately have to leave that terrible weapon at the hands of the Romulan Empire.
If I see any other comics of this series I will read them because it was really good.
August 8, 2019
The first story is again based on an actual TOS episode, Operation Annihilate. In my opinion they should have picked a much better episode than that one to redo.
The second story is also in the Kelvin universe where Vulcan has been destroyed. Kirk and others are captured and then find out who these 'Romulans' really are. They have a very interesting idea: turnabout is fair play.
There are also photos and an art gallery. I think the second story was actually fairly well done.
The second story is also in the Kelvin universe where Vulcan has been destroyed. Kirk and others are captured and then find out who these 'Romulans' really are. They have a very interesting idea: turnabout is fair play.
There are also photos and an art gallery. I think the second story was actually fairly well done.
May 29, 2023
Good Star Trek Storytelling
I think the retelling of Operation: Annihilate is by far my favorite version! The new story is very imaginative and I think takes the crew down a path that is certainly their own but is still also very much within the character of Star Trek. I really rather wish that live action videos have these could be made.
I think the retelling of Operation: Annihilate is by far my favorite version! The new story is very imaginative and I think takes the crew down a path that is certainly their own but is still also very much within the character of Star Trek. I really rather wish that live action videos have these could be made.
August 7, 2023
I thought this was better than the first volume, probably because the second half was an original story. The first two issues are an adaptation of "Operation: Annihilate!" where we are introduced to Kirk's brother. Then we get a follow up to the movie with a small group of Vulcans looking for vengeance for the destruction of their home world. This was some good stuff.
August 24, 2021
Another TOS retelling but this was a bit more interesting as they changed things up a little bit. Then a story that's impacted by the events of the first movie. Not really much else to say. I wish Uhura was actually given stuff to do in these comics other than be Spock's girlfriend.
February 4, 2023
An improvement over the first volume. It does what Star Trek does, which is create a problem, send Kirk, Bones, Spock, and a couple of red shirts to deal with the problem. This followed that formula, and did it well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews