1260. The Fallen, Part OnePUBLICATION: Star Trek: Early Voyages #10, Marvel Comics, November 1997
CREATORS: Ian Edginton and Dan Abnett (writers), Michael Collins and Greg Adams (artists)
STARDATE: 2371.2 (follows the last issue)
PLOT: The Federation colony of Jubal is under attack by Chakuun warriors, a race annexed by the Tholians and used as their warrior elite. The Enterprise intercepts their ship and narrowly escapes destruction. Though the much more powerful Chakuun are destroyed, the Enterprise must limp back to Earth for repairs while a fleet is assembled to meet this threat head on. Is it the start of a new war with the Tholians? Downtime gives the crew time to reflect on things, especially Nurse Carlotti whose parents were massacred by the Chakuun. When the fleet reaches Jubal, it has been destroyed, and they are immediately ambushed by multiple Chakuun ships...
CONTINUITY: The issue finds a good way of using the Tholians without contradicting The Tholian Web (where they were "seen" for the first time). Pike visits the Mojave settlement seen in The Cage. Spock compares the gargoyles on the Sears Tower with effigies of the Great Bird of the Galaxy (Roddenberry's nickname).
DIVERGENCES: See previous issues (stardates).
PANEL OF THE DAY - New York 2254
REVIEW: Thanks to Carlotti's back story, we knew we'd eventually get to see some Tholians. The writers have been smart about it and have actually added to the mythos without creating contradictions. Phsyicslly showing the Tholians is a risky prospect, but giving them underlings works. The Chakuun are fearsome insectoid centaurs with massive ships, which is borderline crazy (they seem more powerful than the Tholians themselves), but it's fun, visual stuff. I was glad to see some shore leave activity, since these are always good for character development. In addition to Carlotti's trauma over the Chakuun, we get Pike dressing down Number One for meddling in his family affairs and his oh so Trek-like father figure trouble, and a fun bit with Sita setting Colt and José up on a date that actually gives the Yeoman food for thought. She's not being played as looking for a husband, for which I'm thankful, but does that mean romance has to stay off the table? Chemistry between the cast members is starting to set in...
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