Comics Review : Star Trek Nero Issue 1

The cover(s): The "regular" cover is by David Messina. A close up of Nero walking out of the bottom left corner of a delta shield into the interior of the Narada. His face is a gorgeous gray-purple. He looks as if he's ready to scream in rage. I love this! "Retail Incentive Photo Cover" is from the second series of promo posters used to promote the movie. It's Karl Urban as McCoy. How could you not love? And--YIKES! A previously unnamed cover title: "Fan Expo Canada cover." It's a waist-up shot of Nimoy as Spock from the new film. Spock is not seen in this issue, but as a motivator his presence is felt. You lucky Canadians! Just don't taunt me with it, up there in the Great White North. Overall grade: All covers A+

The story: Story by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman, with Writers Mike Johnson & Tim Jones. The number one question everyone is thinking is "Is this as good as Countdown?" Yes! Yes! Yes! And--wait for it--it addresses most of the questions you've had or read (online). The issue begins "seconds after the destruction of the U.S.S. Kelvin." The Narada is damaged and Spock is nowhere to be found. What to do? The Romulans are going to wait and see. It's here that the "Nero" aspect of the comic begins. Pages 6 and 7 explain convincingly why he won't go to Romulus of this time. Pages 8 and 9 provide crew motivation, as well as discipline and unity on Page 10. Page 11 begins the attack you've all been waiting for and now it's finally seen! Five pages of battle and the resolution you all know of occurs. Page 19 had an unexpected character appe ar that was an utter delight! I could "hear" his grumble perfectly, even at his young age. Nero's response to this character is great, and has me concerned for his gravelly voiced antagonist: you know payback will be coming soon. And that last page will make you ache for 30 days! Having heard/read what this comic was going to cover, and then finally having seen/read it, my expectations were met and surpassed. I can only say "Thank you" to all involved, and add "How's he going to get out of this?" Overall grade: A+

The art: Knock. Knock. Who's there? Eisner. Eisner who? Eisner Awards you better rec-og-nize! Messina delivers the goods, yet again! As good as Countdown? Lordy, yes! It's flippin' Messina, man! I wanted to see more of the interiors of the Narada, having only gotten a taste in the film, and I got it! I wanted to see Nero anguish, and I got it! I wanted to see a kick-ass fight, and I got it! Pages 6 and 7 will make Nero sympathetic, to a flaw. Page 12, poster or print, please, IDW. The top two panels of Page 16: Best-kill-in-Trek-comic-EVER! Page 19 has the image of a younger Morgan A. Sheppard captured brilliantly. Page 21, flat out gorgeous, which is no small chore, considering what it is. And Page 22, why do I think there's going to be someone else's blood on that wall very soon. Messina is the artist of Trek in the 21st century. Overall grade: A+

The colors: Giovanna Niro does a bang up job. I loved the oranges on Pages 2 and 3, as well as with the contrasting blues on Pages 6 and 7, 'cause Nero sure has dem blues! Notice how at the end of the five page battle, the victors' color red becomes predominant in the final three panels of Page 17--very nice and cool! Even in unconsciousness, the victors' color remains! And then the off-whites of the final setting should telegraph to Trek fans where Nero is. Overall grade: A+


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