"Star Trek #45 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

Now Spock is fused to a computer and must destroy the Enterprise, least he doom a planet??? It’s gone from bad to worse and I thought it was only the natives who were revolting.

The only saving grace to this issue is that the Apple sequel storyline thankfully comes to a close and will never reopen!

"Star Trek #44 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

The continuing saga of the Apple occurs, and the storyline goes from bad to worse. Now, Spock is possessed and it looks like Kirk has to violate the prime directive…AGAIN!!!!

 This plot device is getting thin real quick.

"Neverwhere"

WORTH CONSUMING!

At first I couldn’t figure out where this story was going. But once I introduced to the floating markets, secret passageways, and bizarre mix of humans and metahumans of unknown London- I was hooked. While I was happy with the ending, I didn’t want it to end and ended up demanding a sequel.

According to the forward, Neverwhere was originally a novel and then became a series on BBC. If both are true, I will be revisiting London Underground in these formats.

The Incredible Rockhead/ Zinc Alloy #0 Free Comic Book Day Edition

This Free Comic Book Day title offers a peak at two new kid-themed superheroes. First is Rockhead, a young boy who can turn to stone and is aided by his friend, Paper-boy. Do you see where this is going? It appears their biggest rival is Scissors! The only thing missing are characters based on Lizard and Spock (It’s a Big Band Theory reference- Google it!)

The Zinc Alloy story wasn’t as lame. It’s about a student who builds a giant mechanical robot. However, when his attempt to save his town from a tornado backfires, he ends up a pariah.

Both stories end on a cliff hanger. With this title being geared to youngsters, I’m not sure if that was such a brilliant move. I remember hating cliff hangers, especially if I didn’t have the conclusion readily on hand. I’ve never heard of the publisher Capstone, but there are several activities and ads for child-based DC titles. They’re really the highlight of this book, sadly.

Kids will probably like this book. Parents have nothing objectionable to worry about with the exception of some gross humor about bodily functions. But, it’s not really an “all-ages” thing.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Scalped Vol. 1: Indian Country

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

I’ve never read or seen a work about modern Native American life that didn’t have at least a smattering of hope for the future or the Pride of being of noble heritage. Scalped is gritty, raw, dangerous and above all, dark with despair. I know that Native Americans have been given a raw deal and live in the worst of poverties, but when I want to read a comic book, I want the fantasy and allure. Not the local news.

I didn’t enjoy it and I really hated the ending. I couldn’t figure out where it was going. I now know based on research that there is a volume 2. I have no intentions of pursuing it.

Not worth consuming.

(Parental note: with its graphic sex, language, and raw violence- this book is not recommended for those under 18.)

"Star Trek #43 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

NOT WORTH CONSUMING

A sequel story to the classic Trek episode, “The Apple.” With an early Chekov appearance, roses that bloom with darts of death and exploding rocks and some pretty wicked sets- this issue should have been a hit. Sadly, if it was an exploding rock- it would a be a DUD!

 

What happened? Sadly, this is an example of how the age of the crew just caught up with them. Too old to participate in a rough and tumble adventure like the “Apple” was, this time around Kirk and Co. had to put ice on their shoulders and be philosophical, diplomatic, and waxing.

"Star Trek #42 (DC Comics 1986-1989, 1st Series)"

WORTH CONSUMING!

For a story involving Scotty as the main character, this is actually very good. Are gremlins tearing apart the Enterprise or has the Scotsman being drinking a wee too much?

Sadly, like several Trek episodes, there’s an ending that you really can’t grasp unless you’re a Rhodes Scholar or Isaac Asimov. So, it lost a few points there. (Enough to equal one star).

 Still, it’s very much worth consuming.