Reading Room Spotlight- "Star Trek Mirror Universe The Sorrows Of Empire" By David Mack

I've polished off a few Trek books lately, but I keep neglecting to post spotlights on them. I'm going to correct that in the next couple of weeks, so expect 2 or 3 more of these "reading room spotlights" in the next month... First up: The Sorrows Of Empire by David Mack!



In case you didn't know, I'm a HUGE fan of the Mirror Universe... So when I saw this cover staring at me from on my local book store shelf, I gleefully snatched it up. A book that explores how Spock and Moreau reshaped the Terran empire!? Sign me up.

The book picks up right where the original series episode "Mirror, Mirror" leaves off- The Mirror Universe version of Spock has now had the seeds of change planted in him by Captain Kirk and must decide how he is going to affect a change in the Terran Empire. At his side is Lt. Marlena Moreau, who has also been inspired by the words of our universe's Kirk and stands as Spock's only true confidant. Opposing them is the entire Terran Empire- led by Empress Hoshi Sato II (a great carryover concept from the Enterprise 2-parter "In a Mirror, Darkly"). Spock must somehow move up the ranks of the Empire and set forth a change that will have ramifications for not only his time, but into future centuries as well (leading to the state of the Empire in the DS9 "Mirror" episodes).

While the book isn't quite as "action-packed" as I'd hoped, I found myself engrossed in every chapter. I had expected the book to just take a quick romp in the Mirror Universe, exploring Spock's machinations relating to the TOS universe only. Boy, was I wrong. Spock's overtaking of the Enterprise is actually only the start, with the rest of the book following his story throughout the movie era as well. Familiar faces and concepts are seen again here, but this time through the broken reflection of the Mirror Universe. Mirror versions of characters like Sarek, Amanda, Garth of Izar, Will Decker, Carol Marcus, and Saavik all show up, each one with their own unique and integral contribution to the overall story. Mack masterfully works the existing Terran Empire timeline, making every action Spock takes fit into existing canon while establishing plausible causes to the effects we see in the DS9 episodes. It's almost like they had planned it this way all along...

So yeah, I liked this one. A LOT. If you are a fan of the Mirror Universe (and who isn't), I highly recommend picking this one up. Unlike some of the other books I've spotlighted, you should be able to find this one on book store shelves still. It retails for $7.99... and is worth every penny. Go buy it.

-James

Star Trek The Sci-Fi Channel Special Edition Extras- "Requiem For Methuselah"

Here's all the extras from the Sci-Fi Channel Special Edition of "Requiem For Methuselah". Part of the intro is cut off, but it's better than nothing!

Star Trek The Sci-Fi Channel Special Edition Extras- "Whom Gods Destroy"

I'm on a roll! Here's all the extras from the Sci-Fi Channel Special Edition of "Whom Gods Destroy"....

Mego Spotlight- Communicators

Item Name: Star Trek Communicators
Manufacturer: Mego Toys Corp.



Mego released these communicators back in 1974! That's older than me!

The Rundown: It seems that the communicators used in Star Trek are a staple in Trek toys. Back in the days before cellular phones, these wondrous devices offered a glimpse at long-distance chatting in the future, and provided the perfect venue for roleplay fun. Most of the communicator toys simply replicate the look of the prop, with no eye towards providing actual communication between devices. The communicators from Mego we are looking at today however are a bit different, since they are actually functional (kind of...). But before we start talking about these guys, I want to take a closer look at this packaging art-



I've said this before, and I'll probably keep saying it until I run out of Mego stuff to talk about- Mego packaging art is AWESOME. Yeah, sometimes it's a bit ridiculous... but that's part of what makes it so cool. Take that shot up there for example. Let's ignore the fact that they seem to be just standing around in space for a second; I'd say Kirk and Spock are only about 15 feet away from each other... but if you have communicators, why would you not just go ahead and use them anyway! Show-offs. And it seems Spock is using a bit of sign language here as well:



Captain, would you do me the great honor of reading "between the lines"?



Now that we have that out of the way... Let's take a look at the toys themselves! Mego went with blue plastic for these instead of the traditional black, much like they did with the accessories for the 8" figures. The communicators are right around 5" long and 2.5" wide, making them a bit larger than the ones used in the show. Of course, this is due to the electronics housed inside. It wasn't possible back then for them to cram the "walkie-talkie" technology into something smaller. The communicator lids are stamped with a nifty Trek logo, while the lower part...



... features a label letting you know that this is indeed a communicator. Just in case you forgot or something.



With the press of a button, the upper lid flips open- revealing the inner area of the communicator. While there are obviously some liberties being taken here, the inside looks enough like a real communicator to satisfy a child's standards. There's a big silver speaker area standing in for the prop's moire, and an array of non-functioning buttons for you to not do anything with.



The communicator is operated via three interfaces along the side. The upper dial turns it on and controls the volume, the middle button allows you to talk, and the lower green/red button handles your "alert" signal. How's it all work? Glad you asked.



Pop open the back of communicator and you'll see this. Yep, that's right... there isn't a dedicated battery compartment. When you open the back to slap in your 9-volt, you reveal all the internal workings of the comm. This was the 1970's... who needs a stinking battery compartment?



Inside the top portion of the communicator is the telescoping antenna that allows you to send and receive signals. It's ridiculously long when fully extended. Like over 28 inches long. I'm sure passing truckers just loved listening to kids playing on these things.

I don't think I need to give you a demo on using the voice feature, but the "alert" signals really need a listen. The alert is activated by depressing the lower red/ green button. Press it in just enough to hide the green area and you'll hear the "Green Alert Signal". If the poop has really hit the fan, go ahead and press it in all the way to activate the "Red (DANGER) Alert Signal"! Check it out, but I'm warning ya- It's loud!



Yeah, that's not annoying at all. It's amazing how 25 years can change your perspective on toys. At 7, I'd have loved that sound. At 32, I want to throw this thing across a room until parts break off.



And since Mego thought it was important enough to mention it in a blurb on the packaging, I should probably draw your attention to the belt clip. How else are you gonna carry these? In your hands? That's for losers.

So there ya go... Yeah, there have been more accurate communicators made, but more fun? No way. I'd have LOVED playing with these as a kid. Walkie-talkies were my preferred method of talking to friends back then, so Trek versions would have been the bee's knees. Of course, those were simpler times... back before 9-year-olds carried cell phones. Man, I really miss the old days.

Star Trek The Sci-Fi Channel Special Edition Extras- "The Savage Curtain"

Here's all the extras from the Sci-Fi Channel Special Edition of "The Savage Curtain". RIP Gene...

Trading Card Spotlight- Star Trek The Remastered Original Series (Rittenhouse Archives)

Item Name: Star Trek The Remastered Original Series Trading Cards
Manufacturer: Rittenhouse Archives



The Rundown: Woo hoo! New Star Trek trading cards! In case you are new to the blog, I should let you know that one of my favorite Trek items to collect is the trading cards. I love the old stuff from Topps and Leaf, but the new releases from Rittenhouse Archives really get me jazzed. I usually go pretty nuts on each new release, buying multiple boxes in attempts to put together my set and snag any new autographs that might be available. The new set just hit a week or so ago.... Let's take a look at it!



The basic card set consists of 81 cards based on the "Remastered" episodes of the the original series. There are 79 cards based on each individual episode, with the final 2 cards featuring a checklist of the set. Each basic card front depicts one of the newly remastered scenes, from newly rendered space shots and matte scenes like those above...



...to reworked effects like Norman's belly there. The imagery is quite clear on each card, and presents a nice look at the work that went into the remastered episodes.



On the back of each card is a brief synopsis about the specific episode featured. It seems like many of the new card releases don't offer much info on the card backs anymore, so it's really nice to see these episode rundowns included. Sure, it's stuff that we old fogeys already know, but it's a great inclusion for those who aren't as familiar with each episode.



If you buy a box of these, you're pretty much guaranteed to get a full basic set; The subsets are where the real fun begins. There are 4 regular subsets (plus another special set we'll get to later) included here. First, there's 18 "Tribute Cards" like the one pictured above. Inserted 1 in every 6 packs, these card continue a subset from the 2009 Star Trek TOS set. The design of these cards is based on the traditional TOS autograph card styling, but each features actors and actresses who have passed away. Since we'll sadly never be able to get autograph cards from these folks, it's nice to have something similar featuring those characters (especially Gary Seven... who is awesome).



Next up- A 9 card "Creatures" set packed in at 1 per every 12 packs. These cards depict 9 of the zany creatures featured in the original series. While I dig the choices they made here, the design of the card isn't quite to my liking. I would have preferred a little more "vintage" styling, but that's just a personal choice.



The last 2 subsets are pretty difficult to complete (I still need a few myself), with only 1 card each per box! First, there's the 9 card "Elaan Of Troyius" revised set. Each of these cards is designed to fit into the old Skybox Star Trek season 3 set. The numbering is the same as the "Elaan" cards from that set, but these new versions now feature pictures of France Nuyen (which I believe the original versions lacked). A cool subset, but pretty tough to put together.



Rounding out the subsets is the 9 card "Ships In Motion" set. All of these cards feature a lenticular image of a ship scene. Tilt the card a bit and watch as the Enterprise magically "moves" across the card! Rittenhouse does lenticular better than anybody in the business, so this subset is FANTASTIC. But again, like the "Elaan" subset, these are only 1 per box, making completing the set quite a chore. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that there are actually 2 additional lenticulars available outside the set. The tenth lenticular card is only available as a case topper, and the eleventh is only available HERE through the Rittenhouse Rewards program. So yeah, that one's going to be tough to finish off.



Now here's something I didn't expect in this set. Not featured on the Rittenhouse website checklist, the set also includes 81 parallel cards! It's the same imagery and info as the basic set, only these feature a gold foil Trek logo and a flatter finish to the front. I have no idea how many of these there are per box (I should have kept better track when opening), but I ended up with around 40 cards out of the 5 or so boxes I opened. Trying to complete a full 81 card parallel set is going to be a monster, but I really dig the flat finish used on these so I'm going to give it a shot. Anybody out there trying to do the same? If so, hit me up and maybe we can do some trading!



Now here's the real highlight of the set- Autographs! Trek autograph collecting is my biggest passion (check out the still-in-development Trekautographs.com for more on this). With their guarantee of authenticity, Rittenhouse's autograph cards are my preferred method of signature collecting. This new set features 2 different types of autographs, each at one per box. 11 of the cards feature a single autograph like the one pictured above. I believe that 8 out of the 11 feature first-time signers, so that's a big bonus for me. Kudos to Rittenhouse for going after EVERYBODY in the show, no matter what the size of their role!



The other autograph cards in the set feature dual autographs. Each of these cards depicts a scene from the show featuring 2 actors or actresses, with both personalities signing the bottom of the card. While there are no first-time signers included here (boo hoo for me), I really love the choices that Rittenhouse made for these. Pairings include Kirk with Marlena, Koloth with Korax, and Commodore Mendez with Captain Pike to name a few. There's even one featuring Leonard Nimoy and Majel Barret (the final card that Majel signed before passing away). Awesome stuff.



Oh... and in case you need something to put these in besides the spokes on your bike, Rittenhouse made this handy-dandy binder for ya! The binder retails for around $30 and includes an exclusive promo card.

As a long time Trek card collector, I really couldn't be any happier with this set. While a couple of the subsets may be a bit of a pickle to collect, the overall look of the cards and the fantastic autographs make buying multiple boxes worthwhile. If you're thinking about giving Trek cards a chance, this would be a great place to start. The cards should be hitting your local comic and non-sport card retailers now, so pop in and pick up a couple of packs!

Star Trek 'Potpourri' Spotlight- Star Trek The Motion Picture 3-D Poster & Glasses

Item Name: Star Trek The Motion Picture 3-D Poster & Glasses
Manufacturer: Umm.... I have no idea. The copyright thing says "Sales Corporation of America". So maybe them?

The Rundown: I know what you're thinking. No, I'm not running out of things to spotlight. Yeah, it's a poster. But it's a 3-D POSTER! How cool is that? The answer is very cool. What are we waiting for... Let's look at it!



What we have here is one amazing 22" X 33.5" hunk of marketing awesomeness. You want to get folks excited about seeing a movie? Give them a kick ass poster. You want to get them REALLY excited? Step up your game a bit like the folks over at "Sales Corporation of America" did back in 1979. Sure, the front side of the poster looks like your standard fare- Big Star Trek TMP logo, a nice picture of the Enterprise flying through space, and an alien planet landscape down below...



Towards the bottom of the poster, there's a cool shot of the Vulcan shuttle departing the planet (an obvious miniature, but that makes it even cooler in my eyes). Spanning the width of the bottom are pictures of the key players from the film, bookended by a couple of the TMP aliens. All the important characters are here, like Spock, Kirk, Bones, and the Vulcan Master... Wait... Who?



Yep. Smack dab between the lovely Uhura and the *ahem* "Lizard Man" (I guess the Sales corp had as much trouble naming the Saurians as Mego did) is the "Vulcan Master". How'd this guy sneak in here? The crew I get... including a couple of the weird aliens on each end I get, but this guy? He must have been buddies with one of the guys over at Sales Corp to get this coveted spot on the poster. Either that or it was a Vulcan mind meld. He is the freaking master after all.

So the front is cool, but nothing to get jazzed about, right? Well, maybe you should try flipping this bad boy over.



Yep, they went there. Not only do you get a cool standard TMP poster, but the backside features a 3-D version! Pretty sweet, eh? Now you might be saying at this point: "But James, how can I experience the Vulcan Master and his pal Lizard Man in all three dimensions without glasses!?!". First- Calm down. Second- Of course Sales Corp has you covered!



Included with the poster are these rad spectacles, possibly the greatest 3-D glasses ever made. The area surrounding the lenses look like portholes, there's a big Trek logo on the side, and check it out-



They are the property of the USS Enterprise! You can't beat that.

So yeah, this poster was definitely worthy of a spotlight. I bought if for $10. I would have paid $11 easy. If you can get it for that cheap, go for it... but only if it has the glasses! Otherwise, you'll have to wear boring old regular 3-D glasses to check it out. And why do that when you could look like this-



OH! Before I go, I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that entered the Infestation and Kang giveaways! The winners have been randomly chosen and contacted by e-mail. If you didn't win, don't take it too hard! I have plenty more Trek stuff to giveaway!

I do want to take a moment and say thanks to all the folks who sent kind messages about the blog along with their entries. It felt really nice to hear that people are enjoying the site. I would have taken the time to respond to each one in person, but I didn't want to give people false hope that a reply in their inbox meant they won the contest... So I'm saying it here! Thanks everybody!