Star Trek/Doctor Who Assimilation 2 #6 Review

With only two more issues of the sci-fi cross over left, Star Trek / Doctor Who Assimilation 2 #6 continues the trend of making the most of what each franchise has to offer, bringing both the similarities and differences to fruition.

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! An unexpected alliance is formed, providing a glimmer of hope in surviving the CyberBorg onslaught!

In terms of plot, this issue follows up from Picard’s decision to form an alliance with the Borg. This might disturb many Star Trek fans, but it none the less works within the more unusual contexts of the cross over. The writing makes this feel as natural as possible. Between the cold Borg dialogue and Picard’s hesitant nature, the writing does a good a job as possible for what is an unusual event for any Star Trek title.

However, if one problem had to be identified, its that the title makes the rather strong statement that the Cybermen are more powerful than the Borg. Of course, this makes the plot much more interesting, leading to the Borg-Federation alliance, but it will undoubtedly have Star Trek fans arguing with Doctor Who fans over which side’s actually stronger.

As for the main cast, it is nice to see the Doctor and Captain Picard in agreement. Most of the plot has featured them in opposing views on various subjects. Naturally, they don’t agree on everything but the dialogue allows them to co-operate, which really helps the plot get going. As for the supporting cast, they are reduced to a simple support role to their respective ‘leaders’, but given the wide range of the title, this is better then nothing.

With only two issues to go, there is a lot of potential for this cross-over. Things haven’t followed a strictly predictable pattern so far, and the ending is certainly left in the open.

If there is one thing this series has always managed to do, its end on a cliff hanger of sorts. This issue is no different. Drawing on previously mentioned backgrounds, the time-travel nature of Doctor Who merges with Star Trek to explore some of the greater background of Star Trek. This is no doubt familiar to Trekkies, but its exciting new ground for those unfamiliar.