New Kirk Image For Wikipedia

[AC84]

I just got done uploading a new picture for the James T. Kirk profile at Wikipedia. As cool as the old picture was (you can still see it at the top of Memory Alpha's Kirk page), I didn't think it should have been used because of how dark the shadows were. You couldn't see much of his face. I was never a fan of the older picture used before that one either, a low quality season three photo of Shatner at his fattest. Interestingly, those two were of Kirk sitting in his command chair. His throne of leadership.

Since I'm sure we're going to get millions of curious new people looking up Star Trek on Wikipedia due to their recently peaked interest and unfamiliarity, I felt ol' Jim Kirk had to be better represented. The first picture they see of our beloved Captain has to be good in order to leave a positive impression. It has to be clear, dynamic and embody Captain James T. Kirk at his best and in his prime. In other words...it has to be perfect. My only regret is that I could not find a good screencap of Jim's upper body, showing off his shinny command badge.

What do you guys think? Is there another screencap that should be used?

Captain Kirk at Wikipedia.

 

[Outpost4]

Here's both links:

old picture

new picture


I understand why you did it and I have no problem with the new picture, but the old one is one of my favorite Kirk shots.

 

[AC84]

It's one of mine too. Very iconic. But I felt the striking dark shadows might have been a little too much for a simple character profile. When viewed out of context, he almost looks too mysterious. The new picture shows off a look of stern confidence and focused leadership. And although you'll never see me make the claim that I know women, I'd imagine William Shatner is shown off to be much more handsome in that picture. Ladies? I could use a second opinion.

 

[Outpost4]

As I look at the new picture again, it really is a much better picture for an encyclopedia. You're right. Thanks for making the change.

 

[Vulcanian]

As of right now, I like the old picture better.

 

[Mallory]

I like the new picture better, at least for Wikipedia.

 

[Trekwatcher]

Definitely a more representative image. Strong work and good choice!

 

[igrokbok]

I prefer the dramatic tone of the old pic.

 

[A beaker full of death]

Outpost4 said:
Here's both links:

old picture

new picture


I understand why you did it and I have no problem with the new picture, but the old one is one of my favorite Kirk shots.

The old one better captures the feeling of TOS, though it might not be a great portrait.
I absolutely love the other shot on that page from Generations - Shatner looks very handsome there.

 

[The Squire of Gothos]

Wikipedia isn't for fans, we already know how Kirk looks through the episodes, depending on the tone of the story. For anyone looking for more information on Star Trek and Kirk in particular, the new picture works much better. To look at the old picture without any other point of reference, one might think that Kirk was a mysterious or villainous character.

A good change, just check you've the rights to put that picture up on Wikipedia

 

[NathanielM]

Naaah now bout this one...

I kinda liked him in the ZOOT Suit from A piece of the Action...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spock: Captain, must we?
Capt. Kirk: It's faster than walking.
Spock: Yes, but not as safe.
Capt. Kirk: Are you afraid of cars, Mr. Spock?
Spock: Not at all, Captain. It's your *driving* that alarms me.

 

[TowerPower]

I like the newer one.

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

I like the older one.

 

[The Squire of Gothos]

NathanielM said:I kinda liked him in the ZOOT Suit from A piece of the Action...

Or his suit taken from a Western saloon scene in "Return of the Archons".

 

[Cicero]

The Squire of Gothos said:
Wikipedia isn't for fans, we already know how Kirk looks through the episodes, depending on the tone of the story. For anyone looking for more information on Star Trek and Kirk in particular, the new picture works much better. To look at the old picture without any other point of reference, one might think that Kirk was a mysterious or villainous character.

For anyone not familiar with Star Trek, the old picture would provide a more accurate visual impression of the character. It's grainier, but more illustrative of the personality of James T. Kirk.

I prefer this image slightly more, though: James Kirk.

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

That is great.

 

[Outpost4]

You know, AC84, you could have just changed the picture and not said anything.

 

[Shatmandu]

I vote for this one. I think it is iconic:

Joe, bewigged

 

[A beaker full of death]

The Squire of Gothos said:
Wikipedia isn't for fans, we already know how Kirk looks through the episodes, depending on the tone of the story. For anyone looking for more information on Star Trek and Kirk in particular, the new picture works much better. To look at the old picture without any other point of reference, one might think that Kirk was a mysterious or villainous character.

I usually think Trekies who assume that the real world knows what a Romulan is need a reality check, but come on -- EVERYONE knows Captain Kirk.

 

[Steven Of Nine]

Because this is the sort of worldbreaking issue we should be following.

Go with Joe's.