Villordsutch reviews Star Trek: The Next Generation: Through The Mirror #2…
SEE ALSO: Check out the preview for Through the Mirror #2 here
This issue follows on from last week’s “Through the Mirror” in which we discovered our Mirror Universe crew pilfering resources from the Federation Mining Facility Naia IV. Unbeknownst to them however, their sticky-fingered ways were caught by the hawk-like gaze of Worf, who chased down the rogue crew unaware of their origins. Meanwhile in the Mirror Universe, the reports of Emperor Spock’s death seem to have been greatly exaggerated, as the presumed dead Vulcan ruler threatens to upend Mirror Picard’s plans… whatever they may be.
In the Prime Universe the real Lieutenant Jones is currently being questioned on his whereabouts during the shoot’n’grab, which took place on the planet below, when a distress call comes in from an Andorian vessel named the Shashpar. Upon beaming over the Landing Party discover that the Andorian crew has been massacred, with further investigations revealing possible evidence of Starfleet Phaser blasts. It’s during these investigations a survivor of the attack leaps at Riker, blaming the “Pink-skins” for brutally murdering his fallen comrades; however as they speak with Lt. Cmdr Throllob – of the Andorian Battlecruiser – it quickly becomes apparent that it may have actually been another Starfleet crew that did this.
Over in the Mirror Universe Data is on the trail of the supposed dead Spock. With his official archives ‘altered’ due to Historical Cleansing, Data enters the shadows in an attempt to find any expensive, unofficial breadcrumbs. Along the way he comes across Bynars and a certain alien that McCoy tried to hire to get to the Mutara Sector peddling information. With time and money running short, Picard is beginning to get anxious at the lack of evidence relating to Emperor Spock (deceased or not as yet deceased), though his ever faithful Data believes he may be finally on the right path.
Once again, as you can possibly tell, “Through the Mirror” is separated into two tales. Here – in this issue – the Prime Universe seems to get a bit more of the spotlight cast upon it. This week’s Prime Universe teases us with more mystery into wondering why the Mirror Universe, months from now, are harvesting materials from the Prime Universe. What has gone so wrong, or what is going so wrong that their only access to technology and resources is a universe away? Is it to do with a presumed dead Spock or something much bigger? Closing issue #2 I can safely say I’m already hooked here.
Again, the Tiptons (Scott and David) along with J.K. Woodward are delivering something excellent, but there’s a couple of new names for this Prime Universe story. It appears that IDW Publishing may be bring in new artists every week for this series, which if it is true is fantastic! This issue’s art and colours are delivered by Chris Johnson and Jason Lewis. Chris’ work looks good, though there are a few odd moments which I found off-putting however – the Bridge over Worf’s shoulder, occasionally faces don’t seem to look right. Overall though I enjoyed his work here and I do like looking at a new artists (for myself) take on a Star Trek story.
Star Trek: Through the Mirror is certainly something to pick up. This Tipton Brothers have made me very interested in this overlapping story already, and added to that the use of different artistic talents for the Prime Universe pages has left me as pleased as Punch. If “Through the Mirror” carries on like this to the end it’s going to be an outright winner.
Rating: 7/10
