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Star Trek: The Manga #2
Star Trek: The Manga, Volume 2: Kakan ni Shinkou
Manga. The Final Frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise... Manga-style art and Star Trek tales collide again in this next volume of TOKYOPOP's voyages of the U.S.S. Enterprise, commanded by Captain James T. Kirk. Once again ten artists and writers from across the artistic spectrum deliver up brand new tales of universal betterment featuring the classic Star Trek line up. In Kakan ni Shinkou Kirk is put on trial for crimes he has yet to discover... Uhura demonstrates the true power of communication... Bones gets to the core of Vulcan emotion... Scotty has to extract dilithium crystals from a mine in the middle of a war zone... and an alien delegation uses the Enterprise as a vessel of deception! Cura te IpsumStory by Wil WheatonArt by EJ Su Scaean GateStory by Diane DuaneArt by Don Hudson Communications BreakdownStory by Christine BoylanArt by Bettina Kurkoski The TrialStory by Mike WellmanArt by Nam Kim Forging AlliancesStory by Paul BenjaminArt by Steven Cummings
216 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 29, 2021
Great book for a night of insomnia. I always enjoy visiting with Kirk and the crew. And even though it can be a little disorienting to see the characters not looking completely like themselves, the adventures we all have together make up for any sense of being off balance.
Of the five stories here, I think my favorite was Communications Breakdown, which featured Lt. Uhura proving her worth once again.
This book also featured a print short story from an anthology that was being produced at the time revolving around the characters of Star Trek The Next Generation. I did not read that, though. I might go back to it sometime, but last night I could only handle pictures and dialogue. lol
Of the five stories here, I think my favorite was Communications Breakdown, which featured Lt. Uhura proving her worth once again.
This book also featured a print short story from an anthology that was being produced at the time revolving around the characters of Star Trek The Next Generation. I did not read that, though. I might go back to it sometime, but last night I could only handle pictures and dialogue. lol
August 26, 2021
Continuing the mission of exploration we get more manga tales of the Enterprise.
I am guessing this is part 2 of 3 books (since I do not see any actual numbers upon them) but let me tell you that it does not matter what order you read them for each book has a variety of stories with various artistic renderings between them. If you are a fan of the classic series or just into Science Fiction in general be prepared for the Star Trek. Also like the last book this one contains a short story but this one called is from a Next Generation anthology book called The Sky's the Limit and the story is called "Suicide Note."
Cura Te Ipsum: Tragedy strikes as the dilithium crystals react unexpectedly to an experiment and the crew must make their way to an alien world to find replacements. However conflicts among the natives will not make it easy as a more dangerous factor even puts Spock's life in danger!
The Trial: Captain Kirk suddenly vanishes from the Enterprise and an investigation ensues. Be sure to read to see if his crew saves him from his past deeds as justice is dished out.
Communications Breakdown: Set after their confrontation with Nomad the Enterprise must return to one of planets Nomad has devastated in hope of finding any hope of survivors. Lt. Uhura is a major player in this one folks just in case she is one of your favorites. :)
Scaean Gate: Just like the famed Troy gate this story involves love, betrayal, and subterfuge as the crew escorts an important guest to their destination.
Forging Alliances: Finally we return to the planet Vulcan where Kirk and McCoy join Mr. Spock in an important celebration. However a son once thought lost returns in an unexpected way and brings with him a talent to bring out the more...emotional responses of his Vulcan brethren.
I am guessing this is part 2 of 3 books (since I do not see any actual numbers upon them) but let me tell you that it does not matter what order you read them for each book has a variety of stories with various artistic renderings between them. If you are a fan of the classic series or just into Science Fiction in general be prepared for the Star Trek. Also like the last book this one contains a short story but this one called is from a Next Generation anthology book called The Sky's the Limit and the story is called "Suicide Note."
Cura Te Ipsum: Tragedy strikes as the dilithium crystals react unexpectedly to an experiment and the crew must make their way to an alien world to find replacements. However conflicts among the natives will not make it easy as a more dangerous factor even puts Spock's life in danger!
The Trial: Captain Kirk suddenly vanishes from the Enterprise and an investigation ensues. Be sure to read to see if his crew saves him from his past deeds as justice is dished out.
Communications Breakdown: Set after their confrontation with Nomad the Enterprise must return to one of planets Nomad has devastated in hope of finding any hope of survivors. Lt. Uhura is a major player in this one folks just in case she is one of your favorites. :)
Scaean Gate: Just like the famed Troy gate this story involves love, betrayal, and subterfuge as the crew escorts an important guest to their destination.
Forging Alliances: Finally we return to the planet Vulcan where Kirk and McCoy join Mr. Spock in an important celebration. However a son once thought lost returns in an unexpected way and brings with him a talent to bring out the more...emotional responses of his Vulcan brethren.
November 14, 2023
There are five stories in this volume with contributions by Wil Wheaton and Diane Duane among others.
In Cura Te Ipsum by Wil Wheaton we find Scotty trying to extract dilithium crystals from a mine in a war zone while Kirk tries to bring peace to the warring sides.
The Trial by Mike Wellman finds Kirk on trial for crimes he has committed, and those he might commit in the future.
Communications Breakdown by Christine Boylan in which Uhura demonstrates the true power of communication as the Enterprise answers an unusual distress call.
Scaean Gate by Diane Duane finds the Enterprise escorting a monarch to her new home; and finally, Forging Alliances by Paul Benjamin in which we learn more of Spock and Vulcan emotions. The stories vary in their faithfulness to the characters but are all enjoyable. The art work varies from story to story and while some are spot-on, others are such that the characters are hardly recognizable. These are called "manga" but are more accurately graphic novels or
even comics but they are a must for the complete Star Trek collector
In Cura Te Ipsum by Wil Wheaton we find Scotty trying to extract dilithium crystals from a mine in a war zone while Kirk tries to bring peace to the warring sides.
The Trial by Mike Wellman finds Kirk on trial for crimes he has committed, and those he might commit in the future.
Communications Breakdown by Christine Boylan in which Uhura demonstrates the true power of communication as the Enterprise answers an unusual distress call.
Scaean Gate by Diane Duane finds the Enterprise escorting a monarch to her new home; and finally, Forging Alliances by Paul Benjamin in which we learn more of Spock and Vulcan emotions. The stories vary in their faithfulness to the characters but are all enjoyable. The art work varies from story to story and while some are spot-on, others are such that the characters are hardly recognizable. These are called "manga" but are more accurately graphic novels or
even comics but they are a must for the complete Star Trek collector
November 7, 2021
Another enjoyable volume of manga styled "episodes" of adventures of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Unlike the first one that had many Japanese influences on it's stories, this one felt closer to Star Trek's vibes. Like it's predecessor, it too suffered from have small text at times in the speech bubbles.
March 21, 2019
Not a bad set of stories. Compared to the TNG Manga the stories here really felt more like original TOS, with a manga aesthetic.
April 9, 2020
I enjoyed this collection of Star Trek manga very much.
November 9, 2016
The covers actually match. Still can't say anything, that I personally find, bad about it
Possible spoilers ahead?
1. Curra Te Ipsum - The enterprise is having engine trouble so they make an emergency landing on a warring planet, fortunate, unfortunate, you tell me. 4.7/5; the story was good, it felt like a a star trek episode, it's not a full 5 cause even though the solution was what Kirk would have done in the show, it just felt very rushed.
2. The Trial - Kirk is forcibly removed from the Enterprise and imprisoned with a trial fast incoming, now only someone would give him a clear answer about what he's being charged with. 4/5 It was very contained, more mental than action packed, which I love, but it simply felt like I was missing something in the plot. Could be a personal thing. Not judging based on art style, it's reminiscent of 90's manga with their emotive chibi styled faced and sweatdrops.
3. Communication Breakdown - How does a lifeless planet send a distress signal? 4.9/5 It was very intriguing, but the solution didn't feel like a Kirk solution exactly. Then again this could just be me.
4. Scaean Gate - Delivering a queen to her new throne hits a few snags. 5/5 interesting with a neat twist, long time fans might have seen it from the start, but that doesn't detract from it in the least.
5. Forging Alliances - We make a stop on Vulcan for a holiday celebration. 5/5; I just loved observing Vulcan's reacting. That was interesting, lots of fun, would definitely read more of this.
6. Suicide Note - Picard makes a house call to drop something off that's 8 years overdue. 6/5 very emotional, it pulls you in, it makes you think not only of familial relationships, but of social standing, and government agendas, and I just loved it. Good job.
Possible spoilers ahead?
1. Curra Te Ipsum - The enterprise is having engine trouble so they make an emergency landing on a warring planet, fortunate, unfortunate, you tell me. 4.7/5; the story was good, it felt like a a star trek episode, it's not a full 5 cause even though the solution was what Kirk would have done in the show, it just felt very rushed.
2. The Trial - Kirk is forcibly removed from the Enterprise and imprisoned with a trial fast incoming, now only someone would give him a clear answer about what he's being charged with. 4/5 It was very contained, more mental than action packed, which I love, but it simply felt like I was missing something in the plot. Could be a personal thing. Not judging based on art style, it's reminiscent of 90's manga with their emotive chibi styled faced and sweatdrops.
3. Communication Breakdown - How does a lifeless planet send a distress signal? 4.9/5 It was very intriguing, but the solution didn't feel like a Kirk solution exactly. Then again this could just be me.
4. Scaean Gate - Delivering a queen to her new throne hits a few snags. 5/5 interesting with a neat twist, long time fans might have seen it from the start, but that doesn't detract from it in the least.
5. Forging Alliances - We make a stop on Vulcan for a holiday celebration. 5/5; I just loved observing Vulcan's reacting. That was interesting, lots of fun, would definitely read more of this.
6. Suicide Note - Picard makes a house call to drop something off that's 8 years overdue. 6/5 very emotional, it pulls you in, it makes you think not only of familial relationships, but of social standing, and government agendas, and I just loved it. Good job.
July 31, 2008
TokyoPop, a strong producer of manga, dove into the realm of Star Trek a couple of years ago when it introduced a volume of short stories produced in the Japanese graphic art form. This is the second volume to come out, and it is a group of five very interesting tales.
One of them does a wonderful job of examinig what happened to Lt. Uhura after her mind was wiped by the traveling probe Nomad.
Another is written by Wil Wheaton (a.k.a. Wesley Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation and is a classic tale dealing with First Contact.
Another further explores Vulcan culture as the Enterprise stops by on an invitation from Sarek to participate in a religious holiday celebrating their traditions of logic.
Each of the tales has the feel and tone of the stories that made the original series so popular that it became a cultural icon. The illustrations are work as long as you are comfortable with the manga style.
One of them does a wonderful job of examinig what happened to Lt. Uhura after her mind was wiped by the traveling probe Nomad.
Another is written by Wil Wheaton (a.k.a. Wesley Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation and is a classic tale dealing with First Contact.
Another further explores Vulcan culture as the Enterprise stops by on an invitation from Sarek to participate in a religious holiday celebrating their traditions of logic.
Each of the tales has the feel and tone of the stories that made the original series so popular that it became a cultural icon. The illustrations are work as long as you are comfortable with the manga style.
December 3, 2007
Well, I was bit disappointed with the story quality of the first volume, and while it's improved here, it's still not satisfying me. The two stories that stand out are the ones by Will Wheaton and Diane Duane, both long established Trek personalities, so it's really no surprise that there's were the best. What I think is most telling is that the best story in here was the bonus story, excerpted from a separate short story collection. Basically, the writing is slightly better, but the novelty of the format is wearing off. Please, why not try a volume that contains a single story, thereby giving it time to develop.
October 18, 2007
This book consists of five stories ranging from pretty good to excellent, sadly trimmed to outline length and attached to crappy anime-quality art. In four of the stories, the characters are barely recognizable, more closely resembling characters from Final Fantasy or Speed Racer than the crew of the Enterprise. In all five, the brief length of the format prevents the stories from being fully developed. I bought it because I like Wil Wheaton and Diane Duane, and I'm not sorry I did - but unless you're willing to buy a crappy book to support good authors, I can't recommend this one.
October 23, 2007
This is Volume 2 in a successful TokyoPop Manga rendition of new stories for the Star Trek Universe, and it does not disappoint.
The first story, probably the best and most authentic Star Trek Original series story, is written by Wesley Crusher himself: Wil Wheaton. While I normally dislike Cast Written Books/Stories, this one is without a doubt the most enjoyable in the series.
That isn't to say the rest of the stories are without merit.
If you are a Star Trek fan, specifically old Star Trek, you'll love this volume.
The first story, probably the best and most authentic Star Trek Original series story, is written by Wesley Crusher himself: Wil Wheaton. While I normally dislike Cast Written Books/Stories, this one is without a doubt the most enjoyable in the series.
That isn't to say the rest of the stories are without merit.
If you are a Star Trek fan, specifically old Star Trek, you'll love this volume.
November 15, 2012
Shows improvement compared to the reasonably interesting first volume. This time, the stories aim higher, freeing themselves of obvious Trek and manga clichés and offering new viewpoints into the 5 year mission.
April 1, 2008
The stories in the first volume were consistently OK; here it varies from really good to really meh. The third story, "Communications Breakdown", is by far my favorite. Uhura ftw!
June 18, 2016
I like this more than I thought I would. The episodic format reminds me of Cowboy Bebop.
April 25, 2017
Star Trek: the manga Volume 2: Kakan ni Shinkou (Star Trek: The Manga) by Bettina Kurkoski (2007)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews