Galaxy Quest the film etched a mark on cinematic history by being the one true example that satirizes its source material with exceptional reverence and equal humor. Never once did it attack the world of SF fandom. Instead, the film brought forth the absurd nature of motifs in vintage space exploration shows with respectful hilarity. While some talk of a sequel fanned out, IDW stepped up to deliver a comic book continuation to the explorations of the NSEA Protector and its real and theatrical crews. For fans, the idea of more stories from this fantastic film would be a blessing. Unfortunately, the comic fails to capture any of the humor, characterization, and fun of its cinematic progenitor.
The cast of Galaxy Quest enjoys renewed success as their fame grows courtesy of the events in the film. Meanwhile, Brandon keeps in touch with the remaining Thermians exploring the universe in the actual Protector. While we don’t see any of the Thermians (presumably because they will be revealed in a later issue) we get Lizard People and the techno-based Drythians. Problems have arisen from Captain Taggart using the Omega 13 to defeat Sarris. The Lizard People get wind of the device’s existence, and they target the Earthlings (particularly Brandon) to reclaim it.
One entertaining plot point comes from a SF tradition that everyone from South Park to Knight Rider: the evil twin. However, that minutia of story is not enough to save a slow plotted, humorless wreck of a comic book. As stated, the lack of levity makes the book feel lifeless. For one thing, the dialogue drowns the whole second half of the book. Instead of witty, terse banter readers must endure panel-filling dialogue balloons that explain the story rather than allow it to happen.
What’s worse is that the illustrations don’t resemble their film counterparts. Now, I’m all for allowing an artist to make his or her interpretation of a work; however, something with an established fan base like Galaxy Quest deserves artwork that looks something like the characters from the film.
Visions of the Jeff Goldblum Ian Malcolm character from Jurassic Park fill my thoughts after reading this book. “You were so preoccupied whether you could, you didn’t stop to think if you should.” And that’s what I want to say to IDW right now. This license holds a very dear place in many people’s hearts. Those fans need a comic book version that would continue not only the plot, but the spirit of the source material. As it stands, this version of Galaxy Quest feels like a money grab.
The sad thing is that so many fans will buy this because they so love the characters, and IDW will have a success on their hands despite offering such a lackluster product.
Score: 1/5
Writer: Erik Burnham Artist: Nacho Arranz Publisher: IDW Publishing Price: $3.99 Release Date: 1/21/15 Format: Mini-Series; Print/Digital