Comic Reviews: Double-sized edition

[exatron]

Since I was on the other side of the country most of last week, I had twice the comics to read.

Transformers Spotlight- Kup

This month we get a look at Transformers' resident old-timer as he deals with being stranded on an alien world with these weird crystal. Meanwhile, Springer is spending considerable resources to get Kup back, despite several failed attempts and the other Autobots considering the mission a lost cause.

The plot had a bit of a twist, though it was kind of obvious from the first page and how Kup spoke of Outback. Plus, we get to see design and storyboard work from the author/writer as an extra. I really like the artist's interpretation of Kup. The design feels old, beat-up, and withered.

Star Trek: Klingons- Blood Will Tell #1

The long-awaited Klingon miniseries is finally here, and it's a decent start. Unlike what the previews suggest, the miniseries has a wrapper that tells a larger tale and explains why we're hearing the Klingon POV from several classic episodes.

Shortly after the initial scenes of Star Trek VI, a Klingon High Council member is faced with a major decision- should his people ask the Federation for help? Fortunately, his daughter interrupts his brooding and helps by providing her own counsel and spurring a history lesson.

The writers actually tried to explain the classic and post-movie looks for the Klingons. I'm not sure I completely understand it, but it's something about failed genetic enhancements yielding two races.

"Errand of Mercy" from the Klingon side is mostly what you'd expect from the concept. We see the Kingons' thoughts and reasoning, and they fit an aggressive warrior race.

Transformers Escalation #6

Rock 'em Sock 'em Leaders comes to an end with this issue, starting with Megs declaring Optimus Prime dead and the Autobots swearing vengeance. Naturally, Prime's not really dead, but we do see him make excellent use of his trailer and a freaky vision while that happens.

Meanwhile, Hot Rod wants to jump into battle, completely forgetting that he's responsible for securing the human facsimile. Reminded of that, he actually ignores his own safety for the sake of the mission.

We also got to see what the mystery Deceipti-head has been up to (Think headmasters and lots of Sunstreaker bodies.) as well as learn that the Feds have a couple of Soundwave's pals.

The issue concludes with Megs upping the ante and calling in Sixshot.

I liked this story arc, and the way the Spotlight series weaves into things. The plot moved along, we got some great fight scenes, some interesting character bits, and good art. May looks just as promising since a Megatron origin series is planned.

Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Space Between #4

We get an A and B story this time around, and it looks like it's set during late season 6. (No stardates are given, so it's hard to tell exactly). Worf, Geordi, and ensign Ro's shuttlecraft crashes on an icy world courtesy of some solar flare activity. Thankfully, they find a monastery, but it's fresh out of monks. We eventually learn why- they're basically rampaging zombies now.

While the marooned trio fights for its life, the Enterprise has to decide between locating the missing shuttle and getting a creepy religion guy back to his homeworld for a trial. That probably doesn't sound like much of a issue, but Creep-o did some horrible things to his people, and could get off scott free if they're late.

This issue was much better than #3. Things happened here, and it felt like it. Characters fight for their lives, the crew deals with an ethical dilemma, and I guess there's a moral to the story.