BSG vs BSG
Eric S Brown
In January, 2018, Dynamite Comics – publisher of Battlestar Galactica comics since 2006 – released issue one of a six issue mini-series entitled BSG vs. BSG, a unique story in the history of Battlestar Galactica which brings the original Battlestar Galactica together with the more modern version. The 1978 Galactica is mythical and Star Wars–like, while the modern Galactica is dark and militaristic with a deeper realism. This made me, a fan of both versions, reluctant to read the mini-series. It opens with the 1978 version of Commander Cain, and the Battlestar Pegasus, discovering an alien claiming to be the wife of the creator of the Cylon race. She sets in motion events that lead both the Galactica and the Pegasus into the world of modern Galactica. The two crews of the Galactica meet, each unable to believe that the other is real. The modern crew assumes that the 1978 versions are “skin job” Cylons. For some aboard both Galacticas, the tension grows while others – like the two Starbucks hit it off instantly. As a Cylon force closes in on the two ships, the Pegasus arrives to join them, however nothing is as it seems. Count Iblis is behind what turns out to be a complicated traop, now possessing powers that have increased greatly allowing him to take control of the modern Cylons.
While the concept sounds unappealing, and perhaps even cheesy, the plot, scripted by veteran comic book writer Peter David, delivers a thrill ride of epic proportions. There are tons of memorable, fun aspects to the story – such as how the two Adamas handle things, the contrast between the two Baltars, the laugh out loud antics of the two Starbucks, and so much more. The only drawbacks to the series are, that in order to make the story work, the old Galactica tech and artwork were restyled to match that of modern Galactica. While the artwork is superb, too many liberties have taken with it . . . for example: President Roslin is no longer a mature woman but a young beauty, and Commander Cain is sometimes drawn so much like 1978 Adama that it is hard to distinguish which is which.
Despite the issues BSG vs BSG is truly a tale worthy of both BSG universes and pure fun for any BSG fan. As a long time fan of both versions of Battlestar Galactica, I highly recommend it.
