STar Trek: THe nexT generaTion – THe arT of JUan orTiz

Jean-Luc Pic-art

Having already created movie poster designs for all 79 episodes of the original Star Trek, artist Juan Ortiz signed up for an even more challenging mission by taking on the seven seasons of The Next Generation. As you’d expect given the volume of work, not every one of the resulting 178 designs is a classic, but when the book hits the target, it’s every bit as good as its 2013 predecessor.

Ortiz explains in the book’s introductory Q&A – which, along with an episode index at the back, is the only significant text to be found here – that he wanted to go with more modern styles for Jean-Luc Picard and co, this time looking towards comic art and indie movie/punk band posters for inspiration. That means more experimental and photographic treatments. This is undeniably good for adding variety, but there’s no denying that the episode designs featuring simpler, more graphical Saul Bass-type art (like “The Neutral Zone”) work best.

At an RRP of £39.99 it’s pricey, but it’s beautifully presented on quality paper big enough to do the pictures justice, giving you a chance to analyse the more abstract designs in all their glory. A wonderful coffee table (or should that be Earl Grey table?) book. Richard Edwards

In one of the odder designs, “Qpid” is represented by a magazine cover. The number on the barcode? NCC-1701-D.

Comic art and indie film posters were inspiration