Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.reviews,rec.arts.startrek.current
Subject: TOS Graphic Spoiler: "Special #1"
Date: Thu, 19 May 1994 09:33:46 -0400
Lines: 95

Star Trek Comics Review: "Special #1"
Review by Mark Martinez
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=WARNING= SPOILERS for current comics ahead

Publisher: DC
   Series: TOS Special
   Number: 1
     Date: Spring 1994

    Title: Blaise of Glory
   Writer: Peter David
Penciller: Rod Whigham
    Inker: Arne Starr
 Stardate: 8626.11

Synopsis

Drifting towards a black hole, R.J. Blaise pleads for help via
subspace transmission, from anyone in the universe except
James T. Kirk. Kirk, or course, is nearby and feeling old. Even a
visit from McCoy and a bottle of Saurian brandy fails to lift his
spirits much. The Enterprise picks up the distress signal and
when Blaise is transported aboard, the situation heats up. She
is being pursued by the Lord High Darrich, a warlord whom she has
offended during diplomatic negotiations. Starfleet orders
Kirk to resolve the situation even if it means turning Blaise
over to Darrich. Kirk has his own tried and true methods for
dealing with delicate situations and Blaise has her own way
with Kirk. In spite of their attraction, duty comes first for
both of them. Kirk and Blaise both wonder what might have been
had they met at a younger age. 


    Title: The Needs of the One
   Writer: Michael Collins
Penciller: Michael Collins
    Inker: Terry Pallot
 Stardate: Set between the events of ST III: TSFS and ST IV: TVH

Synopsis

On Vulcan, while awaiting completion of repairs to the Klingon
warship which will take him back to Earth to face charges, Kirk
considers the loss of his son and the rebirth of his friend.
Spock wanders into the mountains which he knew as a child and
Kirk sets out to find him. Along the way they revisit events from
their past and come to terms with their future. 


    Cover: Bill Sienkiewicz
    Grade: s/vf, a/vf, c/vg

Review

Two outstanding stories make up the first TOS anthology. It's
good to see Mr. David back on the job. Things have been awfully PC
around here. Now that he's back, I hope we're going to have some
gratuitous sex and violence (apologies to Q and Commander
Bond). Kirk and R.J. Blaise return for an entertaining tale
about duty, growing old, getting some. This is vintage Kirk,
raging libido and all. We even get to learn what R.J. stands for.
The copy for "Blaise of Glory" needed a little proofreading,
but this is a minor quibble. Michael Collins adds an account of
Spock's recovery following the re-fusion of his Katra and his
body. Events of Spock's past are revisited and reconsidered.
This story is a feast for Vulcan fans. 


Artwork throughout this issue is outstanding. The only
disappointing feature of this comic is the cover, which is a
collage of painted artwork, posterized photos of Spock and Kirk,
and coordinate graphs. It just doesn't do much for me, but don't
worry about the cover. Turn the page and enjoy.

============================================
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: above average
vg      Very good: average
gd      Good: some defects
fr      Fair: ragged
pr      Poor: falls apart
na      Not applicable/available