Picking up where they left off, writers Mike Johnson and Tim Jones maintain the brisk pace they set in issue #1, delving further into the character of Nero and providing the impetus for things to come.
The Return Of Picard
The story picks up with Spock, Nero and his crew held hostage by the Remans before being rescued by Captain Data and the Enterprise-E. In a secret meeting, Data informs Spock that the Federation has authorized a secret mission inside Roumlan space to neutralize the Hobus star threat, as its collapse poses a danger beyond Romulan space.
Nemo and Spock travel with the Enterprise to Vulcan to request assistance for a material necessary to carry out their plan. There they find an ally in the Federation ambassador to Vulcan -- former Enterprise Captain Jean-Luc Picard, who convinces the Vulcans to allow Spock to petition the Vulcan Science Council for assistance
However the council, distrustful of the Romulans and of Spock for choosing to live among them, deny assistance. Enraged, Nero leaves with his ship to retrieve his family while Spock and the Next Generation crew continue plans to neutralize the threat of the Hobus star.
Nero: The Turning Point
There's a lot to absorb and note in Star Trek Coundown #2. While Johnson and Jones keep the focus mainly on Spock and Nero, they also appear to have fun with depicting both Picard and Data, who play significant roles in the events of the issue.
Nero's character is fleshed out significantly in this issue. The volatility of his personality is clearly defined and the audience is made to realize that a dark side to this otherwise heroic figure is just below the surface. The interplay between Spock and Nero in this issue, which shows the potential for a bond between the two, is key to this.
Spock himself continues to show added depth of character in both issues. The effortlessness in which his character is portrayed and his warm exchanges with Picard and Data inspires curiosity to learn more of what his life has been like in-between his appearence on The Next Generation and this prequel story .
The artwork by David Messina is first rate and borrows some visual cues from the upcoming movie, particularly the last haunting shots of Nero and the visual perspective accorded the view of the Vulcan Science Council.
Star Trek Coundown #2 is a solid, entertaining issue that does a sufficient job in providing the necessary exposition to lead straight into issue #3.
For a review of Star Trek Coundown #3, click here
