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Trek Comics Review: TNG – MIRROR BROKEN #2

John Kirk

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July 1, 2017

Trek Comics Review: TNG – MIRROR BROKEN #2

Did you ever wonder how Scott and David Tipton or J.K. Woodward, would manage to advance their careers if they lived in the mirror universe? If so, the nature of the universe they were in would probably dictate their behavior into resorting to unscrupulous means to promote their work, trash competitors and bludgeon up-and-coming talent that could threaten their livelihoods. I just wonder how that would appear?

But here’s the thing: their talent would remain the same.

There’s a misapprehension that the mirror universe is a reverse universe; in that the duplicate characters are simply reversed in all of their behaviour and personalities. Good is simply bad, and so forth. But it isn’t; it’s just slightly modified in that people are simply differently self-motivated yet retain their abilities, talents and ambitions as well as a degree of ruthlessness that would never fail to shock.

In Mirror Broken #2, we see Jean-Luc Picard express his desire for promotion from the ISS Stargazer manifest itself in a scheme to steal a revolutionary new Galaxy-class starship known as the Enterprise … but first he needs its first officer, namely William T. Riker, on-side with his plans.

Presently, the Enterprise is commanded by – as this universe’s incarnation of Picard describes him – “an insipid fool,” namely Captain Jellico. Fans will remember this captain who temporarily commanded the Enterprise from TNG’s “Chain of Command.” Of course, he’s the commander that fans may want to see dead, so you have to appreciate the Tiptons’ sense of humour in choosing this captain that Picard will aim to supplant in this issue.

There are slices of backstory carefully woven into this issue of the main characters who we have encountered to this point. Picard, we already know is an expert hand-to-hand combat fighter, but to see his abilities hard-pressed to defend himself in this cruel universe reminds us of the differences in this universe.

Plus, Deanna Troi, referred to as “Inquisitor” and to have Picard state that he has learned to keep things from her also show us the juxtaposition of dependence and distrust that he has for the officers he has chosen to accompany him to loftier perches.

Then there are the minor characters in this story who surprise us with their appearances. Dr. Leah Brahms, as you will remember to be Geordi LaForge’s crush in “Booby Trap,” makes an appearance in this issue as a collaborator to LaForge’s part in Picard’s scheme. This is just an example of the Tiptons’ expertise with the TNG franchise as they intricately weave these fan-favourite details for readers to discover and enjoy.

This story is an absolute twisted delight to what fans already know. The Tiptons take applaudable and honourable features of the crew we know from TNG and turn them into something that shows the callous and manipulative reality of this universe; a direct contrast to the utopian vision of the future fans can appreciate.

But the meat of this story has to be the epic fight between Riker and Picard. While the Riker we know fully respects his captain; in this comic, it’s up to Picard to literally pummel Riker into submission to earn his respect. Violence and treachery serve as ways to advancement in this universe and serve instead of compassion and dedication.

Scott and David Tipton show their gifted abilities in their easy manipulation of these familiar characters in turning them into people completely new but wholly understandable; in fact, Scott tells me that that the fight sequence was the most enjoyable sequences he’s had to write — and he wrote the Shatner/Heston fight in the Planet of the Apes crossover!

But this unequivocally shows how connected the Tiptons are to Trek to be able to do this with such ease. After all, the mention of such a deep-cut reference to chief engineer Leland T. Lynch is a wonderful Easter Egg that every TNG fan can appreciate, and we can thank David Tipton for that one!

(Also, J.K. Woodward’s homage to Morn serving drinks at Morbo’s Bar is certainly a source of amusement for folks who want to pour over the pages in appreciation!)

There are three covers to this book. Let’s start with the subscription cover by George Caltsoudas. A usual cover artist choice for the Trek titles that IDW puts out, this one features a solitary portrait of Captain Picard. Armed with standard issue Imperial dagger, the criticism I have for this image is that the dagger does not look like the usual square-hilted Terran Empire one that we have seen in three incarnations of Mirror Universe Trek. I also don’t think that Caltsoudas’s art-deco style is something that fits this book. However, if there was a Terran Empire propaganda cover, then that would have been an excellent choice for Caltsoudas.
The retailer-incentive cover, by Josh Hood and Jason Lewis, looks particularly fierce. The one-eyed and scarred William Riker is a stark realization of the deadly nature of this second universe and definitely reinforces the difficulty of the hurdle that Picard has to overcome in order to win this battle-scarred veteran over to his side. I’m not familiar with Hood’s work so this is an excellent introduction.
Finally, the regular cover, by J.K. Woodward is definitely the best one of the lot. This guy’s painting talent is an intense exercise in appreciating detail. Plus, as the fight scene in this book is the real action. it’s great to see an artist who can relate to the content of the book by creating a dynamic cover that will actually entice the reader to open the pages. Plus, his talent is simply amazing and a painted book is always a pleasure to appreciate. It’s like the luxury edition of a comic.

This is a clearly successful series and definitely ranking in the best that IDW can offer to its Trek line. But I still can’t help but wonder what the Tiptons and Woodward would be like in the Mirror Universe.

In any event, it’s clear that they’d still be successful – after all, talent remains the same in both universes, right?

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY Heading for San Diego Comic Con

TrekCore Staff

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June 30, 2017

203

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY Heading for San Diego Comic Con

Well, after months of rumors, Star Trek: Discovery is returning to San Diego Comic Con after its debut presentation last summer!

Announced on social media today, CBS revealed that the cast and creative team behind the newest Star Trek series will be holding a fan panel in SDCC’s Ballroom 20 on Saturday, July 22 (2:30PM PT / 5:30PM ET).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV7l3exA0w-/

Last July, then-showrunner Bryan Fuller held a discussion with Trek luminaries William Shatner, Michael Dorn, Jeri Ryan, Jonathan Frakes, and Scott Bakula to get their takes on Trek and its place in pop culture, culminating with the first launch trailer and series-name debut.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGsuM31IC-Q

We’ll be keeping an eye on all the action as July 22 approaches – and keep checking back to TrekCore for all the latest in Star Trek: Discovery news!

Review: STAR TREK GRAPHIC NOVEL COLLECTION, Vol. 1

John Kirk

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June 28, 2017

3

Review: STAR TREK GRAPHIC NOVEL COLLECTION, Vol. 1

Eaglemoss has a firm tradition of respecting the Star Trek franchise, and in partnership with another organization with the same value are reprinting a choice collection of IDW Publishing’s original, high-quality Trek graphic novels – but are also reaching in to the Trek comic archives for the classic UK newspaper comics, the Marvel Comics Trek line, and more in the coming months.

When you have a partnership of like-minded purposes, can there be anything wrong?

Volume One in this hardcover collection is Countdown, the four-issue series from IDW that was originally published in early 2009 as a lead-up to the first Kelvin Timeline Star Trek film – a much-needed prequel that clarifies both Spock Prime and Nero’s backstory (before they crashed into the alternate reality seen in the film).

Creatively written by Mike Johnson and Tim Jones, this is a book that embraces the origin point of the break between the two timelines that is the commonality that all true Trek fans need to remember.

What I enjoyed about this story was that it set the scene for the 2009 film in a way that allows Prime Timeline fans to better appreciate the new universe. Set about eight years after Star Trek: Nemesis, this story sees the original crew of the Enterprise-E in different roles.

Chief Engineer Geordi LaForge is now a starship designer, Captain Picard is now The Federation Ambassador to Vulcan, and Data has survived his explosive death aboard Shinzon’s warship and has taken command of the Enterprise (now living in the former body of his android progenitor, B-4).

Ambassador Spock has been living with the Romulans for the past twenty years, and has become of aware of a grave threat to the Romulan Empire in the form of an unstable star. The basic plan is to use the mining vessel, the Narada (under the command of Captain Nero), to search for the mineral Decalithium, and transport it to Vulcan — and change it into red matter for the purpose of stabilizing the Hobus star.

(Of course, the further explanation of this noble cause would have been extremely useful in setting up the premise for the Abrams film.)

Nero transforms from family man to vengeful warrior in COUNTDOWN.

We meet a more relatable Nero in this series; a Romulan who understands Ambassador Spock’s plan in trying to save the the Romulan Empire. In this series, he is an ally and we learn more about the transfiguration to the vengeful villain we see in the 2009 film. Nero is more comprehensible and is actually more heroic and sympathetic.

We also get to see more of the Enterprise-E crew. I was particularly entertained by the notion of Geordi LaForge designing Spock’s enigmatic one-man ship from the film, dubbed the “Jellyfish.” It’s these links back to the classic timeline that bridges the gap between classic and the new cinematic Trek.

For the first pick for its series of reprinted graphic novels, Eaglemoss has made an excellent choice with Countdown. Eaglemoss is widely respected for its miniatures and supplemental literature to support those models, and this wonderful story choice reflects a unifying force between both classic and new Trek fandoms.

Of course, with the fact that Countdown sold out within two weeks of its publication, according to IDW’s editor, Chris Ryall, this is clearly an excellent choice for Eaglemoss to reprint. It’s a fond memory and must-have for those fans who originally purchased it and is an excellent starting point for new readers eager to begin a new library of comic Trek.

Gold Key’s PLANET OF NO RETURN accompanies COUNTDOWN.

The additional bonus to this book is the Dick Wood story, Planet of No Return, originally published by Gold Key Comics back in the late 1960’s. Gold Key is famous for giving its creators very little data of the original show to work with, which resulted in many apocryphal and sometimes contradictory canonical details appearing in the comic.

For example, the Enterprise often was shown with chemical propulsive effects or erroneous terminology for equipment, like the transporter room referred to as the “teleportation chamber” or phasers termed as “lasers.” While the story is obviously dated, it’s a nostalgic throwback that’s a lot of fun for long-time fans to remember and appreciate.

In terms of format, the hardcover is the perfect way to go. Not only does it encapsulate all four issues of this series in a rigorous format, but it is also a convenient purchase and the numbering makes it easier for collectors who like a numbered series on their shelves.

In terms of size, the pages are somewhat smaller, measure about 10 by 6.5 inches. While one would expect there to be an effect on the rendering of the art, I honestly couldn’t see any sacrifice of image quality in the reduced pages, which must come as a relief to artist David Messina and his solid work in this series.

In short, this is a great opening salvo for Eaglemoss’s entry into Trek graphic novel hardcovers. It’s a fan-favourite story that expands the background of the 2009 film and provides more insight into the characters and more understanding behind the film. This is a perfect story for a reprint and also begins a new Eaglemoss tradition or providing quality content in a new medium for this respected Star Trek licensee.

Now I feel the urge to buy a miniature Enterprise-E.

You can subscribe to STAR TREK: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL COLLECTION at Eaglemoss.com.

In Eaglemoss’ US store, TrekCore readers can use promo code TREKCORE at checkout for 10% off any ‘Trek’ collectible purchase $50 or greater (Starships, Plaques, Binders, or Graphic Novels).

Bring on the Beard: Frakes Directing DISCOVERY Episode

TrekCore Staff

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June 27, 2017

182

Good news for those of who have been hoping to get one of the Star Trek family behind the camera — Star Trek: The Next Generation actor and prolific television director Jonathan Frakes will beam up to Toronto to direct one of Discovery‘s first season episodes.

Star Trek: Discovery producers Aaron Harberts and Gretchen Berg previously paired with Frakes on the WB series Roswell, and revealed the news today to Entertainment Weekly.

“Jonathan Frakes will rejoin the Trek world with DISCOVERY,” writer-producer Gretchen J. Berg told EW. “He’s a fantastic guy and great director.”

Added fellow showrunner Aaron Harberts: “Our cast is dying to work with him.”

Frakes, who got his directing start in TNG’s third season (with “The Offspring”), went on to direct fourteen Trek television episodes in total, and of course two of his crew’s big-screen adventures, both Star Trek: First Contact (1996) and Star Trek: Insurrection (1998).

Since graduating from the Trek cast, he’s also had a long career in episodic television directing going back nearly two decades.

DISCOVERY Filming in “Cinematic” 2:1 Aspect Ratio

TrekCore Staff

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June 26, 2017

239

DISCOVERY Filming in “Cinematic” 2:1 Aspect Ratio

Over the past five decades, we’ve seen Star Trek appear in traditional television aspect ratios, widescreen upon the arrival of Star Trek: Enterprise, and of course, in cinematic widescreen in the films – but revealed today is another new look coming with Star Trek: Discovery.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly today, Discovery producer Aaron Harberts revealed that the new series will be broadcast in a new aspect ratio for the franchise, a 2:1 widescreen dimension.

In this new series, Harberts details the decision to take on the new 2:1 ratio, as well as how previous Trek adventures have influenced the visuals for Discovery:

“n terms of scope and scale, there’s something about ‘Star Trek: The Motion Picture’ that really speaks to us as well.

CBS has allowed us to find a cinematic language that’s wider in scope — our aspect ratio is 2:1 — and it just lends itself to a very lyrical way of telling the story.

And just visually speaking, there’s also a little hint in terms of what J.J. Abrams did, a little bit, in terms of some of the visuals.

What was first taken as just part of the promotional trailer now appears to be exactly how the episodes will debut – the black bars seen May Discovery teaser truly present the wider aspect ratio of the upcoming show:

This should really give the series a more immersive feeling once it arrives in September.

Star Trek: Discovery isn’t the first television series to move to a wider-than-standard picture; prestige dramas like FX’s Fargo, Netflix’s House of Cards, and CBS’s first ALL ACCCESS series The Good Fight have also taken on the 2:1 ratio to bring a theatrical feeling to their shows.

* * *

For most of the franchise’s television run, Star Trek was broadcast in the longtime-standard 4:3 (or “full-screen”) picture size, meant to fill the television screens used for most of the medium’s existence.

From TOS through VOYAGER, each Trek series kept to the standard 4:3 picture size.

Blocking (actor positioning), set design, and visual effects were all created to keep within the confines of that ‘square’ border, something illustrated by the CBS Digital team when investigating the possibility of expanding The Next Generation to widescreen on Blu-ray.

As Trek moved to the big screen, the picture expanded with the cinematic venues. While available on Blu-ray in a somewhat traditional 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen, several of the original Trek films have been presented in occasional 70mm theatrical showings.

Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country actually changed aspect ratios between its DVD and Blu-ray release. When first released to home video, the film’s matting was removed (left) which framed the picture at approximately 2:1 – but when later released for Blu-ray, the theatrical framing of 2.35:1 was restored.

Comparing the original DVD and theatrically-framed Blu-ray releases of STAR TREK VI.

For Star Trek: Generations, the television-based Enterprise-D sets — most notably, the main bridge — were modified to fill the new widescreen presentation. Additional bridge stations along the outer walls were added to fill in the ‘dead space’ left by the TV bridge configuration.

With the launch of Star Trek: Enterprise in 2001, Trek took a leap into the 21st century, expanding to the new standard in widescreen television broadcasting (a 16:9 aspect ratio).

The NX-01 sets and cast took advantage of the wider 16:9 screen area.

The Kelvin Timeline films have also been released in 2.35:1 presentation for each of the three cinematic entries.

Star Trek Into Darkness, however, also had scenes filmed with IMAX cameras for an extremely-large 1.43:1 picture ratio.

The IMAX version of Into Darkness made its home media debut on the 2014 Star Trek: The Compendium Blu-ray collection, after first only coming to Blu-ray and DVD in standard widescreen.

The standard widescreen vs. IMAX framing of INTO DARKNESS.

Check back to TrekCore often for more Star Trek: Discovery news!

Jason Isaacs Gets His STAR TREK: DISCOVERY Lifecast

TrekCore Staff

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June 24, 2017

28

Jason Isaacs Gets His STAR TREK: DISCOVERY Lifecast

Up in Toronto, production on Star Trek: Discovery continues – and actor Jason Isaacs (Capt. Gabriel Lorca) shared a less-than-exciting part of working on a science fiction series: getting a lifecast made in the Discovery makeup department.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVs1Ui5lafc/

A lifecast is a mold used to create accurate sculptures of an actor’s body to allow for preparation and design of prosthetic makeup appliances (think Vulcan ears and Klingon head ridges, or more human things like injuries: swollen bruises, lacerations, etc.) so that once applied to the actors, the prepared appliances both fit well and can be used to create a seamless look on camera.

You can see how lifecast-based molds were used to create Ferengi appliance from Trek artist Gil Mosko in this interview filmed in the mid-1990s:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiAhPAAG504

Since we know Isaac’s Captain Lorca is human – or at least, he looks that way in this week’s new set photo – this lifecast may not be for a regularly-used prosthetic, but our look at his character is limited (so that’s speculation at best).

* * *

On another note, Discovery actor Doug Jones shared a video with fans detailing a need to cancel a convention appearance this weekend, due to an injury on the Star Trek: Discovery set:

A video to explain my absence at @FanboyExpo in Knoxville, TN this weekend. Please forgive me, but I hope we all want to keep my limbs safe! pic.twitter.com/vX1bdt4Ui2

— Doug Jones (@actordougjones) June 24, 2017

While his character Lt. Saru may be an alien of action in the 23rd Century, Jones is stuck here in the 21st Century with the rest of us. Heal up soon, Doug!

Check back often for more Star Trek: Discovery news at TrekCore!

Trek Comics Review: “Boldly Go #9”

John Kirk

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June 24, 2017

1

One of the stark contrasts between the classic Star Trek milieu and the Kelvin Timeline films is the romantic relationship between Spock and Uhura, a story thread running through all three big-screen adventures since Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana inherited their roles in 2009.

While this is still somewhat awkward for an Original Series fan like myself, I fervently remind myself that this is still an alternate timeline of Star Trek… but it is still Star Trek.

After all, if I didn’t believe that, then I wouldn’t be able to enjoy Mike Johnson’s and Ryan Parrott’s script-work, as well as Tony Shasteen’s triumphant return to penciling duty on this amazing true-to-Trek Issue #9 of IDW’s Boldly Go series.

This chapter is a Spock-Uhura standalone story that is set within the context of their relationship. After the events of the Babel Summit which concluded in last month’s issue, we see Spock and Uhura return to New Vulcan to resume their new lives together as they await the construction on the new Enterprise-A to be completed. Uhura adjusts to civilian life in Vulcan society and Spock looks for new ways to be of use to his remaining people, one of which is tapping a new power source beneath New Vulcan’s surface.

What strikes me the most about this story though is how true it was to the original Trek. It had a real flavour of the 1960’s in that when Uhura is able to sense something that her Vulcan hosts can’t, it not only reaffirms her usefulness to them but also the value that Humanity can offer among the stars. It’s a real Roddenberry value, and completely what the new franchise needs to establish itself in a growing fanbase of new Trekkers (and to justify it to die-hards like myself).

While the relationships may be different in the two Trek universes, the spirit of Trek is still present in this story. Spock and Uhura discover something new — and dangerous — about this planet, but at the same time, this discovery teaches them something new about themselves and their own partnership. This is a parallel that we have seen many times in the various incarnations of regular timeline Star Trek.

One of the manifestations of this idea is Sarek’s stoic Vulcan hints as to the eventual logical outcome of his son’s relationship with Nyota; it is Uhura who picks up on them, despite Spock’s superior grasp of logic. This is a story motif that could have come from any Star Trek writer’s room.

I’m ecstatic to see Tony Shasteen back to work on this title. Shasteen’s work is truly gifted. His likenesses are impeccably accurate and while I’ve said this before, it doesn’t do any harm to repeat it. He really is one of IDW’s greatest assets in the success of this book. After all, had I known that he would be permanently off this title, it’d be a hard cause to win me back to it.

Taking a look at the covers for this book, we first see George Caltsoudas’s offering of a Vulcan Wedding Ceremony between our aforementioned couple. This is the regular issue cover and is fairly representative of Caltsoudas’s highly distinctive style.

His characters are slender, ethereal and the setting seems like something more out of a fairy tale than an alien desert planet. Caltsoudas presents an ideal version of New Vulcan rather than something more realistic. The scene seems more like a wedding you’d find set in the deep South than in the depths of another solar system, but it is definitely striking.
Arianna Florean’s subscription variant cover is also somewhat fanciful. Again, we are treated to another striking piece of idealized art that does not fail go unnoticed. It’s actually quite a beautiful piece that relies upon impressionism rather than similitude to present Lieutenant Uhura in a romantic light.
The retailer-incentive Cover A is another photo cover of Zoe Saldana in uniform, from the Star Trek Beyond publicity gallery. While I appreciate a good photograph, I just dislike seeing one on the cover of a comic book; I’d much rather see a drawing or a painting.
Finally, the retailer-incentive Cover B by Cryssy Cheung is a startlingly lifelike rendition of Chris Pine as Captain James T. Kirk. Not only is this a cover that smacks of talent but also of an immense sense of dedication. There’s a great deal of love in this cover and it does not disappoint. I’d have to rank this one as my favourite out of the four; simple, elegant, and filled with craftsmanship. Cheung should be proud of this one.

While it’s easy to focus on Spock and Uhura as a couple, this is a story that is really about Humanity finding its place in space and to me, that’s a big part of what Star Trek is about. That understanding is also clearly shared by Johnson and Parrott and makes Boldly Go #9 a story that every Trek fan will enjoy.

New Hints About STAR TREK: DISCOVERY’s Storyline

TrekCore Staff

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June 23, 2017

237

New Hints About STAR TREK: DISCOVERY’s Storyline

This week’s newest issue of Entertainment Weekly has a three-page feature interview with Star Trek: Discovery shorunners Aaron Harberts and Gretchen Berg, who spoke to EW‘s James Hibberd about the development of the show and its cast.

In addition to revealing that one more factor that led to some of Discovery‘s production delays was the need to wait for series star Sonequa Martin-Green (Cmdr. Michael Burnham) to become available after her work on The Walking Dead concluded, the producing pair also revealed some new tantalizing details as to the path Season One’s story will take.

Harberts describes how Burnham’s choices affect the season:

Burnham’s background is that she was the first human to attend the Vulcan Learning Center and Vulcan Science Academy – so she’s spent a lot of time on Vulcan, but she’s human. Sarek plays and important role in her life, which has been completely planned until she makes a difficult choice that sends her life on a very different path.

When we meet her, she’s the first officer on the starship Shenzhou. Burnham’s choice that we’re alluding to is the most difficult choice you can make – it affects her, affects Starfleet, affects the Federation; it affects the entire universe.

That choice leads her to a different ship, the USS Discovery, and there we begin what Gretchen and I call our second pilot.

Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) takes on a Klingon warrior – part of her fateful ‘choice’?

Harberts also detailed how Discovery‘s well-publicized serialization plan will help explore the characters:

It’s a serialized telling of a tale; an exploration of one particular character, Michael Burnam, along the path of discovering what it means to be human and finding her individuality.

Those types of stories have been really well told in the ‘Star Trek’ movies, but it’s been hard to do in the television iterations because episodes have been so closed-ended.

The joy is in the journey. The advantage to [Burnham] not being in charge of the bridge right now is we get to tell stories from a different point of view. It’s a fresh feeling because we’re not on the bridge all the time. We get access to more parts of the ship.

One thing that’s been somewhat constricting to past Star Trek writing teams is the so-called ‘Roddenberry Rule,’ which dictated that there should not be any conflict between humans or Starfleet officers, something which originated during The Next Generation and maintained by Rick Berman when he lead the franchise.

Will Star Trek: Discovery‘s writers be following that rule? Harberts and Berg say ‘no,’ with comments expanded upon in an EW online article today.

Harberts:

No, [we’re not held to that]. We’re trying to do stories that are complicated, with characters with strong points of view and strong passions. People have to make mistakes – mistakes are still going to be made in the future.

The thing we’re taking from Roddenberry is how we solve those conflicts. So we do have our characters in conflict, we do have them struggling with each other, but it’s about how they find a solution and work through their problems.”

Berg:

The rules of Starfleet remain the same, but while we’re human or alien in various ways, none of us are perfect.

Harberts’ description of Burnam’s journey to Discovery seems to lend credence to the rumors and speculation that Michelle Yeoh and the Shenzhou may not be long for the series, at least in a primary role – especially with the reference to her arrival on Captain Lorca’s ship as a “second pilot” episode.

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY’s two captains: Phillipa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) and Gabriel Lorca (Jason Isaacs).

Relaxing the ‘Roddenberry Rule’ on character conflict also sounds like it will open up a real opportunity for development and depth as the series progresses. TNG and DS9 writer Ron Moore quite clearly shared his disdain for that restriction with TrekCore back in our 2013 interview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MY2AeZRPRA4

We can’t wait to see what this team brings to the Trek universe – Star Trek: Discovery debuts this September.

Beam Up to the USS Shenzhou in New DISCOVERY Photo

TrekCore Staff

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June 22, 2017

90

Beam Up to the USS Shenzhou in New DISCOVERY Photo

This certainly is Star Trek: Discovery week, as yet another look ahead to this fall’s television revival arrived from CBS today- and this time, it’s to a brand new take on a classic Trek technology.

In today’s new reveal – courtesy again of Entertainment Weekly – Capt. Phillipa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) and Commander Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) stand ready to beam down from the USS Shenzhou transporter room, as Lt. Saru (Doug Jones) mans the control panel along with another Starfleet officer.

Capt. Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) and Cmdr. Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) prepare to beam down. (CBS)

That’s right: this is a Starfleet transporter room, a design of which we’ve not seen, well, ever in a previous Trek adventure. And as EW reports, we’re bound to see yet another transporter facility aboard the USS Discovery, not yet revealed – and as EW puts it, will be “very different” from the one aboard the Shenzhou.

As the Shenzhou is an older Starfleet vessel, the Discovery transporter bay may resemble the classic six-man beam-down facility seen aboard Constitution-class ships of the day – such as Captain Pike’s USS Enterprise, already in service during this time in the 23rd Century.

Christopher Pike, Spock, and crew prepare to beam to Talos IV. (“The Cage”)

Also of note in today’s new Discovery photo is the tactical gear Georgiou and Burnham are wearing: both protective vests sporting some variation of the well-known Starfleet Command logo, as well as holstered communicators and phasers (or laser pistols?) ready for action.

NOTE: This image has been color-corrected from the original photo.

Let’s hear it, folks: what are your thoughts at this look into the newest take on mid-23rd Century technology? Sound off in the comments below!

Sonequa Martin-Green on DISCOVERY Diversity Critics

TrekCore Staff

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June 22, 2017

94

Sonequa Martin-Green on DISCOVERY Diversity Critics

Since the first rumors about the show’s casting and characters began to rise in 2016, some fringe critics of the series have cried foul about the “emphasis” on diversity among the on-screen crew, from gender to race to sexual orientation – and now series lead Sonequa Martin-Green has now made her first public statements on the matter.

Entertainment Weekly is continuing to dole out excerpts from their upcoming June 30 issue, which is advertised to contain new Star Trek: Discovery reporting as we move closer to the show’s launch, and EW has Martin-Green’s thoughts on the show’s diversity efforts – and the critics – in a new interview out today.

Well, I would encourage them to key into the essence and spirit of ‘Star Trek’ that has made it the legacy it is — and that’s looking across the way to the person sitting in front of you and realizing you are the same, that they are not separate from you, and we are all one.

That’s something ‘Star Trek’ has always upheld and I completely believe that is why it’s been a mainstay in society in the hearts of so many people for so many decades. I would encourage them to look past their opinions and social conditioning and key into what we’re doing here — which is telling a story about humanity that will hopefully bring us all together.

Phillipa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) and Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green). (CBS)

And it’s hard to understand and appreciate ‘Star Trek’ if you don’t understand and appreciate that. It’s one of the foundational principles of ‘Star Trek’ and I feel if you miss that then you miss the legacy itself.

I’m incredibly proud to be the lead of this show and be at the forefront of an iteration of ‘Star Trek’ that’s from the eyes of a black woman that’s never been done before, though obviously there’s been other forms of diversity that have been innovated by ‘Trek.’

I feel like we’re taking another step forward, which I think all stories should do. We should go boldly where nobody has gone before and stay true to that.

Star Trek: Discovery launches September 24.