Villordsutch reviews Star Trek #56…
“Legacy of Spock” continues here, in this special story celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Star Trek franchise! Spock Prime reflects on the alternate timeline he left behind… but he faces a new threat in the present, as the Romulan Empire threatens to end the Vulcans’ search for a new homeworld before it begins!
In our second issue of our four-part special titled “Legacy of Spock” from the pen of Michael Johnson, we continue on in the shadow of Spock Prime’s voyage, after his recent exile from the remains of the new Vulcan Council.
After a reminiscing about his past adventures, in this case the brief moments after the Amok Time episode, our isolated Vulcan arrives a Deep Space Station K7 in search of a certain trader.
Over on Romulus after recently securing of a few exceptionally small drops of the red matter, news arrives at our plotters feet that the two future Romulans have escaped Klingon custody. These two travellers are to be brought in as Romulan Soldiers to help secure their people’s future. It’s here the two plotters see an opportunity to truly eradicate the remains of the Vulcan race.
With Spock Prime securing transport with a well-known trader, he begins his personal journey for Romulus though we know not what for at this time.
As a monthly reader of the Star Trek comics, even more depending on what titles are released, I can state quite unequivocally that from the three covers delivered to the closing pages that you’re being given something special this month.
Starting with the said covers, we have three fantastic pieces of art – from Tony Shasteen’s regular cover, a beautiful Girl with a Pearl Earring, Uhura subscriber’s cover from John Watson and finishing off with Jeffery Veregge’s retailer exclusive cover. Each you’d want to be your issue bought, you will struggle in deciding which to hunt down!
Then we open up on some fantastic old crew artwork from Tony Shasteen. I’d pay good money to see more of this from Tony, he’s captured them perfectly and as we progress into the comic the memories of Spock Prime bleed through into a few more panels too. Though I would like to have a quiet word with him in for throwing the optical illusion of the four-eyed alien aboard the K7! Are you try to give me a migraine there Tony?
Turning to Mike Johnson, he’s weaving such a mystery that I only have a sliver of an idea in what Spock Prime’s intentions could be, and what our two future Romulans may also be upto, though I could be completely and utterly wrong, as Mike is playing his cards so close to his chest throughout this issue. Also I very much liked the subtle butterfly effect Nero has also made upon this universe, how Spock Prime comments on how minor differences from the clothes to the decor, this is a nice little addition to add into this narration of this new universe.
This is a Star Trek story that you need to be reading! Such a very brilliant issue.
Rating: 9/10
Villordsutch likes his sci-fi and looks like a tubby Viking according to his children. Visit his website and follow him on Twitter.
Originally published April 7, 2016. Updated June 30, 2023.
