Star Trek Archives Vol. 2 – Best of Borg
Genre
Science Fiction, Space Opera, Action, Cybernetic Horror
Main Characters
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Captain Jean-Luc Picard – Starfleet captain of the USS Enterprise, whose personal history with the Borg as Locutus remains central.
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The Borg Queen – The enigmatic and terrifying figurehead of the Collective, combining both individuality and hive mind.
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Commander William Riker – First officer of the Enterprise, known for his strategic brilliance and loyalty.
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Lieutenant Commander Data – An android officer whose struggle with humanity contrasts starkly with the cold efficiency of the Borg.
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Seven of Nine – A former Borg drone seeking her identity and humanity after being severed from the Collective (appears in select stories).
Writer
The volume compiles the works of several writers from both Marvel and DC Comics’ licensed Star Trek runs. Notable contributors include:
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Howard Weinstein – Known for his thoughtful Star Trek narratives and deep understanding of character dynamics.
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Michael Jan Friedman – A prolific Star Trek novelist and comic writer whose stories often examine morality and duty.
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Dan Abnett & Ian Edginton – Their contributions blend action with layered storytelling.
Artist
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Gordon Purcell – One of the most recognized artists in Star Trek comics, known for his realistic renderings of characters.
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Carlos Garzon – Brought dramatic, shadow-rich visual intensity to Borg encounters.
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Ken Penders – Contributed expressive panel work that enhanced narrative pacing and tension.
Editor Details
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Tim Tuohy (Marvel) and Alan Gold (DC) oversaw much of the editorial direction in these comics, ensuring continuity and alignment with canonical Trek lore.
Publisher and Brand
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Originally published under both Marvel Comics and DC Comics, this volume is reprinted by IDW Publishing under the Star Trek Archives series, known for curating iconic comic storylines.
Release Year
Originally published as individual issues during the 1990s; collected and reissued by IDW in 2008 as part of their Star Trek Archives line.
Brief Plot Summary
This volume gathers multiple gripping confrontations between Starfleet and the Borg, a cybernetic collective bent on assimilation. From the haunting moment the Enterprise first encountered the Borg to later missions that test the boundaries of morality, identity, and resistance, each story explores a different facet of this relentless enemy. The collection highlights Picard’s inner conflict, Data’s vulnerability, and the Borg’s unnerving capacity to adapt and evolve.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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"The Worst of Both Worlds" – A tense what-if scenario involving Locutus' return and the Federation’s desperate last stand.
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"Rite of Passage" – Follows Seven of Nine’s psychological struggle as she confronts fragments of her Borg past.
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"Invasion!" crossover – A galaxy-spanning conflict where the Borg find themselves at odds with an even older alien threat.
These arcs not only deliver high-stakes action but dive into deeper ethical questions about identity and free will.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
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The Duality of Locutus – Fans have often debated whether some remnants of Locutus remained within Picard long after his assimilation, influencing decisions like his aggressive stance in First Contact.
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The Borg Queen’s True Nature – Some readers theorize the Queen is not a singular entity but an interface or avatar created by the hive mind for manipulation and negotiation.
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Borg Evolution Hypothesis – Speculation persists on whether the Borg, through repeated encounters with individuals like Data and Seven, are slowly evolving toward a fractured hive or even individuality.
Review Summary
Star Trek Archives Vol. 2 – Best of Borg succeeds in delivering a collection of some of the most compelling Borg stories ever illustrated in comic form. The artwork ranges from gritty and dramatic to intricately detailed, perfectly capturing the mechanical horror of the Collective. The writing dives deep into psychological territory, especially when exploring Picard's trauma and Data’s logical unease. With a consistent tone of dread, urgency, and moral complexity, this volume is a treasure trove for longtime fans and newcomers curious about what makes the Borg such a chilling and enduring enemy.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
