The new JJ Abrams Star Trek movie is mere weeks away from its US release and, if you're like me, you're counting down the days, more excited than a tribble trapped in a hold full of quadro-triticale! To be reunited with Kirk, Spock, McCoy and other classic heroes from our favorite 60's space romp is quite the thrill. But all may not be as it seems! From the glimpses we've been given into this rollicking new adventure, it's evident that a major shakeup in the historic timeline of our Trek characters is one focus of the new plot.So, any chance to grab some back story on these upcoming events is always welcome. Fortunately, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, the scribes of the new movie, have provided us with just that in a new graphic novel entitled "Star Trek: Countdown". It is a four part series (available now as a one book omnibus) set in the Next Generation universe and centering primarily on the story of Nero, the main Romulan antagonist featured in the movie. The series also provides some insight into the current state of affairs within the Romulan Empire as well as touching upon the present lives of Picard, Data, Worf and La Forge. The team-up of these Next Gen characters with an aging Ambassador Spock, along with a cataclysmic galactic disaster near Romulan territorial space, spark a series of events that lead directly into the new movie.
My reactions to the graphic novel were mixed. (Warning: MAJOR spoilers ahead!!)
The story introduces some grand concepts that present major dilemmas for the characters. Unfortunately, the resolutions to some of these circumstances happen a bit too quickly in relation to the scope of their importance. As an example, an impending exploding star with a projected massive supernova shock way threatens the entire Romulan system. But not just Romulus...possibly Vulcan and Earth as well. That's a might big bang. Fortunately, the Vulcans have concocted "red matter", a chemical mixture that just-so-happens to be the exact antidote for runaway supernova stars. How wonderfully convenient. Eventually, the star explodes and the red matter is used to contain the nova, but not before Romulus is destroyed by the shock wave. Oh, and did I mention that a nasty little side effect of this 'red matter' is that it also happens to create black holes? In this case, a black hole that literally swallows the remnant star, effectively eliminating the threat. As bad luck would have it, the black hole also swallows a few unwanted visitors as well. This act leads us directly into the new movie. Now THAT is some crazy science!! Unfortunately, the far-fetched technology and sketchy physics stole some of the believability away from what should have been a more complex and drawn out story.
Another small sticking point is Nero's modus operandi. He, along with Spock, are the only two who understand the gravity of the impending supernova. When Nero pleads to the Romulan High Council about the situation, they essentially ignore him. He is then forced to team up with Spock and the Federation to find a solution. As stated earlier, the star erupts and Romulus is destroyed. The Federation does, ultimately, eliminate the nova, but because of circumstances beyond their control, cannot do so before the demise of the Romulan home world. Needless to say, this sets Nero off on a crazed frenzy. He just lost his family and his home world and wants someone to blame. So far, a completely understandable reaction. The problem is that he vows vengeance on Vulcan and Earth for their inability to act quickly enough to avert the disaster. Interesting how he blames the Vulcans and Humans, the very people (and, in fact, the ONLY people) charging in to help, but the Romulans, his OWN PEOPLE, who all but dismissed the threat, get a free pass. I'd say that's a bit of misplaced anger. Of course, in that way, he is so very 'human' in that he can't help but bite the hand that feeds him.On a positive note, the artwork was descent and the action plentiful. Catching up with the Next Gen crew was a delight and a series of surprising plot twists kept me reading. I guess we'll see how it all plays out on May 8th. If anything, I at least have some knowledge now of background events leading into the new movie, which should make for a smoother transition into the JJ Abrams era of Trek.
Pick up a copy of Star Trek: Countdown and decide for yourself.
