“Star Trek is this many.”
“Computers make excellent and efficient servants, but I have no wish to serve under them.”
– Spock (Leonard Nimoy): Star Trek, season 2, episode 24 (“The Ultimate Computer,” 1968)
A quote ahead of its time, from a show at least fifty years ahead of its time. Making bold predictions about the future of mankind, not just from a technological perspective but a social one as well, is one of the many influential themes which has helped Star Trek endure as one of the most successful pop-culture franchises over the past five decades.
Started before my time, but still love it in my prime.
The observation from Spock (Leonard Nimoy) I quoted above is an eerie reminder that our dependency on machines is slowly creeping towards a future where artificial intelligence will soon have us doing their bidding. (If watching people walk into traffic and off of bridges to collect intangible pixelated creatures on their handheld computers isn’t a sign of things to come, I don’t know what is.)
Seeing as the creator of Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry, and the writers of the series had the wherewithal to predict the possible advancement of artificial intelligence before The Terminator franchise was even a gleam in James Cameron’s eye, would be an understatement of illogical proportions.
Your welcome Google.
In conjunction with its forward thinking approach, charismatic characters, an in-depth look at the human condition, unlimited imagination, an exploration first mentality and the creative approach to breaking social norms, it’s no wonder the franchise still remains a popular draw for millions around the globe after half a century… literally. With Star Trek Beyond having just been released in theaters over the summer and the new series Star Trek Discovery set to premiere next May, things are still moving ahead at light speed for the space-based property.
(Going where no Star Trek series has gone before: Streaming On-Demand.)
With the original series’ premiere episode having aired 50 years ago on September 8th, I figured now was as good a time as any to post some photos from this year’s San Diego Comic-Con display of Star Trek art created specifically for the franchise’s momentous birthday. As forward thinking as that may sound, most of my readers know the truth of the matter is, the fact I’m posting this can be attributed to blind luck and sheer laziness.
I spy with my little eye something that has no eyes.
Alas, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, so I will shut my keyboard yap and share the Trek (and some non-Trek) art I was able to snap some photos of on my Tour de Comic-Con 2016.
BOLDLY GOING WHERE NO ART HAS GONE BEFORE:
A Star Trek U.S. Postal stamp is forever… assuming you buy it at the current rate.
The series has always been known for being color-blind with regards to the skin color of it’s characters. However, if they’re wearing a red shirt…
Mayim Bialik proves that dressing like the entire crew is entirely logical.
This Borg Cube was assimilated using hundreds of Hot Wheels cars painted matte black.
Waaaaall!… is where I want this hanging in my house.
The only way to make Patrick Stewart look older is to literally paint wrinkles onto his face.
TOYS, THE FINAL FRONTIER… UNTIL THE NEXT VERSIONS:
“Live long and always drive a classic.” (Limited Edition release from Mattel’s Hot Wheels line for SDCC 2016)
Thanks to Think Geek, now you can communicate with the bridge just like Scotty and listen to some Scottish bagpipes via iTunes afterword.
NON-TREK ART & SOME STUFF I COULD AFFORD TO BUY:
The prices for these beautiful pieces boldly went where my wallet couldn’t go.
The talent is out there. (Affording it is another issue altogether.)
My mind, heart and mouth said yes, but my credit card said no.
William O’Neill showcasing his two new “Split Personality” pieces (Of which I bought both.)
WILLIAM O’NEILL
GentleManNerd.Deviantart.com
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X-Files IDW Writer Joe Harris suckered me in for another two comics (as is per the norm.)
JOE HARRIS
http://www.joeharris.net/
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Cartoon artist Stephen Silver drew me in for two pieces of his pop culture posters. (Are you sensing a quantity theme yet?)
STEPHEN SILVER
http://www.silvertoons.com/
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Geek Outlaw fan and follower, Patrick Ballesteros rethinking his allegiance to a grown adult that straps action figures to his body for public display.
PATRICK BALLESTEROS
http://patrickballesteros.com/25-cent-wonders
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Yes, that is indeed a metallic Golden Girls bookmark I ended up purchasing. “Thank you for making that bookmark…”
It’s not Comic-Con if I don’t buy at least one X-Files piece of art that I have no wall space for.
Donating my last $5 to a good cause; an 80’s mashup of biblical proportions.
TOYS I HOPE SANTA & HANUKKAH HARRY WILL BRING ME THIS DECEMBER (After they remortgage their homes):
If I buy four, I can have a full-sized Bill Murray of my own!
An ugly little spud makes for a great little replica.
“Roads?! After buying these you can’t afford a real car to drive on, roads.” (This entire 1/6 set can be yours for a little north of $1000.)
So real you’ll want to keep it out of daylight.
As many of my fellow Outlaws know, I like dinosaurs, however I LOVE the stegosaurus. Food be damned, this… will… be… mine.
