IDW Boldly Goes With Mike Johnson Writing Star Trek
Aug 14, 2016
by Vince Brusio
Few strides are made in sci-fi that propel a property decades into the future. Creating a timeless tale or a memorable monster that you see on your TV or in movie theaters is no easy feat. But if you did have to do a head count, Star Trek would be in the top tier of success stories, with creator Gene Roddenbery’s legacy now taking a front row seat at IDW Publishing with the launch of Star Trek: Boldly Go Volume 1 TP (APR170558). In this PREVIEWSworld Exclusive interview, writer Mike Johnson explains how Trek’s characters and themes are still popular, and even resonate with an audience that wasn’t even alive when the first episode aired on television.
Star Trek: Boldly Go Volume 1 TP (APR170558) is in comic shops July 12.
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Vince Brusio: Star Trek is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and this new series is aptly subtitled “Boldly Go.” How does the theme/tone of this new series capitalize on Trek’s historic anniversary?
Mike Johnson: "Boldly Go" means that the franchise is as alive and prospering (yes, I said it) as it has ever been. Even after fifty years, the characters and themes that make Star Trek special are still relevant. We need them. Star Trek gives us the promise of our best selves, the hope that — for all of our faults — our species will survive and thrive.
For this series in particular, coming after the events of Star Trek: Beyond, "Boldly Go" reflects Kirk and the crew's revitalized commitment to exploration.
Vince Brusio: As Kirk, Spock, and Uhura are featured prominently on the cover image, longtime fans can’t help but note how this is a different dynamic. Traditionalists will tell you that it would be Kirk, Spock, and Bones featured as the typical trinity image. Does Uhura’s presence in the cover image signal how this is a new Trek for a new generation of readers, despite how the “original” cast is being used to tell the story?
Mike Johnson: I understand that it might look like we are suggesting a new Trek Trinity, but it's more because we want to show that Uhura is as fascinating a character as the others, and this timeline gives us a great new dynamic in her relationships with both Kirk and Spock. If that helps to get the attention of new Trek fans, all the better. The Kirk, Spock and Bones trio will always be at the heart of the Original Series, and putting the spotlight on Uhura doesn't mean we'll be paying any less attention to Bones.
Vince Brusio: The solicitation text notes how this series follows the events of the Star Trek: Beyond feature film. Would you suggest readers first see that movie before they pick up this book? Or do you believe — despite the tie-in — that the story can stand by itself?
Mike Johnson: SPOILER ALERT: You don't have to have seen the movie (but you should! Go now!). We will recap the status quo at the beginning of issue #1. This series takes place soon after we last see the crew in the movie, while the new Enterprise is being constructed during the "fast-forward" in the film. Starfleet doesn't just let its officers hang out and play 3-D chess while they wait for their new ship to be built. Each member of the crew faces their own unique challenges as they face life without the Enterprise.
Vince Brusio: As this is a licensed product, and the new movie was just released, is it safe to say that the personalities of the on-screen characters are carbon copies for the comic characters? Or are there variations in interpretations?
Mike Johnson: I try to ensure that the characters in the comics act and sound like their film counterparts. Having such a brilliant cast makes that a joy. I'm definitely writing Pine as Kirk, not Shatner, and that goes for the rest of the crew. Having a third movie to study their performances is a gift.
Vince Brusio: To get readers jazzed for this new book that comes out this October, what can you reveal about the plot/direction of this storyline that will entice readers to check their pull list to make sure Boldy Go is a title that they pre-order at the comic shop? What is it about this new series that you believe moves the needle?
Mike Johnson: Without spoiling things too much, the last page of issue #1 introduces a classic Star Trek villain into the Kelvin timeline. The last line of the first issue is a three word sentence. That's all I'll say.
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Vince Brusio writes about comics, and writes comics. He is the long-serving Editor of PREVIEWSworld.com, the creator of PUSSYCATS, and encourages everyone to keep the faith...and keep reading comics.