Sneak Peek the first five pages of IDW Publishing's "Star Trek: Countdown To Darkness" #1, available January 23, 2013, written by Mike Johnson and illustrated by David Messina. Then catch up with a spoiler synopsis to the opening of director JJ Abrams' upcoming "Star Trek Into Darkness" 3D sequel, with all of the trailers released to date :
"...the countdown to the motion picture event of 2013 begins here, in this blockbuster 4-issue prequel mini-series that sets the stage for the upcoming 'Star Trek' film!
"Like the best-selling 'Star Trek: Countdown' in 2009, this all-new series leads directly into the next movie, with a story by 'Star Trek' writer/producer Roberto Orci and Mike Johnson and illustrated by the original 'Star Trek: Countdown' artist, David Messina!
"'Star Trek: Countdown to Darkness' is the can't-miss lead-in to the new adventures of the 'Enterprise'..."
The opening synopsis from the "Star Trek Into Darkness", nine-minute prologue, screened December 14, 2012 :
"...London Stardate, 2259.55.
"...a futuristic London is established with buildings stretching out towards the horizon.
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"An alarm goes off in a bedroom and a giant dog jumps into the bed of a married couple (Noel Clarke, Nazneen Contractor).
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"Together they take their hover car through the countryside to a hospital.
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"While talking to a doctor, patients glide by asleep on hovering gurneys.
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"The couple stand over the bed of a little girl. The sick child looks very ill. A stuffed toy is replaced with a new toy. The mother is filled with grief, but the man is fueled with rage.
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"Standing outside, someone speaks from behind the husband's shoulder.
"I can save her," the voice says.
Startled the husband responds "What did you say?"
The voice repeats itself, "Your daughter, I can save her."
"Who are you?" the husband asks.
"Zoom in on a well-dressed man (Benedict Cumberbatch).
"CUT TO :
'Planet Nibiru'
'Kirk' (Chris Pine), clutching what appears to be scrolls, runs through a red-hued field , with a pack of locals chasing after him. Suddenly a CG monster breaks through the red brush. But Kirk jumps aside and stuns it with his phaser.
"You just stunned our ride!" yells 'Bones' (Karl Urban) as the pair continue to run.
"CUT TO :
"A shuttlecraft hovers above the planet's active volcano, as 'Nyota Uhura' (Zoe Saldana) preps a red-suited 'Spock' (Zachary Quinto) for a mission. His mission is to freeze the volcano and stop the planet's destruction, without being detected by the inhabitants.
"Uhura cracks a few jokes, Spock replies with his 'illogical' shtick and it's clear that these two are a romantic item.
"'Hikaru Sulu' (John Cho) is also on board and he remains silent as Uhura gives Spock a goodbye kiss on his helmet.
"Spock is then lowered, but abandoned when the shuttlecraft takes on damage. Spock's line to the ship is severed and Uhura and Sulu retreat to the 'Enterprise'.
"Back on the planet Bones and Kirk drop the scrolls, revealing this to be Kirk's ruse to get the villagers out of their town before the volcano destroyed it.
"They run towards the ocean, with the Enterprise waiting for them in the water."
"Once on board Spock's predicament is revealed. Making contact, Spock is reluctantly informed that a 'rescue mission' would defeat the purpose of the main mission and that 'the needs of many outweigh the needs of one'.