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Star Trek (2011) #3
Star Trek, Volume 3
The countdown to the second Star Trek movie continues here! In "The Return of the Archons!", Kirk, Spock, and the crew search for a lost Starfleet ship that may hold clues to the future of the entire Federation. And in "The Truth About Tribbles!", the crew of the Enterprise encounters the classic alien species in an all-new story inspired by the fan-favorite episode. Star Trek writer/producer Roberto Orci oversees this latest chapter in the ongoing adventures of the starship Enterprise.
Collects issues 9-12.
Collects issues 9-12.
104 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
43 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Mike Johnson
611 books54 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 9, 2022
"I just want to say . . . it's been a pleasure serving with you." -- chief engineer Montgomery Scott, to navigator Pavel Chekov, as they race against the clock to diffuse a Klingon explosive device
"A little more optimism, Scotty!" -- Captain James T. Kirk, battling five encroaching monsters
After a lackluster Volume 2 I'll admit I also had a little more optimism about Volume 3 as the second of its two stories was a reinterpretation of the classic 'The Trouble With Tribbles' episode from the original TV series. Here titled 'The Truth About Tribbles,' it was the better of the two tales with its adept mixture of humor - often related to that verbally-sparring trio of Capt. Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy - amidst the requisite amount of sci-fi action and drama. The opener 'The Return of the Archons' (also based on an episode from the original show, although it's not one I'm not familiar with), however, was interesting at first - a generous amount of fisticuffs and intrigue helped to keep things lively - but it ultimately misfired when said build-up led to an uninteresting conclusion.
"A little more optimism, Scotty!" -- Captain James T. Kirk, battling five encroaching monsters
After a lackluster Volume 2 I'll admit I also had a little more optimism about Volume 3 as the second of its two stories was a reinterpretation of the classic 'The Trouble With Tribbles' episode from the original TV series. Here titled 'The Truth About Tribbles,' it was the better of the two tales with its adept mixture of humor - often related to that verbally-sparring trio of Capt. Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. McCoy - amidst the requisite amount of sci-fi action and drama. The opener 'The Return of the Archons' (also based on an episode from the original show, although it's not one I'm not familiar with), however, was interesting at first - a generous amount of fisticuffs and intrigue helped to keep things lively - but it ultimately misfired when said build-up led to an uninteresting conclusion.
October 22, 2015
Better than Volume 2. Good fun.
August 20, 2017
Very enjoyable version of the Trouble with Tribbles.
February 5, 2020
Star Trek Kelvin Timeline Ongoing Volume 3 from IDW (2012), written by Mike Johnson, with artists Stephen Molnar and Claudia Balboni, collects issue #9-12 of the ongoing series following the crew of the USS Enterprise from the new movies Kelvin universe.
This third volume includes the Kelvin adaptation of an original TOS episode, and an original story inspired by « The Trouble with Tribbles ». The TPB includes an introduction by David Gerrold, beloved Star Trek writer who penned this specific episode.
In which we learn that, in any universe, Kirk violates Starfleet regulations, beams down first into the unknown, and constantly rewrites the Prime directive to suit his whims (which is in line with the movies). We also get to learn the final fate of Admiral Jonathan Archer’s prized beagle.
Issues #9-10 « Return of the Archons » : This story begins with another intriguing flashback, this time to Hikaru Sulu immediately after the first movie. Then, the Enterprise investigates Beta III, a planet around which the USS Archon got lost. Kirk has been told to stay away from this planet by an Academy professor so, of course, he beams down a team to investigate. Beta III is host to a middle age type civilization seemingly devoted to a god named « Landru ». Under the city, the away team stumbles upon 22nd century technology...
This story introduces Admiral Christopher Pike to the comics.
Issues #11-12 « The Truth About Tribbles » : Another flashback, this time pre-movie, to Scotty and Spock Prime on Delta Vega. Remember the tribble in the cage ? It gets character development, as it’s transwarp beamed to San Francisco, and we all know that travel builds character. Meanwhile, the Enterprise encounters a distressed Klingon Bird of Prey, and we get a peek at how the Klingons solved their tribble problem in the original timeline (as hinted by Worf later on).
This story introduces Spock prime (aka old wrinkly Spock) to the comics, and Scotty’s nephew, Chris.
Dialogue and characterization is still faithful to the Kelvin movies. Mike Johnson, a lifelong Trekkie, is doing a great job on this part. There is still a rotating crew of artists on this series, which makes for inconsistent artwork, even if it gets points for effort.
The first story, while an interesting adaptation, is mostly that. Sulu doesn’t get the development hinted at at its beginning. However, it launches a storyline about Admiral Pike and some sort of covert Starfleet unit (section 31, anyone ?). The tribble story delivers the appropriate amount of fun expected from any tribble story (except for Star Trek : Discovery’s Captain Lorca’s ominous ready room tribble. We still don’t know what was up with that tribble...).
This third volume includes the Kelvin adaptation of an original TOS episode, and an original story inspired by « The Trouble with Tribbles ». The TPB includes an introduction by David Gerrold, beloved Star Trek writer who penned this specific episode.
In which we learn that, in any universe, Kirk violates Starfleet regulations, beams down first into the unknown, and constantly rewrites the Prime directive to suit his whims (which is in line with the movies). We also get to learn the final fate of Admiral Jonathan Archer’s prized beagle.
Issues #9-10 « Return of the Archons » : This story begins with another intriguing flashback, this time to Hikaru Sulu immediately after the first movie. Then, the Enterprise investigates Beta III, a planet around which the USS Archon got lost. Kirk has been told to stay away from this planet by an Academy professor so, of course, he beams down a team to investigate. Beta III is host to a middle age type civilization seemingly devoted to a god named « Landru ». Under the city, the away team stumbles upon 22nd century technology...
This story introduces Admiral Christopher Pike to the comics.
Issues #11-12 « The Truth About Tribbles » : Another flashback, this time pre-movie, to Scotty and Spock Prime on Delta Vega. Remember the tribble in the cage ? It gets character development, as it’s transwarp beamed to San Francisco, and we all know that travel builds character. Meanwhile, the Enterprise encounters a distressed Klingon Bird of Prey, and we get a peek at how the Klingons solved their tribble problem in the original timeline (as hinted by Worf later on).
This story introduces Spock prime (aka old wrinkly Spock) to the comics, and Scotty’s nephew, Chris.
Dialogue and characterization is still faithful to the Kelvin movies. Mike Johnson, a lifelong Trekkie, is doing a great job on this part. There is still a rotating crew of artists on this series, which makes for inconsistent artwork, even if it gets points for effort.
The first story, while an interesting adaptation, is mostly that. Sulu doesn’t get the development hinted at at its beginning. However, it launches a storyline about Admiral Pike and some sort of covert Starfleet unit (section 31, anyone ?). The tribble story delivers the appropriate amount of fun expected from any tribble story (except for Star Trek : Discovery’s Captain Lorca’s ominous ready room tribble. We still don’t know what was up with that tribble...).
July 12, 2016
This was a good volume. The first story was a retelling of one of my favorite episodes, The Return of the Archons. The changes Johnson made were really inventive & took the story up a notch. Because of the changes it's probably my favorite retelling this series has done so far & is a great example of how this series should retell TOS episodes. What I mean is that Johnson took advantage of the comic medium & they did things with this story that would've been impossible for TOS to do very well on television due to lack of special effects technology at the time & low budget. The second story was a completely original Tribble story that was good & we got to learn a little about Tribble origins & physiology. I didn't like it as much as the first story, but still pretty good.
April 3, 2023
More enjoyable Star Trek tales in the vein of the classic TV series. Kirk and Co. encounter a planet populated by a lost Starfleet ship where a mysterious experiment has been playing out. () Then, we get a riff on the classic Tribbles story. Amusing and forgettable. This Star Trek series isn't amazing so far, but it's at least satisfying.
May 8, 2019
More short stories. When are they doing a proper arc?
During a away mission on Beta III, Kirk and Spock are attacked. The brainwashed locals, descendants of colonists, are worshipping the remains of a 100-year-old Federation starship - the Archon - and its AI that they call Landru. The Federation's experiments have never before been as unethical as this story reveals. I hope the writer expands on this in the future.
An accidental encounter with a Klingon Bird of Prey leads the away team to a planet that the Tribbles call home. They multiply faster than rabbits and Scott has sent one to Earth as an experiment for beaming technology over vast distances. The Enterprise must find a solution before the ship and Earth are drowned in fur.
During a away mission on Beta III, Kirk and Spock are attacked. The brainwashed locals, descendants of colonists, are worshipping the remains of a 100-year-old Federation starship - the Archon - and its AI that they call Landru. The Federation's experiments have never before been as unethical as this story reveals. I hope the writer expands on this in the future.
An accidental encounter with a Klingon Bird of Prey leads the away team to a planet that the Tribbles call home. They multiply faster than rabbits and Scott has sent one to Earth as an experiment for beaming technology over vast distances. The Enterprise must find a solution before the ship and Earth are drowned in fur.
March 13, 2024
Star Trek Vol. 3
The 'Enterprise' is ordered to Beta III, where a secret from Starfleet's past is about to be uncovered. Shortly afterwards, a gift from Scotty to his nephew at the Academy of a small, furry creature causes mayhem when it begins to reproduce in vast numbers.
The adaptations of old episodes with more modern sensibilities and some excellent artwork makes this a fun and nostalgic volume.
The 'Enterprise' is ordered to Beta III, where a secret from Starfleet's past is about to be uncovered. Shortly afterwards, a gift from Scotty to his nephew at the Academy of a small, furry creature causes mayhem when it begins to reproduce in vast numbers.
The adaptations of old episodes with more modern sensibilities and some excellent artwork makes this a fun and nostalgic volume.
April 7, 2020
Tribbles!
This volume contains a rehash of the (not as great as it thinks) classic episode and it works really well. Its so nice to see and update that actually updates it for new technology but still keeps the sense of fun. Its a one shot and not the entire book but it was an entertaining read.
As was the rest of the book. The art was solid, the sense of adventure was there within the pages and I was simply hugely entertained by the book. This is a lot of fun and deserving of the 4th star.
This volume contains a rehash of the (not as great as it thinks) classic episode and it works really well. Its so nice to see and update that actually updates it for new technology but still keeps the sense of fun. Its a one shot and not the entire book but it was an entertaining read.
As was the rest of the book. The art was solid, the sense of adventure was there within the pages and I was simply hugely entertained by the book. This is a lot of fun and deserving of the 4th star.
March 17, 2020
The first ep was awful (in plot, not in drawing style, the latter was fine). Not only did it screw up with the TOS episode, in which Landru‘s people where no humans and in which neurodivergence was key for success, but it also painted the Federation in an awful light.
The second ep was pure gold, though. Also a rather original story instead of just copying and lightly twisting the work of others.
The second ep was pure gold, though. Also a rather original story instead of just copying and lightly twisting the work of others.
December 2, 2012
More outstanding re-imagined stories from the alternate "Star Trek" timeline.
August 14, 2021
The Archons adaptation is worthless, with a Section 31 retcon that doesn’t work at all. The Tribble story is actually really fun, though, so it evens out. 2.5 stars.
April 20, 2018
I'm not familiar with the original stories that these comics are derived from, but I loved them as they were. Unfortunately I was checking these out one issue at a time and didn't have access to #9, so I was a little lost on the story when I got to volume #10. I had to read it through twice before I understood what was going on. Even then, the ending felt like a cliffhanger and I was like "wait, that's it?!"
Then I watched the original and saw how different the two versions were. I find that so fascinating, but I love how this version kept some elements from the original while making changes. Since I didn't grow up with the OS crew, I don't really mind the changes. For me, it shows a fresh take on the ideas and allowing for the altered versions of the characters to show through while also keeping some of the spirit of the original. I can enjoy both in their own way.
The tribble story was also really fun. I love how completely harmless the tribbles are but how they are also huge pests. And I loved how in this version, the response of the Klingons was to blow them up. I don't know how true that is to the original story, but I thought it was funny. It was also nice seeing how they incorporated that tribble from Into Darkness in this comic. I always saw it as a fun little Easter egg, but there's a bit of backstory behind it and why Bones was testing Khan's blood on it in the first place. I liked that touch a lot.
Still really enjoying these comics a lot and looking forward to what else they do with this universe outside the movies.
Then I watched the original and saw how different the two versions were. I find that so fascinating, but I love how this version kept some elements from the original while making changes. Since I didn't grow up with the OS crew, I don't really mind the changes. For me, it shows a fresh take on the ideas and allowing for the altered versions of the characters to show through while also keeping some of the spirit of the original. I can enjoy both in their own way.
The tribble story was also really fun. I love how completely harmless the tribbles are but how they are also huge pests. And I loved how in this version, the response of the Klingons was to blow them up. I don't know how true that is to the original story, but I thought it was funny. It was also nice seeing how they incorporated that tribble from Into Darkness in this comic. I always saw it as a fun little Easter egg, but there's a bit of backstory behind it and why Bones was testing Khan's blood on it in the first place. I liked that touch a lot.
Still really enjoying these comics a lot and looking forward to what else they do with this universe outside the movies.
March 19, 2021
This graphic novel volume contains 2 original ST stories re-worked for the new (or what I like to call Star Trek Reboot) Kirk and company. One is new take on the original episode Return of the Archons. Like the 1st version, Kirk and company find a planet whose population is controlled by Landu. Like the 1st version, this new story's plot is sort of blah as there just wasn't enough time/space taken to fully develop it. There is good discussion about the Prime Directive. The 2nd story is a new take on The Trouble with Tribbles and is quite a bit different from the original. This new story does not have the charm that the original does in my opinion. This volume does have an introductory column by David Gerrold, who wrote the screenplay for The Trouble with Tribbles. My rating is 3 stars for although I enjoyed reading this, it was a superficial treatment of both stories even though I appreciate they were new takes on original episodes. Still the characters behaved in a lot of 'stock' ways that seemed like lazy writing to me.
May 4, 2023
3.5 includes a reimagining of The Return of the Archons and The Trouble with the Tribbles and does something interesting with them while trying to tie them to the not-yet released STID (shady Starfleet stuff).
The Return of the Archons particularly tosses everything from the episode and Beta III is instead a lost Human colony from the 22nd Century that Horizon set up, Landru is a Starfleet Genius™️ that brought in an advance AI to rule the colony as a God, and the entire mission was scrubbed from records (tho it turns up some people still new about it and were watching over the experiment). Sadly we don't even see/hear Landru speak.
The Truth about Tribbles (with a foreword by Gerrold) uses some of the original elements of the pitch, so the tribbles are on a planet. It was less comical than the original but still fun (tribbles spreading over the academy).
The Return of the Archons particularly tosses everything from the episode and Beta III is instead a lost Human colony from the 22nd Century that Horizon set up, Landru is a Starfleet Genius™️ that brought in an advance AI to rule the colony as a God, and the entire mission was scrubbed from records (tho it turns up some people still new about it and were watching over the experiment). Sadly we don't even see/hear Landru speak.
The Truth about Tribbles (with a foreword by Gerrold) uses some of the original elements of the pitch, so the tribbles are on a planet. It was less comical than the original but still fun (tribbles spreading over the academy).
March 11, 2019
IDW's Ongoing Star Trek series ran 60 issues and is collected in 13 volumes. I bought the entire run in digital format via a Humble Bundle last weekend and have read non-stop in my spare time. I enjoyed volumes 2-5 very much. After Darkness and the later volumes struck me as middling, with the story quality picking up toward the end of the run. The final volume takes huge risks, leading me to believe they knew they were coming to an end and had nothing to lose. I'm still not sure I enjoy how often these stories go to alternate or parallel dimensions or timelines, but the source-material certainly did frequently enough. Overall, I'd give the series 3 stars, with 4 to 5 stars for the volumes I mentioned above. [Based on my read/re-read of March 2019]
August 9, 2019
The Return of the Archons, another TOS episode is given a remake. Sulu can join the crew of the Enterprise or work for the nefarious Section 31. Pike is now an admiral.
The Truth About Tribbles involves Scotty testing a new method of teleporting things over great distances. Rather unwisely, he chooses to teleport a tribble to Earth. Needless to say it's not long before there's a rather major problem with an ever-growing tribble population on Earth.
Then there's also some Klingons thrown in along with an art gallery and some photos.
The Truth About Tribbles involves Scotty testing a new method of teleporting things over great distances. Rather unwisely, he chooses to teleport a tribble to Earth. Needless to say it's not long before there's a rather major problem with an ever-growing tribble population on Earth.
Then there's also some Klingons thrown in along with an art gallery and some photos.
August 9, 2023
I'm liking these new takes on classic episodes. It's a different timeline so I'm OK with some changes. This one hints at some shady Starfleet stuff going on in the background, maybe section 31? The episode it's adapting is "The Return of the Archons" about the old computer that had taken over these colonists. Then we get an original take on "The Trouble with Tribbles". It's not an adaptation of the episode but an original story on Star Fleet's first interaction with tribbles and builds off the movie.
January 10, 2025
Yes, I have now taken to reading comics again. I have been a Star Trek fan or “trekkie” as they are called since the series first aired in the 1960’s.
The graphics and photography are the beauty of this Star trek series. The stories of other original Star Trek stories are well developed with different approaches.
This volume addresses the Prime Directive and what is Star Fleet really up to and the other involves the infamous tribbles which can always add a smile. I guess these will be my escapes in 2025.
The graphics and photography are the beauty of this Star trek series. The stories of other original Star Trek stories are well developed with different approaches.
This volume addresses the Prime Directive and what is Star Fleet really up to and the other involves the infamous tribbles which can always add a smile. I guess these will be my escapes in 2025.
December 9, 2023
The update to The Return of the Archons is spiffing: a perfect blend of TOS feeling with logical, impactful updates. The tribbles story that makes up the second half of the volume, on the other hand, was a bit of a puzzler. I can understand the pressure to do something new and interesting in lieu of simply regurgitating one of the most popular and recognizable TOS episodes, but I'm not sure that such a radical change is as satisfying.
Glad the dog is okay, though.
Glad the dog is okay, though.
May 29, 2023
Brings Back Memories and Renews them in a Fun Way
I remember loving both of these stories immensely from the original series. Although these are not strict retellings by any means, it still brings back some wonderful memories for me. In fact, reading these has really given me new memories that seem to shine a bit stronger than the originals for their cleverness.
I remember loving both of these stories immensely from the original series. Although these are not strict retellings by any means, it still brings back some wonderful memories for me. In fact, reading these has really given me new memories that seem to shine a bit stronger than the originals for their cleverness.
February 1, 2025
The adaptation of Return of the Archons was pretty good, probably the best in this series so far, with some intriguing ideas that make the altered story a great fit for this universe. Unfortunately, the tribble story, like the majority of tribble stories that aren't the original and its DS9 tribute, is just a bit silly and pointless.
January 25, 2023
Unlike previous retellings of TOS eps, both stories elevate the originals. Especially good is the Trouble With Tribbles episode.We don't get Kirk buried in Tribbles but it was still fun and not played by for laughs. Better than the STN short about Tribbles.
February 9, 2023
The stories in this time line get better with each volume. Solid artwork and an interesting, and funny, if not entirely effective retelling of the tribbles, made this work. Not great literature, but it is certainly entertaining.
August 15, 2024
I enjoyed this volume with it's added depth to the TOS continuity and things like Section 31 and of course the remix of the Trouble with Tribbles story giving us something completely new and building off of events in the movie.
March 14, 2019
It is like the original episodes, but with a slight twist.
July 6, 2019
Enjoyed the '2009' version if trouble with tribbles
February 8, 2020
Good artwork, okay stories, irritating subplot [dark ops type deal in Starfleet].
May 28, 2020
Entertaining, little less so than previous volumes
November 16, 2020
Read the first four of these volumes in quick succession.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews