Art: Pencils by David Messina, inks by Marina Castelvetro, colors by Claudia Scarletgothica
Buy It: from Titan for £9.99
The Blurb: This exclusive graphic novel prequel to this summer’s blockbuster Star Trek movie, Star Trek Into Darkness, sees new characters and conflicts threaten Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise, in a story overseen by Star Trekmovie writer/producer, Roberto Orci.
Our Verdict: We were beamed onto cloud nine with the arrival of Star Trek Into Darkness in cinemas, giving us a summer blockbuster of out-of-this-world proportions. So it's always lovely to get a bit of prequel goodness in comic book form.
The story kicks off as the USS Enterprise arrives at the planet Phaedus to survey the development of the intelligent race on the surface. But their simple mission is soon thwarted when a unexpectedly high-tech jamming signal forces Kirk to violate the prime directive and head to the planet to investigate. On arrival, he and Spock discover that Star Fleet has already interfered thanks to the machinations of a well-meaning former Enterprise captain, Robert April.
What follows is an enjoyable romp, as April takes desperate measures to save the natives from self-destruction by way of civil war. It's a nice story, introducing a couple of interesting new characters with plenty of references to the original series and JJ Abrams' subsequent 2009 movie with some pleasing art.
What it doesn't do, however, is give any hints, clues or set-up for Into Darkness, save a single panel cameo from Benedict Cumberbatch's villain, John Harrisson. This, ultimately, is disappointing in a prequel. But on the flip side, we do get a little insight into the mindset of Spock following the destruction of the planet Vulcan - arguably one of the most interesting aspects of the movie.
GG♥SF Verdict: ♥♥♥♥♥ - an entertaining read that fans, in particular, will enjoy.
Star Trek - Countdown to Darkness Movie Prequel (Movie Tie-In Cover) by Mike Johnson & David Messina, 10th May 2013, £9.99, Titan Books.
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