Villordsutch reviews Star Trek/Planet of the Apes #1…
It’s the crossover nobody ever expected! STAR TREK: The hope for the best of mankind’s future! PLANET OF THE APES: A chilling look at the fall of humanity! How could these worlds possibly collide? What could possibly cause Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise to side with Dr. Zaius to protect Ape City? And what does Colonel George Taylor have to say about it? It’s a madhouse! A madhouse!!
As a fan of both classic Planet of the Apes and classic Star Trek (I also like my NuTrek kids) I have to admit that when I first heard of this IDW and Boom! Studios planned this crossover back in July of 2014 – here at Flickering Myth – I did have a slight wash of dread flow over me. I knew that both seasoned Trek and Doctor Who helmers were writing it – Scott and David Tipton – but that wasn’t enough to wish that this comic wasn’t being created. After reading this issue it shows me, however, that it’s fear itself that we’re actually scared of.
If you haven’t seen the preview already – highlighting the artwork from British artist Rachel Stott – go and have a look. The opening issue is rather surprisingly good, more so the fact the universe that both Scott and David have chosen to start us in is the unadulterated Classic Star Trek. This isn’t me besmirching NuTrek or other Trek comics, but this seems to make the story feel that bit more mine and instantly more grander; the ships appear how I remember them, the classic Klingons are back everything is in the right place. The story itself doesn’t give much away in the opening issue except we learn the Klingons have somehow managed to acquire technology, with which they are making numerous journeys to the alternative Earth currently occupied by those damned dirty apes. Though I may have made issue one appear amazingly glib, trust me it isn’t – this comic is actual jam-packed between its covers.
Securing an artist for this issue, they have done rather brilliantly in finding Rachel Scott, who has managed to capture the look and feel of the Trek crew and Rachel keeps the work constantly excellent throughout the run of the issue. It’s a true pleasure to actual look at and read this comic.
Star Trek / Planet of the Apes: The Primate Directive could actually be the opening surprise hit of 2015 so if I were you I’d get out there now and pick up the first issue.
Villordsutch likes his sci-fi and looks like a tubby Viking according to his children. Visit his website and follow him on Twitter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Z2vq4CudKRk&list=PL18yMRIfoszFJHnpNzqHh6gswQ0Srpi5E
Originally published December 31, 2014. Updated January 18, 2020.
