We know that we’re supposed to be pretty objective here at StarTrek.com, but sometimes there’s just no helping it when something gets our geek on. Today, we got wind of the four titles that IDW Publishing will release in October, and one of them – with all due respect to the other three -- nearly made our heads pop. IDW will present Star Trek #14, Star Trek: The Next Generation: Hive #2, Star Trek: The Next Generation/Doctor Who: Assimilation2 #6 and – get this – Star Trek: The Newspaper Strip, Vol. 1.
Star Trek fans of a certain vintage will recall that in the late 1970s and early 1980’s, newspapers across the country published a daily Star Trek comic strip. The weekday and Saturday strips ran in black and white, while the Sunday strips ran in color. Star Trek: The Newspaper Strip, Vol. 1 gathers together the first 10 full story arcs, which picked up after the events of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Writer-illustrator Thomas Warkentin handled the initial arcs, and Sharman DiVono (writer) and Ron Harris (artist) eventually took over from Warkentin.
The strips have been painstakingly and lovingly restored by the Library of American Comics. Further, Trek expert Rich Handley will offer a detailed introduction, summarizing the strip’s history. “Even most diehard Trek fans have never seen these strips,” says series editor Dean Mullaney. “It’s going to be a real treat!” Star Trek: The Newspaper Strip, Vol. 1 will be presented in an 8.5”x11” hardcover book priced at $49.99.
As noted, the other IDW Star Trek titles for October will include Star Trek #14. Penned by Mike Johnson, with art by Stephen Molnar and a cover by Tim Bradstreet, this title continues the countdown to the Star Trek sequel. In it, Scotty and his alien sidekick Keenser meet for the first time. Star Trek (2009) writer/producer Roberto Orci oversees this all-new story, while variant covers will include a photo and a Tim Bradstreet sketch. Star Trek #14 will run 32 pages and cost $3.99.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Hive #2, written by Brannon Braga, Terry Matalas and Travis Fickett, is the second of an exciting, four-part adventure in which Captain Picard and the Enterprise crew team up with the Borg to fight a common enemy. The art and cover of this title are by Joe Corroney, and be on the lookout for a David Messina “Famous Borgs in History” cover. Star Trek: The Next Generation: Hive #2 will run 32 pages and cost $3.99.
Star Trek TNG/Doctor Who: Assimilation2 #6 continues the epic Trek/Doctor Who crossover in which Picard and his shipmates and the Doctor and his Companions race the clock to save the galaxy from a CyberBorg onslaught. Scott and David Tipton, with Tony Lee, are the writers, while J.K. Woodward handles the art and cover. Be sure to ask your local retailer about an Emanuela Lupacchino incentive cover. Star Trek TNG/Doctor Who: Assimilation2 #6 will run 32 pages and cost $3.99.
For additional details, contact your local comic book retailer or visit www.comicshoplocator.com to find a store near you. And keep an eye on StarTrek.com for additional news about IDW's upcoming Star Trek comic books.
