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Review: Star Trek: The Mirror War – Data

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Star Trek: The Mirror War - Data

Much like similar franchises, there are certain generations tied to different eras within the Star Trek Universe. As my father’s generation grew up watching the original series and also the movies. Then there’s my generation who grew up watching Star Trek: The Next Generation and the companion series universe that followed, even enjoying the prequel series, Enterprise. As people are drawn to the series for different reasons.

I can honestly say that the original cast’s movies were better done than the ones that followed ST:TNG. That is not to say that TNG’s movies were not all bad, and the one that got me because of the ending was Star Trek: Nemesis. This movie is where Data sacrificed himself for the crew and the ship, something that fans did not really get to reckon with until the 1st season finale of Picard. As most fans including me did not realize how much we loved the character until then, thankfully Celeste Bronfman and Roberta Ingranata gives us this one-shot with our favorite android in Star Trek: The Mirror War – Data.

We find the version of Data in the Mirror Universe onboard the ISS Enterprise-D, where the crew have uncovered a device which could change the fortunes, but some including Barclay feels that it may be a Romulan trap. Data starts to get suspicious of Barclay, who acts inconspicuous, which only stokes Data’s distrust. It is not only until Barclay gets into a simulation on the Holodeck that Data discovers that at the center of Barclay’s unusual behavior, is his entrenched hate for the Klingons and a rival family, who blames his family for the Klingons attacking their town,  thereby starting a blood war. Data convinces Barclay to uncover evidence that the rival family is at the root of it all, leading the two to go back to his home planet. By issue’s end, the duo uncovers the truth, but not all goes as planned, leaving the main perpetrator dead without paying for their original sin.

Overall, Star Trek: The Mirror War – Data is an interesting mystery set in the Mirror Universe. The story by Bronfman is exciting and seething with intrigue. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a story that is fun for Data fans as we see a version of him when logic is at the center of his motivation but of course it works very differently and much more sinister in the Mirror Universe.

Story: Celeste Bronfman Art: Roberta Ingranata, Valentina Pinto, and Neil Uyetake
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Review: Transformers: Shattered Glass #3

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Transformers: Shattered Glass #3

I’m a big fan of Transformers having grown up with Gen-1. The concept of a “Mirror Universe” with “Shattered Glass” is something I’ve been excited about and wanted to read more about since I first found out about it. With its miniseries, IDW Publishing has attempted to deliver us a story and twisted take that would meet expectations. But, lets face it, it’s a difficult task. Transformers: Shattered Glass #3 is an interesting shift in the series starting to focus the narrative a bit more than the one-shots that proceeded it.

Danny Lore continues to tell the tale of a universe where the Autobots are petty tyrants and the Decepticons and freedom fighters between down and underground. Each issue is a one-shot that focuses on an individual character giving a bit of the world’s history from their perspective. The first issue focused on Blur, the second Megatron, and third is Starscream. Starscream is the character who has played through each issue acting as our perspective for the here and now. He’s a wanted fugitive who at the same time is attempting to bring the Decepticons together again and take a stand against the Autobots.

While the concept of the series is interesting, this issue emphasizes that I’ve been having issues with so far. There’s far too much covered and not enough focus on one thing. Megatron and Starscream are hiding out where they meet Soundwave, who, so far, is the most interesting character in this world. Soundwave is handling “Radio Decepticon” keeping the members connected and trying to keep them calm. His connection though isn’t about attempting to rise up, it’s an attempt to help the former soldiers through their trauma. Soundwave in a way is a Suicide Hotline, talking to his fellow bots in need. That stands out and is far too short of a concept. It’s the most interesting thing with so much potential for an emotional journey but it’s only touched upon and not explored enough. That’s been an issue overall with far too little time spent on each concept brought up. Transformers: Shattered Glass would have been far better served as a max-series spanning a dozen issues our more.

The art by Guido Guidi continues to be pretty solid. The color by John-Paul Bove is key with lettering by Neil Uyetake. The world presented feels like one ruled by tyrants. The buildings and streets are slightly run down with a dirtiness about them that emphasizes the lack of support. It’s a small detail that really makes the Decepticon cause stand out. Bove’s colors play a key role as they often are the distinction between the characters we knew and the twisted versions we’re reading about. Everything looks solid, a comic depiction of the toys we play(ed) with.

Transformers: Shattered Glass #3 isn’t a bad comic in any way. It’s a solid edition that adds some depth to the overall story adding details. It’s just a comic that doesn’t feel like it quite stands on its own as entertaining. It continues the series’ high level exploration of the world of “Shattered Glass”. This is one that might be a bit better to read as a trade because as single issues it feels a little lacking.

Story: Danny Lore Art: Guido Guidi
Color: John-Paul Bove Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 7.0 Art: 8.15 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Review: Transformers: Shattered Glass #2

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Transformers: Shattered Glass #2

I’ll admit, the debut issue of Transformers: Shattered Glass didn’t excite me the way I hoped it would. For those unfamiliar with the world, “Shattered Glass” is the Transformers version of the “Mirror Universe” in Star Trek. The Autobots are the bad guys and Decepticons are good. The characters are familiar but twisted versions of themselves. Some have slightly different alt-modes but most are just different colors than what we’re used to. The mini-series is an interesting one devoting each issue to one character giving us a sort of tour of the world. While the series kicked off with Blurr and Starscream, Transformers: Shattered Glass #2 sets its sites on Megatron.

Written by Danny Lore, Transformers: Shattered Glass #2 gives us the history of the Decepticon’s war for justice. Narrated mostly by Starscream, we’re taken through a compact history of Megatron’s rise and the war that came. It’s a compact take on everything and does a decent job of catching readers up on what has happened. It also is a little bit of a let down as what’s presented is very interesting but never gets a chance to play out fully. What should be memorable moments are cut short.

Where Transformers: Shattered Glass #2 works really well is the dueling narrative between Megatron and Starscream. While Starscream gives us his perspective, Megatron sees the history another way. It’s an interesting back and forth and the best aspect of the issue and series so far. In Starscream we find a person looking for a leader and inspiration. In Megatron we see a fighter who feels like he’s failed. Each has their perspective and neither is necessarily wrong. It’s a solid example of how history is written though.

The art by Daniel Khanna is solid. With color by John-Paul Bove and lettering by Neil Uyetake, the world feels rusted and rundown. There’s small details which make both Megatron and Starscream come off as wearied warriors who are tired and spent from years of battle and abuse. Much like the story itself, there’s more the visuals might have done to really play everything home but what’s presented gives us a nice big picture. The colors by Bove are key as they are the big differentiator between the “Shattered Glass” world and the Transformers we know.

Transformers: Shattered Glass #2 feels like the big picture tour of the “Shattered Glass” world. It teases the big picture but rushes through events. It’s an interesting miniseries focusing on a character at a time instead of focusing in on one. There’s a lot here to work with and hopefully this is just the start to something more. For those who have been excited for this, they may find it a bit lacking from what they wanted but it shows a lot of potential for many stories to come.

Story: Danny Lore Art: Daniel Khanna
Color: John-Paul Bove Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.25 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW

Review: Star Trek: The Mirror War #0

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Star Trek: The Mirror War #0

In anepisode of Hollywood Masters, the Farrelly Brothers spoke at length about how the wrote characters and how they develop motive. It was quite compelling and offered an interesting way to examine characters as well as stories. The brothers also gave some insight about how gray fictional characters are, but also people in general. It’s the story the determines how certain characters respond. This doubly true when you talk about Star Trek and anything dealing with the Mirror Universe.

That’s what makes Star Trek so compelling. The show delivers so many motivations for characters and even the same character depending on which universe it takes place in. In Star Trek: The Mirror War #0, we catch up with the crew of Enterprise-D shortly after their defeat in the Prime Universe. And that defeat may spell their doom.

Star Trek: The Mirror War #0 opens up on the Enterprise-D crew as the away team is about to board an empty freighter. The crew believe the ship to be automated and easily cannibalized for supplies. What they soon realize is that they’ve fallen into a Cardassian trap barely escaping. It’s a solid opening full of action and makes you believe things can’t get any worse for the Enterprise and her crew. But, they’re called by to Earth to appear before the Emperor setting up an issue full of machinations, assassination attempts, and betrayal.

Overall, Star Trek: The Mirror War #0 is an excellent story set in the Mirror Universe. It’s a debut that’ll have Star Trek fans remember why that setting works so well for the series. The story by David Tipton and Scott Tipton is enthralling. The art by Carlos Nieto and DC Alonso is gorgeous. Altogether, Star Trek: The Mirror War #0 begins a story which ratchets up all the melodrama we have come to expect from these stories.

Story: David Tipton and Scott Tipton Art: Carlos Nieto
Color: DC Alonso 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

Review: Star Trek: The Next Generation – Mirror Universe Collection

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Star Trek: The Next Generation – Mirror Universe Collection

As far back as I can remember Star Trek has been one of those franchises that always been part of the public imagination. Permeating throughout popular culture, leading to even George Lucas admitting the franchise’s influence on his Star Wars saga.  Even though I watched and enjoyed the original series, the movies including the original cast, and the cartoon series, it was definitely before my time. What really got me pulled into this universe was The Next Generation series.

I remembered the first episode where we met the crew, and of course, Data is who stood out. The other aspect of Star Trek, I have enjoyed are the ever-interesting Mirror Universe episodes, which every show that came after the original series got to has enjoyed, except for ST: TNG. As it would have been an interesting endeavor by the show, giving us a different view of our favorite characters. In David and Scott Tipton’s Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Mirror Universe Collection, we get some wish-fulfillment in a trio of comic stories which shows just how menacing our heroes are in the Mirror Universe.

In “Mirror Broken,”, we’re introduced to the crew of the ISS Stargazer and their insidious captain, Jean Luc Picard and belongs to the once-powerful Terran Empire, and where Vulcans are slaves to the powerful Klingon-Cardassian alliance, which gives Picard the perfect opportunity to assemble the crew we know, but more ominous, to take over the Enterprise and give the Empire an advantage over their enemies with a long-dormant weapon. In “Origin of Data”, we get an interesting side story of how Picard recruited Data to his ranks in this alternate dimension. In “Through the Mirror”, the ISS Enterprise crosses over to the Prime Star Trek universe where they meet the heroes we know and looks to conquer worlds in their dimension, while the mirror universe Picard hatches a plan to infiltrate the Enterprise which leads to a tense standoff between both crews. In “Ripe for Plunder”, Data goes on a solo mission to find Emperor Spock, who was thought to be long dead and reveals long-hidden keys to Picard’s plans. In the last story, “Terra Incognita”, one of the show’s long-endeared characters takes a baleful turn as his evil doppelganger infiltrates the Prime Universe Enterprise crew.

Overall, Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Mirror Universe Collection is an exciting set of stories that play with alternate universes and realities masterfully. The stories by the Tiptons are engrossing and exciting. The art by the creative teams is beautiful. Altogether, a collection that gives more than fan service, as it stretches the imagination and the possibilities, infinite.

Story: Scott Tipton and David Tipton
Art: J.K. Woodward, Charlie Kirchoff, Josh Hood, Marcus To, Chris Johnson, Carlos Nieto, Debora Carita, Tony Shasteen, Angel Hernandez
Color: Jason Lewis, Brittany Peer, Jason Lewis, David Garcia Cruz, Fran Gamboa, Jay Fotos, Jo Mettler, Mark Roberts
Letterer: Andworld Design, Neil Uyetake
Story: 9.8 Art: 9.6 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Review: Dungeons & Dragons: Infernal Tides

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Dungeons & Dragons: Infernal Tides

The forces of evil are back in Baldur’s Gate and this time, they have some truly heinous stuff planned in Dungeons & Dragons: Infernal Tides. As they try to force the plane of Avernus into the more natural world, a group of heroes will need to rise up and stop them. A group with a good balance of skills. Possibly, one with a miniature giant space hamster. Yes, Minsc and company return to Baldur’s Gate to kick butts.

I feel that there is a lot to like about Dungeons & Dragons: Infernal Tides. It brings back Jim Zub and Max Dunbar. All the creative teams have knocked it out of the park but Zub is a bit more involved with the properties and it just shows in how these tales are delivered. Quickly, you know who is who and what they can do. We see the threat quickly and the story builds them up. But, the one thing I think that might be the most important is that when you have a cast like the one that Infernal Tides has, it’s important to craft their individual voices. Zub makes them feel like a true party and while a character like Minsc has such a strong, outstanding personality, he doesn’t drown everyone out.

Max Dunbar illustrates another great Dungeons & Dragons story. Paired with Sebastian Cheng, David Garcia Cruz, and Neil Uyetake, Infernal Tides features a lot of great character design and action sequences. I thought there was a really great 2-page splash in issue 2. As someone who has been reading these adventures since Evil At Baldur’s Gate, it’s good to have a colorist that I think is perfect for Max Dunbar’s art.

Ultimately, IDW Publishing does Dungeons & Dragons right. I’ve been really happy with all of the stories they’ve done but I do feel there’s something a bit more special, exciting and enjoyable about Jim Zub and Max Dunbar working on a tale set in Baldur’s Gate. Dungeons & Dragons: Infernal Tides ends up as another truly enjoyable tale of Minsc and company that’s sure to keep fantasy readers enthralled.

Story: Jim Zub Art: Max Dunbar
Colors: Sebastian Cheng, David Garcia Cruz Letters: Neil Uyetake
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Review: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice

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Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice

Rene Auberjonois was one of those actors whose calming voice, steady demeanor, and gravitas made him both inscrutable and mesmeric. I remember watching him as a child on the all time classic, Benson. Looking back now, his character of Clayton, was the Squidworth (Spongebob Squarepants)of that show. He would go on to portray even more memorable characters throughout the rest of his years.

One of my favorite characters that he brought to the screen and much more deserving of his talents was Constable Odo on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. His keen eye and sharp mind made for a memorable performance as the lone lawman on this classic iteration of Star Trek. The show pushed on the actors’ strengths, even more so with Auberjonois’s talents. In Constable Odo’s solo adventure he uncovers a mystery. In Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice, the character unravels his own Murder on the Orient Express aboard the space station.

We open on Garak and Bashir having lunch, when suddenly a bomb goes off in Lavin’s Eatery, leading Odo to arrive on deck, to investigate. Eight dead bodies are found, leading Odo to question everything, even pondering the possibility that Quark may be a suspect and finding a clue in Rodinum darts. Sisko handles the diplomatic fallout, which pushes Odo to find the truth that much more integral. Everyone on board including Worf has their own suspicions about who is at the center of this deadly massacre, but what doesn’t help, is the consistent accumulation of dead bodies, even those who were suspects. Eventually, he gets help in the form of Inspector Retlaw, of Federation Security, who is also a Betazoid, making him an empath, leading to someone who was seen putting together an arms deal, just days before, Vedek Teler. By book’s end, remnants of past hostilities and avarice of others haunt the guilty party, and Odo to both be empathetic yet firm in his decision to arrest them.

Overall, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Too Long a Sacrifice is a searing crime noir that is only upended by its setting, and its excellent characterization. The story by the Tiptons is superb. The art by the creative team is alluring. Altogether, a story that brings us back to the space station, in this fun murder mystery.

Story: David Tipton and Scott Tipton Art: Greg Scott, Ricardo Drumond, Felipe Sobreiro, and Neil Uyetake
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.4 Overall: 9.7 Recommendation: Buy

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Review: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #276

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #276

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #276 kicks off the first part of “Untold Tales”. Scarlett, Snake-Eyes, and the gang drop down in Abysmia to locate a tech dabbling in poison gas and nuclear material. They meet up with their Abysmia contacts, one who is incredibly versatile with a knife, who more or less clears a path for the Joes to get to their target, only to have her own personal vendetta stand in the way of justice.

I can say I don’t know everything about G.I. Joe and I’m not sure how many stories don’t feature COBRA as the antagonists but there was no hint of that organization within the story. Writer Larry Hama, who has written this series for so long, gives them a break and instead it gives the story a bit more realism, I think. This issue felt very wordy. Even more so when you think that issue 275 was a silent issue. My only bone to pick with this issue was the ending felt very rushed but other than that, the pacing is great for such a story.

Netho Diaz is still doing art on G.I. Joe and with this issue, I thought I saw a few times where his art looked better than normal. He’s got a good hand for detail and in my opinion, is one of the best artists working on a licensed book. I’m glad IDW has an artist of this caliber working on the Joes. There are times when I feel like his art draws a bit of inspiration from the likes of Neal Adams, especially in the facial details. Jagdish Kumar’s coloring is used in a variety of different locations throughout the issue and he helps sell what’s going on within the pages.

I don’t know if “Untold Tales” is going to be a bunch of single-issue stories or if this issue will build onto something much bigger but as far as G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #276 goes, it works well as a solo issue story comprised of a good team of Joe favorites. One chapter in, “Untold Tales” is shaping up to be another quality story.

Story: Larry Hama Arti: Netho Diaz
Inks: Jagdish Kumar Color: J. Brown Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 8.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.5

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Review: G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #275

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G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #275

Who doesn’t love G.I. Joe? Well, I guess some people probably don’t but G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #275 is a big deal and I’ve been reading the series off and on for the last bunch of years. Last issue, COBRA kidnapped a man named Sean Collins, who they think might be the original Snake Eyes and they want to brainwash him to work for them. It sounds like something that might have happened in one of the old cartoons.

But wait, there’s a big twist with the issue that I didn’t see. G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #275 calls back to another issue from many years ago, issue 21, or, “Silent Interlude”, in that there are no words. No dialogue. No caption boxes. That means we, the readers, have to piece it together from the art. In removing the dialogue and taking out of my mind the voices of these characters that have been ingrained in it, it actually makes for a rather pleasant read…or viewing.

I think one of the most interesting things about this is that series writer Larry Hama continues to do innovative things with these characters. When I picked up this issue, I had no idea it would be silent. But what is lost in words, this issue certainly makes up with in action. Non-stop, no-holds-barred, all guns blazing. You pick it, it’s what it is. All the big Joes and Cobra guys and gals just blasting each other all throughout a hospital. And it was something you could follow. Does it bug me there’s no dialogue? Eh, not really. I do feel that it would add something substantial to the experience, but having this issue be a silent one does also make for a memorable issue.

The art team on this issue of G.I. Joe had to do a lot of work. Tony Atkins and Netho Diaz create a great action sequence of an issue. I think they do satisfying work on the title. But on a silent issue, the art has to do so much more work to keep the reader invested in what they see and I feel it was mission accomplished in that category. And what’s more, I love seeing their renditions of so many classic characters that I grew up with.

Overall, an issue like this can hit a few different ways. I thought G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #275 was one of the better issues with no words I’ve read. It got me from point A to B and sometimes, or in this case, part 9 to part 10, and what a way to wrap a story. It’s not a perfect issue, but it’s a good one that, I think, pays off for those who have followed Hama’s G.I. Joe comic. It’s not one I’d recommend to a new reader.

Story: Larry Hama Art: Robert Atkins and Netho Diaz
Ink: Brian Atkins and Maria Keane Color: J. Brown Letterer: Neil Uyetake
Story: 6.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 6.5 Recommendation: Good for those who follow the series but not for new readers

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Review: Dungeons & Dragons: At The Spine Of The World #1

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Dungeons & Dragons: At The Spine Of The World #1

First off, a bit of a confession. I love the Dungeons & Dragons comics that IDW Publishing has put out and because of that, I jumped at the opportunity to check out the debut ot the latest mini-series, Dungeons & Dragons: At The Spine Of The World #1. I was a bit down on the fact that it wasn’t going to be another series starring Minsc and it was not going to be written by Jim Zub. For the last few years, he’s written the adventures of one of D & D’s best characters. But, I still love D&D and I thought the non-Zub story A Darkened Wish was exciting.

At The Spine Of The World, so far, is a tale thick in chardalyn, a magical rock of high power, and the mining expedition at the Spine Of The World go berserk on their travel to Ten Towns and more-or-less wipe each other out. A member of the Uthgardt clan sworn to protect the mountain comes across the wagon dogs. As they come back to the wreckage of the wagons, a Remorhaz breaks through everything, looking to finish what’s left of the expedition.  From there, it’s a trip to Ten Towns and more trouble, courtesy of the chardalyn.

Part of the fun of these books is seeing what locals or beasts are being used in the story. Getting a town set in Icewind Dale is awesome enough. I’m sure with the Icewind Dale: Rime Of The Frostmaiden campaign being fairly new, it may have been a no-brainer for series writers Aimee Garcia and AJ Mendez to put something together that placed a party within Icewind Dale. They’ve put together a very exciting story with the first issue that feels like a random encounter in a campaign.

My favorite moments with the art was due to the battle. Martin Coccolo’s art was eye-catching in this issue. I loved how the fight between the main characters and the Remorhaz went down. I feel like Coccolo’s detail in his art reminds me a bit of both Andy and Adam Kubert and I mean that as a compliment. He implements a good amount of character detail but nothing too heavy. I wasn’t as impressed with the art when it was a variety of characters just standing around talking. The colors by Katrina Mae Hao were very vibrant. I especially thought the snowy mountain scenes had great color. The 1:25 cover was really superb and well worth checking out.

I love the world that Dungeons & Dragons encompasses and IDW Publishing continues to do right by the properties with their comics. Dungeons & Dragons: At The Spine Of The World #1 has me excited for more issues. There’s something for everyone with these kind of stories and they put a spotlight on folks from all sorts of fantasy walks of life. At The Spine Of The World explodes with a rush of adventure from the get-go and is just the sort of tale any hardened fan of fantasy can enjoy.

Story: Aimee Garcia and AJ Mendez Art: Martin Coccolo
Color: Katrina Mae Hao Letterer: Neil Uyetake Edits: Megan Brown and David Hedgecock
Story: 7.5 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.5

IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics

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