Star Trek/ Planet Of The Apes
They finally really did it
Release Date: OUT NOW!
Publisher: IDW Publishing/ Boom! Studios Writer: Scott and David Tipton Artist: Rachael Stott
After previously teaming up The Next Generation with Doctor Who, IDW’s latest Star Trek crossover is a bit more down to Earth – albeit the post- apocalyptic realm of Planet Of The Apes.
Taking its cue from the original 1968 Apes film, five- part series The Primate Directive sees the USS Enterprise following a Klingon warship through an interdimensional portal to what initially appears to be a less advanced version of their own home world. With the Klingons planning to use it as a launchpad to conquer the rest of this parallel universe, Captain Kirk and crew are soon embroiled in a civil war between the various ape species.
However, co- writers David and Scott Tipton confine the Klingons to a backseat for much of the second and third issues, as Kirk locks horns with a headstrong Colonel George Taylor, who charges around in a Tarzan- esque loincloth. It’s unfortunate that Taylor’s primitive companion Nova is such a peripheral presence – her mute status doesn’t help – meaning that surely only those familiar with the Apes canon will recognise her.
With Taylor urging Kirk to utilise the Enterprise’s technological might against gorilla general Marius, there’s much soul- searching about whether the Prime Directive applies in an alternate reality. Impressively melding the mythoses of these two iconic ’ 60s series together, the script is brought to life by British newcomer Rachael Stott, who combines a knack for likenesses with some dynamic storytelling. It makes for a compelling gateway to both properties. Stephen Jewell