This graphic novel, which actually came out about the time the most recent movie was premiering is sort of like a prequel to the movie. Set in the future (the 24th century) with the familiar faces of the Enterprise-D crew, the story shows how fate brought on a head-to head confrontation between Nero and Spock.

Nero is a simple Romulan minor who captains a vessel in the home system of the Romulan Star Empire. At the beginning of the tale, his ship is damaged when the system's star begins to die, taking out its closest orbiting planet. Upon returning home, he tries to convince his government that actions must be taken to save the Romulan people, but the Senate has its doubts.

Nero finds an ally in Ambassador Spock, who has been living on Romulus, one of the empire's two twin homeworlds. Spock has been working for over 20 years to try to bring together the Vulcan and Romulan peoples, two branches of the same evolutionary tree that started on the Vulcan homeworld. Spock agrees that something must be done, but it means his returning to Vulcan to have the scientists their work on the problem.

Nero, who like most Roumulans has some doubts about Spock's sincerity since he represents the Federation, is willing to give Spock a chance. With that said, he promise to enact revenge if Spock fails him.

Along the way, Picard, Data, LaForge, and Worf all make cameos to help move the story along. It is interesting to see how events played out, leading into what happens in the movie. Of course, the reader (if s/he has seen the movie) has a pretty good idea, but it is really interesting all the same. For example, I had no idea that Spock and Nero were basically allies for a time.

Since it is a graphic novel, there is always the visual element to consider. The illustrations are attractive and move the story along, though it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between some of the characters when they are sharing panels.

The storyline is brief and interesting and it seems to have some clues about what has happened to some of our favorite characters. Since there is also a companion series of novels that comes before this graphic novel, I am sure that some of their statuses are better explained in those.

All-in-all a fun and quick read that adds even more depth to the awesome reboot of the Trek universe by Paramount.