Transporter Beams Can Lie
The Good
Last issue’s cliff hanger was intense, so this issue was in a good place for an immediate payoff. We’re thrown into an intense fight in the middle of a lava field, with Kirk having to make a tough decision. The drama is played up by the coloring from the folks from Stellar Labs. The blacks and reds of the planet are sharply contrasted with the aqua tint given to the usually flat white interior of the Enterprise. Hot, cold, hot, cold. Very effective.
Also well done were the emotional scenes where we see the impact of Spock’s fever on Uhura. Mike Johnson finds a perfect object to represent the development of their relationship and what it means to both of them. Plus, as I mentioned last time, Erfan Fajar drawing Saldana-Uhura is so pretty.
The best part, though, was that Carol Marcus has the scientific insight that resolves the conflict. During Into Darkness, Science Officer Marcus was window dressing. Wrath of Khan era Dr. Marcus was the smartest person in the room. It’s nice to see the creators beginning to correct the portrayal.
The Bad
The total plot turned out to be a little weak. This series like to amp up concepts from the Original Series. When they did that with tribbles, the effort required to solve the problem corresponded to the danger. Here, they put Pon Farr on steroids, putting the lives of both Spock and the away team at risk in the process. Then, poof, a little transporter tweak and problem solved. Doesn’t really deliver. Also the Vulcans having red glowing eyes bugged me more as we saw more of it this issue.
The Verdict
Pick up this book. Ok, maybe not this very issue, since it’s the end of a 3 book story. But next issue will be a good jump on spot, so go for it. The Section 31 teaser at the end of this issue suggests there are bigger payoffs ahead.
