IDW October Star Trek Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for October. The month the next issue of the ongoing Star Trek series set in the ST2.0 universe along with the DC cross over where the Original Series crew meets the Legion of Superheroes. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Transformers, Angel and more click here.

Star Trek #2
Written by Mike Johnson, art by Stephen Molnar, covers by Tim Bradstreet, Joe Corroney
The lead-up to 2012's Star Trek sequel continues here! Kirk and Spock face off against one of their own when crewman Gary Mitchell is possessed by an entity of unfathomable power. The next chapter in the adventures of the Starship Enterprise, a creative collaboration with Star Trek writer/producer Roberto Orci!
32 pages, $3.99

Star Trek/Legion of Superheroes #1
Written by Chris Roberson, art by Jeffrey Moy, covers by Phil Jimenez, Keith Giffen
The pairing you never thought could happen! IDW Publishing and DC Comics are proud to present the greatest tale of the 23rd century! Or is that the 31st century? As you'll see here, it's both. Eisner-nominated writer Chris Roberson and Star Trek and Legionnaires veteran artist Jeffrey Moy partner up to bring you the most bizarre partnership of any century! In this first issue, a group of Legionnaires end up lost in the 23rd century, but it's a universe that isn't familiar to either the Legion or the crew of the USS Enterprise!
32 pages, $3.99

Star Trek Sequel Officially Delayed

In the wake of Deadline's report about the status of the sequel comes official confirmation. TrekMovie was able to confirm with Paramount that G.I. Joe: Retaliation is taking over Star Trek 2's June 29th, 2012 release slot. It has not announced when Trek is scheduled to be release but considering there still doesn't exist even a first draft of the film I am betting the executives are not going to risk getting burned twice by the Star Trek "Supreme Court" by making any more premature announcements. TrekMovie provided a summary of the currently scheduled "tentpole" movies being released for Holiday 2012 and Summer 2013 with the open slots being November 30th, 2012, December 7th, 2012, May 10th, 2013 and May 31st, 2013. Of course there is nothing stopping Paramount from claiming any weekend they choose and hoping to force the other studio to move their project to a difference release date. End result, I wouldn't expect anything official to be announced until a draft or two of the scrip is completed. At current rate that likely will be in early Fall.

Abrams Not Rushing Sequel, Expect More Enterprise

In an interview with IGN, writers Rob Orci and Alex Kurtzman said to expect more of the Enterprise.

They own the ship from day one, in the movie," Orci said. "It's their home now, first one was how do they get on that ship together. Now it's all the characters are established, including the Enterprise. It's certainly a discussion point of how do you address [Kirk's] relationship to that ship, and [the crew's] relationship... That's gotta go into the soup somehow, but it can't be the same way as how it was [in the pre-2009 Trek universe]."

Meanwhile, JJ Abrams tells 24 Frames that they are not going to rush the movie. Considering the film now has no release date, Paramount has pretty much indicated that they team has as much time as they need.

"There was a lot of desire [on the studio side] to fast-track a new 'Star Trek' and have it be shooting already," Abrams said. "And in theory we could have done that. But what all of us [the creative team] were concerned about is the release date be the master we were serving. Nothing is more disheartening than something going in front of the camera before it's ready. The crew can feel it and the cast can feel it. It's just a heart-attack machine."

G.I. Joe Takes Trek's Slot?

A new article from Deadline re-iterates what has previously been reported with Paramount probably moving G.I. Joe: Retaliation to Star Trek 2's June 29th, 2012 slot and that JJ Abrams are close to signing on to direct the film. The news of a delay is no surprise at this point considering that there is still now shooting script (or even a first draft that I am aware of). As for Abrams signing on, it was always a condition on the quality of the script. Considering the delay is partly due to waiting on him to finish his Super 8 obligations, I find it hard to believe he will not be pleased with the script considering he is a de-facto co-writer on it. Paramount is ready to go, having "exercised its option on the cast" for the sequel which basically means moving ahead with negotiations to determine how much it will cost to get the cast to reprise their roles. Keep in mind the movie delay and Abrams directing information has not been officially confirmed.

At this point the main question is will the movie be released during Holiday 2012 or summer 2013 season. My bet is summer 2013 even though I think there is a significant window of opportunity to make money during the Holidays. For reasons I don't really understand, the studios believe summer is the only time big bucks can be made on movies but James Cameron has proven twice that is an incorrect assumption. Two of the most successful movies ever, Titanic and Avatar, both were Holiday releases. Not saying Star Trek 12 will make that kind of bucks, just saying that there is proven box office wealth with the holidays aside from being the dumping grounds for Oscar-bait.

Lindelof: Star Trek 12 Script Being Reworked

Star Trek sequel writer Damon Lindelof spoke briefly with MTV and reports on the "progress" of the script for Star Trek 12 in the video below. In short, now that JJ Abrams has had time to give it his full attention, the result is a near return to the drawing board to improve the movie.

“There was a lot of work going on over the course of the last year between Bob [Orci] and Alex [Kurtzman] and I,” he said. “We generated, like, a ninety-page half-script half-treatment based on some meetings that we’ve had with J.J [Abrams]. Now that J.J. is finally finished with ‘Super 8' we’ve kind of, not thrown out that material, but we’re reworking a lot of it.”

Even if Abrams had signed off on the script as is, I just don't how the movie has a snowballs chance of making it to theatres next summer.

Star Trek: The Next Generation Coming to Blu-ray

TrekMovie is reporting that Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series is going to get the HD treatment in 2012 with "test" sometime this year. Star Trek: The Original Series was previously released on Blu-ray. No idea if the grand plan is to make all of the Star Trek series available on Blu-ray but at the pace they are going it seems streaming or another format might come up before they finish. It does seem an appropriate release date though with 2012 being the 25th anniversary of TNG (sheesh hard to believe it has been that long).

Multiple sources I spoke with at Comic-Con have also confirmed our report from earlier this year that CBS is hard at work on Star Trek: The Next Generation – Remastered for Blu-ray release starting sometime in 2012. The latest word is that 4 test episodes are currently being worked on for release as a sampler/demo BD disc of the project, and that sampler disc will somehow be available to fans by the end of this year.

Star Trek Sequel Release Likely Delayed

The writing team of Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman all but guaranteed that the film when not make its June 29th, 2012 release date in an interview Cinepremiere. They now say the sequel is hoping to start principle photography in January 2012. This would leave about five months to finish the script & pre-production, a more reasonable time line for a special effects heavy big budget film. The start date also means the film will either get a Christmas season release date or (more likely) a Summer 2013 start date. While the delay is annoying and shows an overall lack of focus on the part of the principle architects of the franchise, it does increase the probability that JJ Abrams will return to direct. (via TrekMovie)

Orci: We had ideas when we did the first [Star Trek] movie – we always think it is bad luck to think of the sequel – but we had some ideas for the sequel way back then and actually we are doing some of those ideas now and pitching and pitching them to the studio and JJ [Abrams] has been developing them with us. The idea’s that we had have stuck so we feel pretty strongly that we have an amazing story and we are going to be shooting very soon.

Q: How soon?
Orci: Hopefully…
Kurtzman: …Early next year.
Orci: I think probably in January, but every time we say "we will be shooting any second now," we are not, but it is going to be soon.

SDCC Sings Happy Birthday to Patrick Stewart

Part of the reason that so many celebs show up to the San Diego Comic-Con can be summarized in the video below when a room full of people happily sang "Happy Birthday" to Sir Patrick Stewart (turned 71 on July 13th). That kind of admiration and hero worship simply can't be bought but just enjoyed. (via TrekMovie)

SDCC: Orci, Lindelof Provide Sequel Update

In two separate interviews at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con, Star Trek sequel writers Roberto Orci and Damon Lindelof discussed the progress of Star Trek 12. Orci spoke with Hotflix where there was a video of the interview but that isn't working so TrekMovie posted a transcript of the highlights.

The main pieces of information from Orci is once JJ Abrams recovers from making and promoting JJ Abrams an announcement will be made on Star Trek. Paramount has heard the pitch for the sequel story and signed off on it. Orci also indicated there might be a tweak to the design of the Enterprise, specifically with the interior so can see new sections of the ship.

STO: USS Enterprise F Revealed

Cryptic online has revealed the design of the next generation of Enterprise for Star Trek Online. The ship design for U.S.S. Enterprise NCC 1701-F was part of a design contest the game held. The final image looks like a combination of Voyager and Enterprise-E. The full detains on inception to final product can be read in a four part developer's diary at the links below. The ship itself will be introduced to the game in the "Feature Episode" update that is coming soon. (via TrekMovie)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Star Trek and DC Crossover Coming

At the San Diego Comic-Con, IDW announced that Star Trek and DC is planning a crossover series. The six issue series called Star Trek/Legion of Superheroes will begin in October 2011. The story is a part time travel (Legion), part dimensional jump (Trek) as the two groups meet in an alternative time where the Legion and Star Trek governments have formed the Imperial Planets of Terra. Below is the full press release.

Star Trek® and the Legion of Superheroes Pair Up in July

The 23rd century and the 30th century collide in IDW’s first-ever crossover with DC Comics’ Super Heroes

San Diego, CA (July 21, 2011) – The original Starship Enterprise has traveled across time and space on its five-year mission, but it will be entering the DC Universe for the first time this summer. IDW Publishing is proud to announce its first-ever crossover with DC Comics’ Super Heroes in STAR TREK/LEGION OF SUPERHEROES, a six-issue monthly series beginning in October 2011.

Leonard Nimoy Official Announces Retirement

The legendary Leonard Nimoy has officially announced his retirement from the convention circuit after just three more convention in a press release through Creation Entertainment (which runs Star Trek conventions). The final conventions will be Las Vegas Star Trek Convention (8/11-8/14), Dragon*Con (9/2-9/5), and Chicago Star Trek Convention (9/30-10/2).

For over 45 years Leonard Nimoy has had a special place in the hearts of Star Trek fans and he has truly become an international icon beloved throughout the galaxy. During our careers Leonard has become a mentor to us and he means the world to all here at Creation as he does to you. After decades of providing the very finest in entertainment in all media Mr. Nimoy has today announced his retirement from convention appearances, including Creation’s Official STAR TREK Conventions in Las Vegas (August 11-14, 2011 and Chicago September 30-October 2, 2011).

For us at Creation it is indeed a bittersweet day as Leonard’s on-stage talks have always been a highlight for us and they remain in our memories forever. We’ll never forget his original talks on being Mr. Spock, his on-stage appearances with William Shatner, his live Alien Voices shows with John de Lancie, and later his ceremonial passing of the baton to the amazingly talented young Zachary Quinto. Through it all Leonard has been extremely gracious and caring to both us and his legions of fans. Simply stated it has been a joy to meet someone we grew up with loving on television and film and then finding out he was even nicer than we could have hoped. A growing up memory that was actually exceeded by reality: that never happens but all things are possible with the magic that has been working with Mr. Nimoy.

We invite YOU to be with us to bring down the house one last time for the man who has been the true heart of the incredible Star Trek franchise. Both conventions are now sure to be sold out so please book early and pick up your autographs and photo ops with Mr. Nimoy! God Bless Leonard as he enjoys his overdue retirement and we continue to enjoy his films, television series, books, photography and poems for generations to come!

FOR INFORMATION ON THE OFFICIAL STAR TREK CONVENTION IN VEGAS:
http://www.creationent.com/cal/stlv.htm

FOR INFORMATION ON THE OFFICIAL STAR TREK CONVENTION IN CHICAGO:
http://www.creationent.com/cal/stchi.htm

(via TrekMovie)

William Shatner Talks The Captains

In a two part interview with StarTrek.com, William Shatner discusses his upcoming documentary "The Captains" with a brief segway into the death of Kirk. Hit the links for the full interview.
Part I | Part II

If you had a do-over on Star Trek: Generations, would you still agree to let Kirk die? Or, if you were OK with him dying, would you have at least wanted a more fitting death for the iconic character?

Shatner: I would be much more courageous about suggesting, or demanding would be a better word, a more regal exit for this hero. For reasons I can’t fathom in myself, I allowed him to have an ignominious end. I’m not quite sure what the political reasons were for that, but I wasn’t aware (of the implications) on a broader level until afterwards.

Star Trek Music Collection and Hallmark Keepsakes

Online is a preview of a few new tie in products for Star Trek that will be available soon. One is a 3-CD set of the music of Star Trek: The Next Generation that will be available at the San Diego Comic Con next week. The set is music composed by DEnnis McCarthy, Jay Chattaway, Don Davis, John Debney, and Fred Steiner over the seven seasons of the series. More details including the track list can be found here.

The other available products will be a continuation of the Star Trek Hallark Keepsakes line with a look at the Christmas 2011 offerings. The three models available this time will be Mirror Universe Spock, Spock, and Romulan Bird of Prey (TOS version). More details can be found here.

Star Trek PADD Comes to iPad (Updated)

CBS Interactive has created a new app for the iPad that recreates the classic look of all the displays and devices that were used in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Voyager, and Deep Space Nine series. Called the PADD, it acts as a source for all things Trek Prime (so no Abrams 2.0) including characters, ships, places and more. It is available now at the iTunes store for $4.99. Below is the ad and press release for the new app. (via TrekMovie)

Update: TrekMovie.com has posted a review ("A fun application worth the $5") and demo here.

A Conversation with Abrams and Giacchino Video

Below is a 90 minute video with director/producer/writer J.J. Abrams and composer Michael Giacchino that was recorded on June 12th at the Hammer Museum at UCLA. The two have been working together for a while on with Giacchino composing Alias, Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, Lost and more for JJ Abrams. Full description and video below. (via TrekMovie)

J.J. Abrams is the Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning co-creator of the television series Lost. The producer, screenwriter, director, and composer is also creator of the TV series Alias, co-creator of Felicity and Fringe, and director of several films, including Mission: Impossible III (2006) and Star Trek (2009). Michael Giacchino is the composer of scores for the films Up, Ratatouille, and the television series Lost, among many others. He has received numerous awards for his work, including an Emmy, multiple Grammys, and an Academy Award. (Run Time 1 hour, 26 min.)

Shatner's The Captains Trailer

Below is the trailer for William Shatner's new documentary about Star Trek. As the title, The Captains, suggests, it focuses on the actors that played the key captains in the Star Trek series and movies Patrick Stewart (TNG), Kate Mulgrew (Voyager), Scott Bakula (Enterprise), Avery Brooks (Deep Space 9) and Chris Pine (Star Trek 2.0) all sit down with the actor to discuss Trek, their roles and more. Being a Shatner production, I am sure he remains the focus while creating an amusing and informative show. The Captains premieres on July 21st on EPIX HD, not sure when or even if it will hit home video.

Orci Talks Star Trek Video Game

At E3 a new video game for Star Trek was announced that would take place in the JJ Abrams' Star Trek 2.0 universe. The shoot-em-up game lets you take control of Kirk or Spock in a storyline that is being developed by the Star Trek writers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and others. In an interview by GamePro Magazine with Bob Orci, the game takes place in between the first and second movies and should be considered canon. Below are a few excerpts from TrekMovie.

Star Trek Shows Now on Netflix

In time for a 4th of July marathon, most episodes of the various Star Trek series are now available for streaming on Netflix. This includes The Original Series, The Next Generation, Voyager and Enterprise. Deep Space 9 is coming in October.