Star Trek: Boldly Go Issue #13 (Review)
October 25, 2017
Written by Mike Johnson
Art by Josh Hood
Release Date: 10-25-2017
Boldly Go #13 is the first part of the "epic" six part IDIC event, that sees the crew of the USS Enterprise(though they aren't currently on that ship) encountering various quantum realities in which their lives are vastly different from the ones we are familiar with. I use the term "quantum realities" because it sounds suitably Trekkish and matches up with one piece of dialogue from the issue, the actual mechanism for this crossover is pretty vague thus far.
I'll admit, that while I've enjoyed every issue of Boldly Go so far, (Issues #5, #10 being the standouts. #KevinTimeline) I was a little worried about how this event would come off. When the cover was first revealed, and we saw there would be a version of Kirk with an eye-patch reminiscent of General Chang's from Star Trek VI, I was sceptical. My concerns were put to rest as soon as the reasons behind the variations in Kirk's character were revealed. It makes total sense, and ties in with the origins of the #KevinTimeline. At this point I've totally bought into this concept and am ready to see where the journey takes us. 6 issues will be the longest Arc we've had yet in Boldly Go, and Mike Johnson has never disappointed me as a writer, so my excitement is incredibly high. I just wish they were all released now!
There are some really interesting twists over the course of this issue that I wasn't expecting (more Human Spock, The Orphan, Jane (?) Kirk) that made me instantly want to reread it. The clever callbacks to scenes from earlier Kelvin films, like a reimagining of the Nibiru scene from Into Darkness, and an altered version of Bones and Kirk drinking together in Beyond helped make the alternate reality we primarily see in this issue feel firmly grounded and tied to the Kelvin films.
Lastly, the art by Josh Hood is spectacular. Tony Shasteen's art is, in my mind, the definitive visual representation of Boldly Go, but Hood comes very close to that style. While the art in the series has at times been a bit of a letdown for me (Megan Levens style is not to my taste) this issue knocked it out of the park, though the likeness of Greenwood's Pike was a little odd. I'm sad to see that Hood is not set to do the art for the entire arc, as I enjoyed his style so much, but I look forward to seeing what the other artists bring to the table. A varied art style actually could suit this storyline very well.
Overall, Boldly Go Issue #13 is another stellar entry in the series, and the start of an exciting new story line. If you're a Fan of Kelvin Trek (#KevinTimeline) you absolutely must pick it up. Honestly, even if the recent films weren't to your taste I think this issue, and this entire series are worth a shot. This issue could also serve as a great jumping off point for new readers, as it recaps the state of the characters at the start, not leaving readers to rely on having read the first 12 issues.
While the success of the IDIC arc is yet to be determined, I'm excited to see what it brings, and confident the team at IDW will knock it out of the park!
Overall Rating: 8/10 Surgically Altered Ears
October 25, 2017
Written by Mike Johnson
Art by Josh Hood
Release Date: 10-25-2017
Boldly Go #13 is the first part of the "epic" six part IDIC event, that sees the crew of the USS Enterprise(though they aren't currently on that ship) encountering various quantum realities in which their lives are vastly different from the ones we are familiar with. I use the term "quantum realities" because it sounds suitably Trekkish and matches up with one piece of dialogue from the issue, the actual mechanism for this crossover is pretty vague thus far.
I'll admit, that while I've enjoyed every issue of Boldly Go so far, (Issues #5, #10 being the standouts. #KevinTimeline) I was a little worried about how this event would come off. When the cover was first revealed, and we saw there would be a version of Kirk with an eye-patch reminiscent of General Chang's from Star Trek VI, I was sceptical. My concerns were put to rest as soon as the reasons behind the variations in Kirk's character were revealed. It makes total sense, and ties in with the origins of the #KevinTimeline. At this point I've totally bought into this concept and am ready to see where the journey takes us. 6 issues will be the longest Arc we've had yet in Boldly Go, and Mike Johnson has never disappointed me as a writer, so my excitement is incredibly high. I just wish they were all released now!
There are some really interesting twists over the course of this issue that I wasn't expecting (more Human Spock, The Orphan, Jane (?) Kirk) that made me instantly want to reread it. The clever callbacks to scenes from earlier Kelvin films, like a reimagining of the Nibiru scene from Into Darkness, and an altered version of Bones and Kirk drinking together in Beyond helped make the alternate reality we primarily see in this issue feel firmly grounded and tied to the Kelvin films.
Lastly, the art by Josh Hood is spectacular. Tony Shasteen's art is, in my mind, the definitive visual representation of Boldly Go, but Hood comes very close to that style. While the art in the series has at times been a bit of a letdown for me (Megan Levens style is not to my taste) this issue knocked it out of the park, though the likeness of Greenwood's Pike was a little odd. I'm sad to see that Hood is not set to do the art for the entire arc, as I enjoyed his style so much, but I look forward to seeing what the other artists bring to the table. A varied art style actually could suit this storyline very well.
Overall, Boldly Go Issue #13 is another stellar entry in the series, and the start of an exciting new story line. If you're a Fan of Kelvin Trek (#KevinTimeline) you absolutely must pick it up. Honestly, even if the recent films weren't to your taste I think this issue, and this entire series are worth a shot. This issue could also serve as a great jumping off point for new readers, as it recaps the state of the characters at the start, not leaving readers to rely on having read the first 12 issues.
While the success of the IDIC arc is yet to be determined, I'm excited to see what it brings, and confident the team at IDW will knock it out of the park!
Overall Rating: 8/10 Surgically Altered Ears
