I think what I like best about reading the Tiptons’ material is their obvious and apparent love of both medium and subject matter.

I know Scott Tipton and I can tell you, he’s a true comic fan. But both he and co-writer David Tipton also know Star Trek: The Next Generation, and while we may differ on what iteration of Trek is the best, I can personally attest to the fact that they are die-hard Trek fans to the core.

So, when they write a story about this fandom, not only is it accurate but it’s written from a place of love, and that’s probably the best quality control you can get in creating a Star Trek adventure like IDW’s Terra Incognita #2.

With dynamic pencilling supplied by Carlos Nieto, it’s a true-to-form TNG story in which the Enterprise is called to foster a diplomatic mission between the Federation and Cardassian Empire — and the spotlight this month is on Counselor Deanna Troi as she is given charge of the care of the two diplomatic parties. Serving as a buffer between Cardassian and Vulcan diplomats proves to be a test of her negotiation skills in keeping the peace when the transportation to a diplomatic summit goes awry.

First, let’s talk accuracy. The situation could be a script for a TNG episode; there are nuances of characters, both familiar and new, in this story that any fan of this franchise would expect to see. Troi’s dialogue patterns are the same as if you were watching an episode or reading a script with the characters fans know and that can only come from a writer who is intimately familiar with the show.

It’s not about providing a new spin on the character, it’s about providing the fans with what they want but in a way that does not restrict creativity or new development of character.

Here’s what I mean: as the ship’s counselor, the perception is that Deanna Troi is not a character to be reckoned with. However, Scott and David Tipton shake that misperception by placing her in a survival situation on a desert planet, forced to rely on her own wits and even combat skills. We see that Troi is not only up for the challenge, but acquits herself most admirably. It’s a spotlight episode on Troi where she proves her mettle much like the fifth season episode “Disaster.”

But I also love the cameos of supporting characters in this story, like Captain DeSoto of the USS Hood. Bringing a character like this not only shows the writers’ knowledge of the show but also their ability to include these characters for their own purposes. It’s a mastery of subject material but also reinforces canonical substance, which as an ancillary medium, comics are ideally suited to provide.

Then there’s the knowledge of the races of The Next Generation, in this case, the deceptive Cardassians and arrogant Vulcans. The Tiptons understand the role these races play in the overall scheme of TNG and use them quite effectively for story purposes.

Oh, and remember our displaced Mr. Barclay from the Mirror Universe? While the main focus of this story is rescuing the endangered diplomatic mission, we still can’t forget about the alternate Reginald Barclay still skulking around the hallway shadows on board the Enterprise-D from Through the Mirror. Though Barclay doesn’t feature much in this story, his brief appearance is a wonderful bit of continuity to remind us that his story is yet to be finished.

We have to look at the art. While I’m not an overly familiar expert on Carlos Nieto’s art, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was definitely filled with dynamism in its action sequences and I found the characters to be fully expressive in supporting the story. I have to say it was great.

The covers for the book were also likewise mostly enjoyable.

• Cover ‘A’ is by my favorite Star Trek penciler, Tony Shasteen. It’s a great representation of Troi trying to calm both Vulcan and Cardassian ambassadors down in a moment of great aggravation. It’s completely story supportive, which I think is one of the purposes of a good cover. In that respect, with its skill and purpose, it’s a great cover.
   
• Cover ‘B’ is a photo cover featuring a Photoshopped stock pose of Marina Sirtis as Counselor Troi. I’ve made no secret of my disdain for covers in the past; why take away work from willing artists? However, at a recent convention, an artist friend told me that he was to understand that fans actually enjoyed the photo covers as they wanted “pin-up” poses for their collections. I am clearly not one of those fans.
   
• The retailer-incentive ‘A’ cover is a wonderful offering from Elizabeth Beals in which we see Geordi servicing Data’s cranial node. While that may sound slightly suggestive, Star Trek fans will understand the reference and the cover!
   
• The retailer-incentive ‘B’ cover is a gem that really shouldn’t be hidden in the last of the list. Last does definitely not mean least in this case as we see a variation of the ‘A’ cover’s theme in which Troi is between Cardassian and Vulcan diplomats.
   
  This is an incredibly rich piece by J.K. Woodward and is certainly my favourite for not only the theme and its skill but also because of the emotional richness this piece offers. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

There’s a lot going on in this story and it’s Star Trek as true as it can be in so many ways. All of the creators involved in this book have a deep love for the franchise and that delivers a high level of quality which fans will undoubtedly appreciate.

I can’t wait for the next issue!