Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.reviews,rec.arts.startrek.current
Subject: TNG Graphic Spoiler: "The Good of the Many"
Date: 15 Nov 1993 22:15:15 GMT
Lines: 83

Star Trek Comics Review: "The Good of the Many"
Review by Mark Martinez
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WARNING: SPOILERS FOR CURRENT STAR TREK COMICS AHEAD

Publisher: DC
   Series: TNG
   Number: 55
     Date: December 1993
    Title: The Good of the Many
   Writer: Michael Jan Friedman
Penciller: Deryl Skelton
    Inker: Steve Carr
    Cover: na
 Stardate: na
    Grade: s/fn, a/vg, c/vg
    

Synopsis
 

Data and Capt. Louvois are uninjured after an alien ship
collides with their disabled shuttlecraft. The occupants of
the other vessel are not so lucky. A second alien vessel
appears. Data and Louvois are arrested for "disproportionate
destruction of lives" and brought to trial by the Terviorii.
Their legal system is dedicated to the welfare of the majority
and since nine individuals lost their lives, Data and Louvois
have no defense. Data tries and fails to argue their case. Capt.
Louvois argues that Data is a unique life-form, the sole
representative of his race, therefore his rights "outweigh
those of any group comprising less than an entire race". Her
argument convinces the Terviorii to drop all charges.

Meanwhile, back on the Enterprise: Dr. Crusher sends a message
to Wesley, detailing her recent encounter with Q; the Klingon
flowers in the garden are doing poorly and Worf misses Keiko
O'Brien's botanical skills; Picard reaffirms his support for
Riker after receiving a copy of Capt. Jellico's report on his
tenure as commander of the Enterprise; and Lwaxana Troi
arrives for another visit.   


Review

Friedman's storytelling technique has changed in recent
issues. Forthcoming events are briefly introduced and there
are occasional interludes featuring secondary characters or
themes. Some of these interludes provide interesting
commentary on TNG characters and past events. I found the main
story well-written, with clever arguments, and it provides an
interesting role for Capt. Louvois, who previously
considered Data's rights in the second season episode,
"Measure of a Man".   


Daryl Skelton is now the regular artist for this series. His
artwork has a cartoonish look (less detailed likenesses) when
compared to other artist's work, but it is still quite good. A
good effort by all involved. 


============================================
Grading Key
(adapted with tongue-in-cheek from "The Overstreet Comic Book
Price Guide" and subject to revision with little or no provocation) 


s       Story
a       Art
c       Cover art

mt      Mint: perfect in every way
nm      Near mint: minor imperfections only
vf      Very fine: outstanding
fn      Fine: no serious defects
vg      Very good: presentable
gd      Good: readable
fr      Fair: ragged
pr      Poor: falls apart
na      Not applicable/available