DC’s take on Star Trek hit comic racks with its ‘1st star-spanning collector’s issue!’ in time for February of 1984. Set after the events of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, I know we’ll get a few issues before Star Trek III comes along.

The first issue, The Wormhole Connection, was written by Mike W. Barr, had a cover by George Perez, pencils by Tom Sutton and inks by Rodrigo Villagran. This served as the first part of a four part tale.

Right off the bat, I like the interior art a lot better than I did the Marvel art. The characters are easily recognizable, and though starship interiors don’t always look right, they’re close enough for artistic license.

The issue opens with a nice splash page, featuring an image of Kirk, the Enterprise, McCoy, Saavik, Sulu and Checkov, and a text that gives us those oh so familiar words… Space… the final frontier.

Let’s go!

Stardate: 8141.5

The U.S.S. Gallant, under the command of Captain Bearclaw, is monitoring the Neutral Zone to protect against Klingon incursions, which are becoming increasingly frequent. They come under by an attack wing of Klingon cruisers, which was preceded by a strange energy wave.

One minute the Gallant was alone, and then the Klingons were there. The next, the Gallant is destroyed, after launching her log buoy, and the Klingons led by Koloth are celebrating their victory. All of them but for Konom, a helmsman.

The Enterprise is in the Sol system. Carol and David Marcus are back on Regula I, and the Reliant crew are at Starbase 12 for medical attention and reassignment. Meanwhile, Kirk is meeting with Admiral Turner about staying in command of the Enterprise.

The crew celebrates the reveal of Kirk staying in command, even if the bridge looks a little funny in the panel featuring Chekov and Sulu. From there, each of the remaining characters, McCoy, Scotty, Uhura, and Saavik get an introductory panel before the Enterprise jumps to warp.

They are headed to section 14 of the Gamma Hydra section (sounds familiar).

As the ship travels we get a look at various locations of the ship including Kirk’s quarters, Engineering, sickbay, a mess hall, and various corridors. And it is among those corridors that we are introduced to some supporting characters, and a strange variation on the maroon monster uniforms.

We meet a young female ensign named Bryce who is confronted by another ensign, Bearclaw… it seems both of their fathers were aboard the Gallant, and Bearclaw seems to think Bryce’s father is the reason his father is dead! And he assaults her! She strikes back, and he falls right into Captain Kirk!

He tells them that they are here to find out what happened to the Gallant, and that there is no place for brawling in his ship. They’re here to do a job, and each person should be treated and evaluated as an individual.

Bryce and Kirk head to the bridge, where Kirk assumes the conn. He plans to use the Enterprise with shields down as bait as an attempt to draw the Klingons on.

Koloth prepares his attack, but Konom sends something, a burst of info? to the Enterprise just as the cruiser fires on the starship. Shields are raised and the first space battle of the new DC series is underway.

The Enterprise is battered, and before they can return fire, the Klingons vanish. They reappear and resume the attack.

Kirk delivers orders to drop aft shields and fire torpedoes. Saavik attempts to interject, but he shuts her down.

We’re then given a double splash page of the Enterprise in the center of the battle, and once again Kirk beats the odds, crippling the Klingon cruisers… four of them! Two ships self-destruct, while Koloth orders his cruiser and the other to escape.

They vanish again.

As Kirk leaves the bridge, it becomes apparent, that he’s not entirely happy with Saavik in Spock’s old position of Science Officer. She goes to seek advice from McCoy, who is working hand in hand with Dr. Chapel in sickbay.

McCoy realizes that she has big boots to fill, but can’t offer much in the way of real aid. She’ll just have to be the best officer she can be for Kirk. But in an effort to help the young officer, McCoy goes to see Kirk. He blasts Kirk for trying to turn Saavik into Spock, and reminds her to recognize her as an individual. Kirk is left with a lot to think about.

Kirk, McCoy, Scotty and Saavik have an officer’s meeting to discuss the Klingons and what they’re up to. And how are they vanishing like that? Scotty doesn’t think it’s a cloaking device. Saavik investigates a sensor reading, and they discover a wormhole.

With the condition the Enterprise is in, she can’t go in, but a shuttlecraft, or maybe punch a transporter beam along the wormhole? Can they discover where the wormhole leads?

Kirk orders immediate repairs to the Enterprise, determined to take the fight to the Klingons immediately. Saavik volunteers to go on the mission, Kirk rejects that, because he’s already assigned her. Bones approves.

Kirk grabs Bryce to join the party as well. Bryce and Kirk will use the transporter, Saavik will stand by in the shuttlecraft which has been outfitted with a warp sled. He tells Uhura to contact the Organians let them know what is happening.

Saavik takes the shuttle through the wormhole and Scott activates the transporter to follow the signal.

Kirk and Bryce materialize in space and before them, a Klingon space station!

First thoughts, I dug it. The art is solid, and I like the writing. The story works to tie itself into events and canon while introducing new characters and new stories. It’s a fine line to walk, and honestly, it works for me. It does feel like it fits in the universe.

It’s fun going on adventures with this beloved crew, and I’m in for wherever the Human Adventure leads.

Next time… The Only Good Klingon…