Two of the longest running sci-fi series’, Star Trek (its Next Generation franchise) crosses over with Doctor Who’s 11th Doctor! We take a look at the book to see if it flies at warp speed or should be Time-Locked.
Written by Scott Tipton, David Tipton, Tony Lee
Illustrated By J.K. WoodwardThe two greatest science-fiction properties of all time cross over for the first time in history, in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION/DOCTOR WHO: ASSIMILATION2! When the Federation’s most terrifying enemy strikes an unholy alliance with one of the Doctor’s most hated antagonists, the result is devastation on a cosmic scale! Geronimo? Make it so!
In a perfect timeline, this book would be amazing. Two franchises, each from one side of the Atlantic, who have been around since the 60’s, and have monumental followings that cross over at times themselves. I would wager this exact story has happened before in the various places of fandom (The Borg and the Cybermen vs. Captain “Insert Name Here” and “Insert Doctor Here”) but this is the first time the crossover has officially happened! And what’s not to like; it’s a great story that can pay homage to both properties if done right.
It mostly does, too. The writers, Scott and David Tipton along with Tony Lee, seem to be big fans of both series’ and do their best to merge them in a way that doesn’t disappoint. The “big bad,” so to speak, are probably the best opportunity for a crossover that you could come up with, aside from perhaps The Master trying to help The Cardassians or the House of Duras or something. The Cybermen, who likely inspired The Borg, are the perfect team up, since they have similar motives and methods. It’s pretty perfect, actually. It certainly makes more sense than other crossovers I’ve seen lately, and probably one of the best at that.
However, there are some problems with the characterization in the series.
None of them are with The Doctor or his companions, though. The Doctor, who is based on Matt Smith’s gleefully likeable 11th Doctor, is reminiscent of the version you see on television, complete with his foibles and penchant for rambling on and on. Rory and Amy also read very much like themselves, but unfortunately, there are not much of them in the book, other than the occasional “wtf?” comment. All things considered, the cast from Doctor Who gets a pass.
My problems with the book itself start to show with the crew of the Enterprise-D, however. Where the previous issue focused mainly on the Who crew, this book gives us an insight to the other cast that’s on this adventure. And while there are a few moments that genuinely “feel” like they should, there are some curious character moments, and I do mean curious. Geordi and Captain Picard in particular are written so unevenly that sometimes you’d be hard pressed to think they’re actually those characters! For example, on the first page of the issue, the book opens with Geordi asking Data why he never upgraded himself, considering he can. Data gives him a very understanding response to the question at hand, but anyone who watches TNG would understand that La Forge wouldn’t ask Data anything like that, especially considering how close they were by the time this book takes place (Post-“Best of Both Worlds” in Star Trek continuity). It felt really out of place and seemed to be the writer’s voice coming out as opposed to the character’s voice. Later in the same book, Picard, who is known for being a diplomat, is uncharacteristically…rude…to the denizens of the planet they’re to which they’re on assignment. Again, it felt like the writers forgot who they were writing, if just for a moment. But that moment was certainly enough to take me out of the book.
My other problems with the book stem from the art. In some ways it’s perfect for the writing, because it’s uneven as well. Do not get me wrong; when JK Woodward is on point, his work is fantastic. It’s photorealistic with soft colors that almost feel like an oil painting, if it’s not an oil painting itself. But other times, the art just feels phoned in, like he didn’t even try. At one point, there’s a panel in the end of the book where everyone looks like their faces are melting, and another somewhere in the middle where the people talking “onscreen” look like puddles of nothing in particular. It’s frustrating because using the evidence at hand, he could do better than that, easily.
I really wanted this book to be amazing. I’m sticking with it for the time being, but it was quite disappointing. Hopefully parts 3 through 8 are up to the potential I see in the pages, even if I’m not overly thrilled with the outcome. If you’re a fan of either franchise, or if you’re like me, both, you’ll probably find something to enjoy. It could just be better.
Final Verdict: 6.0/10 – Browse
