Star Trek 1415: Holding Out Hope

1415. Holding Out Hope

PUBLICATION: Star Trek: Khan - Ruling in Hell #2, IDW Comics, November 2010

CREATORS: Scott and David Tipton (writers), Fabio Mantovani (artist)

STARDATE: Unknown (follows the last issue)

PLOT: Following the destruction of Ceti Alpha VI, Ceti Alpha V is pelted with debris and its orbit changed. The climate grows harsher and the desert encroaches on Khan's Eden-like settlement. He and Tamas clash over the correct course. Tamas wants to find a way to leave, while Khan is sure Kirk will come back to save them. Months pass and the situation grows worse, as some of his people fall prey to an illness that unbalances them mentally and eventually paralyzes them. Tamas starts talking about a rebellion. And still no Kirk...

CONTINUITY: See previous issue (Khan, Botany Bay, Marla McGivers, Ceti Alpha V/VI, Joaquim). As Ceti Alpha V becomes a desert wasteland, Ceti eels start infecting the Botany Bay's crew (The Wrath of Khan).

DIVERGENCES: None.

PANEL OF THE DAY - The fall from paradise.
REVIEW: It's like watching a tragedy unfold. We all know where it's going, who will live and who will die, but it's all about HOW it's executed. The answer is: Very well indeed. Khan's faith in him only heightens Kirk's betrayal in Khan's eyes, and the story is kept interesting through the additional intrigue of Tamas' mutiny. The art successfully destroys Khan's Eden to create a harsh, savage, apocalyptic wasteland. The Tiptons are setting us up to care for Khan, but at the same time present him as a fool, adding dimension to the already complex character shown on screen. As far as untold tales of the Trek universe go, this is right up there.

Comments

Shlomo Ben Hungstien said…
Good review Siskoid. as you know I also read this issue and i think you hit on some key points. key points that very much help further explain Kahn's hatred and resentment toward Kirk by the time Star Trek II comes around. and of course we already know what that "illness" is. to this day i still can't watch that scene in Star Trek II. it grosses me out and scares the shit out of me every bit as much as when i first saw it in theaters as a kid way back when.
this is interesting. the word verification on this comment that i want to leave on a posting having to do with Star Trek is "caless".
November 21, 2010 at 8:34 AM
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