Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.reviews,rec.arts.startrek.current Subject: TNG Graphic Spoiler: "The Good of the Many" Date: 15 Nov 1993 22:15:15 GMT Lines: 83 Star Trek Comics Review: "The Good of the Many" Review by Mark Martinez ============================================ WARNING: SPOILERS FOR CURRENT STAR TREK COMICS AHEAD Publisher: DC Series: TNG Number: 55 Date: December 1993 Title: The Good of the Many Writer: Michael Jan Friedman Penciller: Deryl Skelton Inker: Steve Carr Cover: na Stardate: na Grade: s/fn, a/vg, c/vg Synopsis Data and Capt. Louvois are uninjured after an alien ship collides with their disabled shuttlecraft. The occupants of the other vessel are not so lucky. A second alien vessel appears. Data and Louvois are arrested for "disproportionate destruction of lives" and brought to trial by the Terviorii. Their legal system is dedicated to the welfare of the majority and since nine individuals lost their lives, Data and Louvois have no defense. Data tries and fails to argue their case. Capt. Louvois argues that Data is a unique life-form, the sole representative of his race, therefore his rights "outweigh those of any group comprising less than an entire race". Her argument convinces the Terviorii to drop all charges. Meanwhile, back on the Enterprise: Dr. Crusher sends a message to Wesley, detailing her recent encounter with Q; the Klingon flowers in the garden are doing poorly and Worf misses Keiko O'Brien's botanical skills; Picard reaffirms his support for Riker after receiving a copy of Capt. Jellico's report on his tenure as commander of the Enterprise; and Lwaxana Troi arrives for another visit. Review Friedman's storytelling technique has changed in recent issues. Forthcoming events are briefly introduced and there are occasional interludes featuring secondary characters or themes. Some of these interludes provide interesting commentary on TNG characters and past events. I found the main story well-written, with clever arguments, and it provides an interesting role for Capt. Louvois, who previously considered Data's rights in the second season episode, "Measure of a Man". Daryl Skelton is now the regular artist for this series. His artwork has a cartoonish look (less detailed likenesses) when compared to other artist's work, but it is still quite good. A good effort by all involved. ============================================ Grading Key (adapted with tongue-in-cheek from "The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide" and subject to revision with little or no provocation) s Story a Art c Cover art mt Mint: perfect in every way nm Near mint: minor imperfections only vf Very fine: outstanding fn Fine: no serious defects vg Very good: presentable gd Good: readable fr Fair: ragged pr Poor: falls apart na Not applicable/available