Tag Archives: mike johnson

Preview: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1

(W) Kirsten Beyer, Mike Johnson (A/CA) Megan Levens
In Shops: Dec 21, 2022
SRP: $3.99

Journey to new reaches in this exclusive comic tie-in set between seasons one and two of fan-favorite Paramount+ series Strange New Worlds! With Una accused of unlawful genetic modification by Starfleet, Captain Pike sets out in search of evidence that could prove his first officer’s innocence. From the mighty pens of Trek duo Kirsten Beyer and Mike Johnson with art by Megan Levens.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - The Illyrian Enigma #1

Review: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1

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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1

When it comes to Star Trek, I consider myself a fan. I’m definitely a more casual fan, having seen all of the films multiple times but when it comes to television shows, it’s more catching things here and there. It was never must-see tv for me. When it comes to the comics, that’s much of the same as well. I’ve enjoyed some here and there but it was never part of my regular reading. Having decided to roll the dice with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1, not only am I hooked on this series but might need to go back and see what I’ve been missing with the television series as well.

With Una accused of unlawful genetic modification by Starfleet, Captain Pike sets out in search of evidence that could prove his first officer’s innocence.

Written by Kristin Beyer and Mike Johnson, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1 keeps things simple in a lot of way. It has a laser focus. It does an excellent job of laying out the situation and giving us an idea as to who the important characters are for this story. But it does so in a solid way where things aren’t “explained” directly to the reader in long winded speeches that are out of place, instead it all flows organically as characters discuss things with each other.

The situation also gets at what makes Star Trek works so well. The social and political themes the series dives into have always been part of its core and this is no exception. At the center of the story is the fear of the unknown and prejudice against others. It’s simple yet very effective. The parallels to the real world are clear and simple taking on prejudice without much subtlety.

With just a cursory knowledge of the characters, mostly through trailers and promotional images, I could easily recognize the cast. Megan Levens‘ art captures the actors well making them all quite easy to figure out who’s who. Charlie Kirchoff provides the color and Neil Uyetake handles the lettering. The action is limited in the issue but the various debate between the characters is presented in an interesting and engaging way and you get a sense of the emotional charge of it all.

It’s not that hard to recommend Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1 for those that have already been watching the television series. It feels like a solid extension of it and that’s from someone who has never watched an episode. But, even for those that have never seen Strange New Worlds, the story is excellent with the socio-political underpinnings that makes Star Trek great.

Story: Kristin Beyer, Mike Johnson Art: Megan Levens
Color: Charlie Kirchoff Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 8.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.35 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Preview: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1

Posted on by

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – The Illyrian Enigma #1

(W) Kirsten Beyer, Mike Johnson (A/CA) Megan Levens
In Shops: Dec 21, 2022
SRP: $3.99

Journey to new reaches in this exclusive comic tie-in set between seasons one and two of fan-favorite Paramount+ series Strange New Worlds! With Una accused of unlawful genetic modification by Starfleet, Captain Pike sets out in search of evidence that could prove his first officer’s innocence. From the mighty pens of Trek duo Kirsten Beyer and Mike Johnson with art by Megan Levens.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - The Illyrian Enigma #1

Preview: Blade Runner 2039 #1

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Blade Runner 2039 #1

(W) Mike Johnson, Mellow Brown (A) Andres Guinaldo (CA) Jung-Geun Yoon
In Shops: Dec 14, 2022
SRP: $3.99

Los Angeles 2039. It has been three years since Niander Wallace introduced his brand of ‘perfectly obedient’ Replicants, and the ban on synthetic humans has been lifted, at least for the new Wallace models, the older Tyrell Corp’s Nexus 8 units are still hunted by Blade Runners. Cleo Selwyn, first seen as a small child in Blade Runner 2019, has returned to L.A. some twenty years later, searching for Isobel, a Replicant copy of her real mother who died when she was three. Cleo believes that Niander Wallace is holding Isobel captive, and the only person she can call on for help is the one who saved her so many years ago: Aahna ‘Ash’ Ashina, now an aging and disgraced ex-Blade Runner.

Blade Runner 2039 #1

Preview: Star Trek: Discovery – Adventures in the 32nd Century

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Star Trek: Discovery – Adventures in the 32nd Century

(W) Mike Johnson (A/CA) Angel Hernandez
In Shops: Dec 14, 2022
SRP: $17.99

Explore the far future of Star Trek in these adventures set after the U.S.S. Discovery’s jump forward in time at the end of Season Two! First up, Grudge-who is very much a queen and not a cat-works tirelessly to keep her interplanetary courier/working human, Cleveland Booker, safe. Next, witness the heart-wrenching history that brought Adira Tal to Discovery and how they were paired with one of the last remaining Trill symbionts. Then, while on a mysterious mission to a frozen world, Lieutenant Commander Detmer encounters the last person she expects to find: herself! And, in the finale, Saurian Lieutenant Linus has never truly fit in with his Starfleet colleagues, but an encounter with an undiscovered species will put all their fates, and the ship’s, in his hands!

Star Trek: Discovery - Adventures in the 32nd Century

Blade Runner 2039 gets a trailer!

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Los Angeles 2039. It has been three years since Niander Wallace introduced his brand of ‘perfectly obedient’ Replicants, and the ban on synthetic humans has been lifted, at least for the new Wallace models―the older Tyrell Corp’s Nexus 8 units are still hunted by Blade Runners. Cleo Selwyn, first seen as a small child in Blade Runner 2019, has returned to L.A. some twenty years later, searching for Isobel, a Replicant copy of her real mother who died when she was three. Cleo believes that Niander Wallace is holding Isobel captive, and the only person she can call on for help is the one who saved her so many years ago: Aahna ‘Ash’ Ashina, now an aging and disgraced ex-Blade Runner.

Preview: Blade Runner 2039 #1

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Blade Runner 2039 #1

(W) Mike Johnson, Mellow Brown (A) Andres Guinaldo (CA) Jung-Geun Yoon
In Shops: Dec 07, 2022
SRP: $3.99

Los Angeles 2039. It has been three years since Niander Wallace introduced his brand of ‘perfectly obedient’ Replicants, and the ban on synthetic humans has been lifted, at least for the new Wallace models, the older Tyrell Corp’s Nexus 8 units are still hunted by Blade Runners. Cleo Selwyn, first seen as a small child in Blade Runner 2019, has returned to L.A. some twenty years later, searching for Isobel, a Replicant copy of her real mother who died when she was three. Cleo believes that Niander Wallace is holding Isobel captive, and the only person she can call on for help is the one who saved her so many years ago: Aahna ‘Ash’ Ashina, now an aging and disgraced ex-Blade Runner.

Blade Runner 2039 #1

Review: Star Trek #400

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Star Trek #400

Anyone that’s a fan of Star Trek will tell you just how affected they are by the franchise. One becomes immersed within the first few minutes. It’s far more than a military science fiction thriller but a study of the human condition. Each of the properties have done an amazing job of not just entertaining but discussing relevant issues in society.

There has never been a IP which outright talks about societal ills like Star Trek. It was the first show I watched where I felt like I was not alone. It made being smart feel like you stood out for all the right reasons. In the 400th issue of the long running IDW Publishing comic, Star Trek, a collective of creators come together to tell some tales in this connected universe.

In “Captain’s Log”, we find Kirk as he writes final Captain’s log, as he recalls what would a lifetime of memories. In “Soldier On”, We find O’Brien as he foils a Cardassian spy, alerting their military, that Starfleet is a formidable foe. In “Meanwhile”, Scotty wakes up from a nap to notice that no work has been done, and decides his day is already done. In “A Matter of Choice”,  we find out exactly where Wesley Crusher has been all these years and how did he end up  being a guardian of time. In “Starfleeter”, we find a young Keyla Detmer as she bonds with a young Klingon warrior, eventually becoming friends. In “A Perfect System”, a sentient being name Gary Mitchell realizes the mission of Star Trek makes his existence, none essential, as it is in good hands.  In “Where No Publisher Has Gone Before”, the impact of the franchise in comics is told .

Overall, Star Trek #400 is an excellent tribute to this franchise which has meant so much to so many people. The stories by the different writers is astounding.. The art by the different artists is incredible. Altogether, a worthy tribute  and an excellent addition to the canon.

Story: Chris Eliopoulos, Declan Shalvey, Mike Johnson, Wil Wheaton, Collin Kelly, Jackson Lanzing, Rich Handley
Art: Luke Sparrow, Seth Damoose, Angel Hernandez, Joe Eisma, Megan Levens, Ramon Rosanas
Color: DC Alonso, Steve Dellasala, Ronda Pattison, Lee Loughridge
Letterer: Jake Wood, Neil Uyetake, Nathan Widick
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

Review: Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #3

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Star Trek: Picard - Stargazer #3

Being part of the military always gave me a purpose. I felt listless before I joined the military, not sure of the direction my life was headed. Suddenly after boot camp, I had an idea. I found out things about myself that I never knew needed to be unearthed. 27 years later, that imprint is in everything I do , even doing hospital corners on my bed sheets.

The greatest thing I took from my time, is to give to something bigger than myself. The mere act of selflessness is one that I had to mature in. All those who have served will tell you, that we don’t have fear, it is how we move forward despite. In the final issue of Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #3, we find Picard and Seven of Nine as they fight to save a people and a planet  where they may very well, lose their lives.

On Jenjor IV, Seven of Nine just found out about the ambush of Picard and the Jenjorans, and she must work out a plan to rescue them. Meanwhile, the Romulans start their attack on the Stargazer, which leads to a firefight between the two ships. Unfortunately, Reska and Picard are kidnapped by the Romulans, who decide to gambit Jean Luc for ransom, a chance which did not pay off, as Reska, takes control of the ship killing most of their crew. By the issue’s end, Picard leaves Jenjoran IV on a path to prosperity, while Seven of Nine gets an unexpected call from a familiar voice.

Overall, Star Trek: Picard – Stargazer #3 is a grand finale that will get fans primed for the final season of Picard. The story by the creators is exhilarating. The art by the creative team is striking. Altogether, a powerful ending to a an excellent bridge story.

Story: Kirsten Beyer, Mike Johnson Art: Angel Hernandez
Color: J.D. Mettler Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

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