A definite mixed bag, the Star Trek / Doctor Who cross over certainly has a lot to offer. With Star Trek Doctor Who Assimilation 2 #3, there is a lot to take in. Whether you’re a Star Trek fan or a Doctor Who fan, there’s plenty to appreciate. Of course, if you’re a fan of both, then there’s even more to enjoy.

First, the official description from IDW:

The two greatest science-fiction properties of all time cross over for the first time in history, in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION/DOCTOR WHO: ASSIMILATION2! The true horror of the Borg-Cybermen alliance has been revealed, but what course of action will Captain Picard and the Doctor agree upon? And will the Doctor’s recently resurfaced memories shed new night on the dilemma?

In terms of plot and narrative, it’s hard to properly rate Assimilation 2 #3, or the series as a whole. The series is just as much a fan service as it is a stand alone title. Like many cross overs, you have to get over the initial premise. The main fun here is watching the various characters interact, an explanation isn’t always needed. Luckily, this title hasn’t gotten bogged down in explaining the cross-over yet, although its constantly hinted at.

Yet the title does make use of the strong similarities. More than just science fiction, the choice in using Cybermen and Borg is entirely justified, and is one of the staple elements keeping these separate universes glued together. The alliance makes perfect sense; both the Borg and the Cybermen have near identical agendas in their own shows; combining the two was not only a smart decision, it gives a great adversary for the various heroes to defeat. Of course, a combined Borg-Cyberman is awesome, too.

In terms of artwork, the style here may heavily influence your opinion. Some of the backdrops, particularly the space sequences (for two shows set heavily in space, this is naturally very important) are decent enough. Yet its the actual lack of detail that makes it hard to read at times. A lot of the character’s faces are often ‘smudged’; personally I prefer more definition.

However, Assimilation 2 #3 also has a flashback of sorts. For various plot or artistic reasons, this section has its own art style. Whilst this is justified, maybe even a rather clever use of the time-travel/dimensional aspect, the art is this section is almost the opposite of whats been seen. Here, there is certainly a lot of definition, but very little colour or depth.

Finally, this segment also features Captain Kirk and the Fourth Doctor – this isn’t a spoiler, its on the front cover. Depending on how you feel about the older material from these shows, this might further sway your final opinion.

3.5/5