Villordsutch reviews Star Trek: New Visions – “Mister Chekov″…
You met him as the navigator on the Bridge, but what roles did Pavel Chekov play aboard the ENTERPRISE before his promotion to the starboard seat?
In this release of John Byrne’s photoplay we get to see the introduction of our Russian bridge crew member who’s entry onto the Enterprise – via John’s path – has been made rather splendid via the MacGuffin outside the flagship of the fleet.
We open with Chekov being worked until exhausted by Mr. Scott and then more so, as all he wants to do is sleep, though our Chief Engineer is continuing to put him through his paces to make him more accustomed to the inner-workings of the Enterprise. Upon the Bridge we have the complete opposite with an exhausted Kirk hoping to secure forty-winks to then continue working, but due to a stern word or two from McCoy he takes some real rest. It’s while off-duty the story starts as seeping into our Universe, a new solid space Universe and it’s reeking havoc with the Enterprises power systems. It’s up to the engineering team – primarily Scotty and Chekov – to deal with raw power being generated and we watch them become an important cog in a situation which could mean the end of the Universe as we know it.
John Byrne has delivered a rather excellent, enjoyable story here. Watching Chekov bloom from the opening panels as a tired Chekov, who feels hen-pecked, to someone ready to step up – on the Bridge – with a belief in himself is fantastic. Along with this we have some brilliant moments captured with Chekov trying to keep himself awake during the crisis, also when he first walks onto the Bridge becoming overwhelmed by the barrage of movement and noise; these are just a couple of enjoyable scenes within this brilliant Mister Chekov tale.
As within each photoplay there are always a few issues with photo manipulation you’ll pick up on, however there are far more positives in this than I would say negatives. John’s confidence in his use of CGI models is now showing and the Enterprise additions are looking rather grand, and also I truly appreciated the soft glow of light applied to the eyes of the Lt. that was enquiring about her report being read.
Mister Chekov is very much an enjoyable read and really not what I was expecting.
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?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng&v=dCAkjUgLFmg
Originally published January 6, 2016. Updated April 15, 2018.
