J.J. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek changed the face of the storied franchise forever.
Star Trek comics have been out of print for a very long time, but this year we’ll see it return in the form of a monthly line which explores the universe and adventures of the altered story-line.
IDW publishing (which also publishes the Transformers, Angel, and Doctor Who comics) is set to publish the series which will be guided by Roberto Orci, the writer of the 2009 film’s screenplay, as well as the upcoming Coyboys & Aliens, and many episodes of Fringe.
“Movies cost money. Lots and lots of money,” said Orci in a press release, “but comics give us unlimited budgets to take the crew of the Enterprise farther than they’ve ever been. Join us!”
Mike Johnson, a long-time writer for comic book tie-ins, will write at least the first issue, and Stephen Molnar is being brought on as series illustrator.
The first issue will reimagine Where No Man Has Gone Before, the second pilot of the original Star Trek series, using the new, younger, edgier crew.
The first issue will also feature at least six differnt covers, four of which will be rare, and a golden ticket promotion.
The following issues will cover adventures leading up to the second film.
The last two years have softened the initial reaction to the 2009 film, which originally angered long-time fans of the franchise with all of its changes. The quality of the film itself however was undeniable, and it truly does reflect more modern sensibilities than the original series ever did.
Does directly readapting the events of the original series go to far?
No, because I think it needs it. I’m a Star Trek fan myself – though I’ll admit I’ve always related better to The Next Generation than the original series, and I think the original events in the canon are outdated. The social, visual, and dialectical styles of that series are all dated, and could do with this make-over.
It’s difficult to admit that a favorite franchise is dying, but Star Trek was on its last legs, and the reboot has saved it from itself. Honestly, it doesn’t even break canon because of the careful time-traveling elements worked into the film, so I never had trouble with it at all.
With this much talent on board, the initial issues are sure to be excellent, but will they give it the attention it needs to stay great? It could go either way, in this commenter’s view.
Star Trek #1 will hit shelves in September 2011 for about $4. Watch TGDaily for a review of this new series when it hits.
