The Human Adventure continued in May of 1974 with issue 24 of Gold Keys’ Star Trek comic. Featuring a story by Arnold Drake, with art by Alberto Giolitti nd a cover painting by George Wilson, the series gave us The Trial of Captain Kirk; spoiler – there really isn’t much of a trial.

The splash page conjures shades of ‘Spock’s Brain’ with McCoy and Spock’s minds put into robots. This will allow them to visit the planet Kibo as they seek evidence to prove the innocence of their captain, and uncover the conspiracy behind the charges. Sounds like we’ll need to buckle up!

The story opens with the Enterprise investigating an asteroid belt for an illegal mining operation. Kirk and Scotty conduct an EVA to investigate an asteroid that’s not on any of the charts but discover that it’s actually a starship disguised as a piece of space rock.

After returning to the Enterprise, Kirk hails the disguised bandit ship and ends up getting the ship fired on for his troubles. Instead of ordering phasers, he orders gunnery to destroy the ship.

Later, Kirk delivers his report in person, and the Enterprise is shortly ordered by the Federated Planets Supreme Headquarters (?)to return to Starship Central (?). On arrival Kirk is arrested! During his preliminary hearing he learns he is being charged with accepting bribes from pirates who were then allowed to mine the asteroids.

As evidence, it’s revealed his bank account has received a multi-million credit deposit. Wait, I thought the economics of the future were a little different? There is enough (circumstantial) evidence to proceed with a court martial, the credits, and a damning video image of a clandestine meeting between Kirk and the miners.

Kirk confides in his best friends, Spock and McCoy and tells them he has a plan to find out who framed him, he wants his crew to steer clear of any trouble. However, Spock, Scotty and McCoy have one of their own.

Spock and the crew take the Enterprise on an R&D mission which allows them to travel at will – right back to the asteroid field. Shortly after they begin their scans, they find their target, the asteroid ship. But it alters course and races right at them! And the chase is on!!

Meanwhile, Kirk is putting his own plan into action. After some temporary cosmetic surgery (Afro included) he goes undercover and works to make contact with the pirates.

In space, the rock ship fires something to the nearby planet of Kibo. Are they getting rid of evidence? McCoy and Spock prepare to visit the deadly planet using Cerebots. Their minds will be imposed on electronic circuits, and they will be able to use special robots on Kibo’s deadly surface,

Kirk and his Afro track down a lead to the person who faked the video It’s a special effects house. The whole set up has been constructed by some basic movie magic . Why the council couldn’t figure that out is a little dubious.

But Kirk is rumbled and finds himself on the business end of a phaser

McCoy and Spock are able to recover the information they need on Kibo, but run afoul of an energy dragon. Happily, they are able to escape with the information. Barely.

Meanwhile, Kirk squares off against his real enemy, vice chairman Hajara and he learns the truth; it’s all a power play on Hajara’s part with Kirk simply a suitable sacrifice. Fisticuffs ensue and Kirk wins the day, bringing Hajara to justice. Spock and McCoy’s help enable them to put an end to the illegal mining.

Happy ending.

At least until the next issue when the Enterprise visits Dwarf Planet!