Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.reviews,rec.arts.startrek.current
Subject: TNG Graphic Spoiler: "Special #1" [090632]
Date: 11 Oct 1993 14:57:52 GMT
Lines: 117

Star Trek Comics Review: "Special #1"
Review by Mark Martinez
============================================

WARNING: SPOILERS FOR CURRENT STAR TREK COMICS AHEAD

Publisher: DC
   Series: TNG Special
   Number: 1
     Date: 1993

    Title: Good Listener
   Writer: Tony Isabella
   Writer: Bob Ingersol
Penciller: Deryl Skelton
Penciller: Steve Carr
    Inker: Jim Amash
 Stardate: 46541.2
 Synopsis: Guinan agrees to establish a saloon on a mining
colony for an old friend. Unfortunately, many of the miners are
suffering from some sort of emotional epidemic which the
medtechs can't explain. A Federation environmental watchdog
is also concerned that a native species may be sentient and that
mining operations may be hazardous to the local ecology. Riker
and Dr. Crusher bring an away team to research the mysterious
ailment. Several Enterprise crewmembers suffer from intense
emotional episodes, until one of Worf's security officers, a
low-level telepath, discovers that the native creatures are
probing his mind and amplifying his inner fears. The Tordohh,
as they call themselves, are telepaths. Once a technological
society, they returned to a simpler life and now insist that the
Federation leave. As she leaves, Guinan leaves the Tordohh
with a little gotcha for invading everyone's thoughts rather
than trying to communicate with the Federation.  


    Title: A True Son of Kahless
   Writer: Kenneth Penders
   Writer: Anne Wokanovicz
Penciller: Kenneth Penders
    Inker: Romeo Tanghal
 Synopsis: Worf and Alexander leave the Enterprise for three
days of shore leave on Tallera III. Alone in the wilderness,
Worf begins teaching Alexander Klingon ways. When an
electromagnetic disturbance hits the planet, Worf is
injured. Alexander makes a sledge out of vines and drags his
father to safety, then sets up a locator beacon. After being
found by an away team, Picard thanks Alexander for rescuing his
security chief. 


    Title: Spot's Day
   Writer: Diane Duane
Penciller: Rod Whigam
    Inker: Mike Sellers
 Synopsis: Worf interrupts Data while he is feeding Spot, who
slips out of Data's quarters. Spot catches a ride on the
turbolift with Picard and Riker, making his way to a holodeck.
Geordi has modified one of Worf's training programs and left it
running. Spot enters the holodeck and acquits himself with
honor.  


    Cover: Jason Palmer
    Cover: Segarra
    Grade: s/vg, a/fn, c/fn

REVIEW

The first TNG anthology introduces a refreshing mix of serious
and whimsical stories to Star Trek comic readers. Although
Guinan appears to be the featured character of the first story,
she really doesn't play a large role. The story itself is
interesting enough, but I would have preferred to learn more
about Guinan. In the second story, Alexander grows up a little
in a convincing manner and is not his usual irritating self.
Finally, Spot gets some attention from Diane Duane and we learn
a little about his true role on the Enterprise. 


The artwork in this issue comes from a mix of freshman and
experienced artists. The newcomers may be a little rough on
some characters but show promise. Cat-lovers will appreciate
the work done in "Spot's day". I hope DC continues to use this
forum to introduce new writers and artists to the Trek universe
and its fans. This issue also contains pin-ups of Enterprise
crewmembers drawn by Peter Krause, Dan Davis, and Jerome
Moore.

NOTES

Special anthologies are planned every quarter for Star Trek
and Star Trek: The Next Generation. They will feature
characters infrequently in the spotlight and offbeat stories
about lead characters. 


============================================
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