By GustavoLeao / 13:40, 23 August 2009 / Trek Books

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Star Trek: Spock Reflections #2  

Reviewed by Patrick Hayes aka PatBorg  

The covers: The "Non-Incentive" Cover is by David Messina with colors by Ilaria Traversi.  It continues the theme of the previous issue with an oversized IDIC symbol with a portrait of Spock under it.  Spock has aged since last issue, and looks to be in his Pike years.  The "Retailer Incentive Cover" is by David A. Williams with colors by Moose Baumman, artist and colorist of the previous issue's Retailer Incentive Cover.  It's a shot of Spock, with the "camera" of the viewer low, looking up at him.  To his left is Captain Pike and above him is the Enterprise.  It's a very simple idea for a cover but it's executed well.  I'm hoping Williams gets a shot at doing some interior art at some point for Trek.  Overall grades: Regular cover "A" and "RIC" "A"  

The story: Scott & David Tipton continue their tale of Spock's trek to Earth.  As he continues on his jouney in a small shuttle he is (still) bombarded by questions by one of the most annying aliens every: a talkative Saurian (and I do thank the Tiptons for stating his race: I couldn't find it while skimming my Trek Encyclopedia.  I only recognize this character from being a card and sticker in Topps's "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" trading card set from '79).  I realize that in order to tell this story, the Saurian is being used as a trigger, to get Spock to reflect on moments from his past, but when the character states dialogue as he (she?  it?) does at the top of Page 20, I haven't wanted to see a character bite the dust so hard since my initial introduction to the ocean life of Naboo.  Spock could have been sitting in silent meditation, pondering, but, I understand, that wouldn't have made for the easier transition s.  I get it, but, boy, I'm already tired of him!  Annoying side character aside, the "reflections" are really really good.  The first would have been less than 3 minutes of screen time from the first Trek film.  It's Spock and Chapel meeting up in the turbolift.  This moment is better suited for a comic because of the time it can spend in panels revealing the emotion of the characters.  Spock's last line on Page 7 will give you goose bumps!  And with the still recent passing of Majel Barrett, it is even more touching.  The second memory (no spoilers will be given here) is a very welcome flashback to Spock's first away team mission under Captain Pike's command.  It's a neat little adventure that shows the beginnings of the relationships between these two men.  The debriefing scene on Page 18 is also a good lesson for Spock on what to expect from his commanding officer, and a foreshadowing of life under his next C.O.& nbsp; In fact, looking at this memory, this would be a good pitch to IDW for a Pike commanded Trek series (be it monthly or mini) by the Tiptons.  In less than half the span of a typical 22 page comic, they have a complete adventure on a planet, an introduction to the adventure, as well as a resolution.  This shows their ability to write a story tightly and successfully.  I'd be willing to see more from this time period from this writing team.  The final recollection is a two page teaser as to why Spock is making his voyage.  If one looks at the dialogue closely enough, it's easy to see whom Spock is speaking of, though, with the Tiptons, there could be a curve ball coming, so I'm not going to assume anything completely until the final voyage.  Overall grade: A  

The art: Fan favorite David Messina shows he can set up a scene and milk all the emotion out of it with his moment between Chapel and Spock.  The third panel of Page 4 and the bottom of Page 5 will give you chills.  And the third panel on Page 6, with the cut to panel four is the grand slam moment for me of this comic.  When combined with the P.O.V. shots on Page 7, the dialogue at the end of 7 will floor you.  The second memory has a nicely younger Spock serving under Pike, and though this book is about Spock, Pike looks gorgeous.  The bottom of Page 10--that's the introduction of a god, not a human being, but it sure does suit the entrance.  Also a nice choice to have his face set apart from the background with a white door, so as to color the background black, having the reader focus on the face.  The emotion on Pike's face on Page 18, panel 5, is also a solid winner.  The commander that's met on the planet was also a nice visual choice: I can't recall ever seeing a human male drawn with this hairstyle before, so it was nice to encounter it/him.  The final flashback contains a setting I wish we could have explored more of, but the story doesn't demand it.  Perhaps next issue?  Messina continues to show why he's in demand.  Overall grade: A  

The inks: Elena Casagrande gets a credit that I've not seen in a Trek comic for a long time!  Elena has worked on comics, and with David, many times before, so still your hearts worrywarts, the comic looks like Messina did it all himself.  Casagrande is to be commended for continuing Messina's work.  Inkers tend to be dismissed by the fans (have you ever seen "Chasing Amy"?), but a bad one can destroy a book.  While a good one, such as the case here with Casagrande, makes it seem as though she was never involved.  Messina's art is very hard lined, meaning sharply angled.  Casagrande has softened those angles a bit without destroying Messina's line.  It's evident with the Chapel scene, but not once did it appear to be un-Messina (hey, I invented an adjective).  Casagrande is a capable talent and I'll welcome back, in any work.  Overall grade: A  

The finishes: Federica Manfredi continues in this position, the same she had last issue, and, as with Elena Casagrande, her work is invisible.  The work looks like Messina's, so, with Casagrande, I praise her for her work, and look to see more of.  In fact, since it's obvious she can "finish", I'd like to see her solo pencils.  I'd like to see what her individual style looks like.  Overall grade: A  

The colors: Ilaria Traversi is on the job again, though without the assistance of 2B Studio.  Maybe that's why I preferred the work on this issue to that of the previous.  She has proven to be a capable colorist in the past, and she continues to show she's got the goods.  Space is not black, but comprised of purples and blues.  People's faces require correct coloring to bring out the dimensions of the drawings, and Traversi does a great job, especially whenever Pike has got a close up.  Plus, the scenes with Spock and Chapel are positively glowing, especially around Chapel, making her seem like an emotional pivot for Spock.  The planet's surface that is visited in the second memory is a successful blend of deep oranges and reds, that makes the reader almost smell the atmosphere.  Good going!  Overall grade: A  

The letters: Robbie Robbins takes over for Chris Mowry, and only has an explosion and a pop to add to the dialogue.  Not much to show one's stripes, but competent nonetheless.  Overall grade: A  

The final line: The ten page memory in the center of this issue should be enough for any Trek fan to take cash from pocket.  The opening "missing" bit from "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" only increases this issue's value.  And the final two page teaser has me guessing as to how this series will wrap up.  An excellent issue, again!  Overall grade: A