Yes, I’m a junkie for great science fiction stories. Truth be told, I’m probably equally as jazzed by average sci-fi yarns. If push came to shove, I’d quite possibly accept any sci-fi tales. But crossovers? For me, crossovers are a bit harder sell, and I think that’s because I’ve rarely been convinced that one creative team can effectively handle meshing both properties with equal parts respect and admiration for the characters and situations indigenous to both. However, IDW has made a very solid first impression with the first installment of Assimilation2, a STAR TREK/DOCTOR WHO mash-up!
(NOTE: There will be spoilers for the purposing of discussing the set-up and plot, so there’s your only warning.)
The stardate is 45635.2, and our journey opens with an invading cybernetic force of familiar automatons dropping out of the sky all over the surface of Delta IV. (For those of you not ‘in the know,’ the Deltan Ilya was featured prominently in STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE.) Planetary security forces race to keep the Prime Minister safe from abduction; however, it becomes increasingly clear that Starfleet will not arrive in time. The world is abandoned, and, if Star Trek taught us anything, it’s that “resistance is futile.”
Meanwhile …
Centuries earlier, in ancient Egypt , the Ponds and the eleventh incarnation of everyone’s favorite Doctor are having ‘an adventure’ all of their own involving an illegitimate member of the current Pharaoh’s staff. Of course, they’re quick to save the day and speed off for their next exploit. The destination? That would be Earth, San Francisco , circa 1940’s … or so they thought …
Assimilation2 is an ambitious undertaking, but, under the capable hands of Scott & David Tipton with Tony Lee, it’s off to a grand start. To be fair, there are really few hints of things to come, which can be a good sign when dealing with the storytelling devices common to either of these franchises. Based on the title, I’ve no doubt that the Borg will take center stage, but rest assured the nefarious Cybermen can’t be too far behind. The artwork is provided by J.K. Woodward (it’s exceptional throughout the issue, and the renderings of the Doctor, Amy, and Rory are particularly impressive), with lettering duties being handled by Shawn Lee and Robbie Robbins.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. If this first installment is any indication, I think the best advice I can give you is “prepare to be assimilated!”
