“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.
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.
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.
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:

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…
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:
WILLIAM O’NEILL
GentleManNerd.Deviantart.com
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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…”
TOYS I HOPE SANTA & HANUKKAH HARRY WILL BRING ME THIS DECEMBER (After they remortgage their homes):

“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.)

As many of my fellow Outlaws know, I like dinosaurs, however I LOVE the stegosaurus. Food be damned, this… will… be… mine.