Editing Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo 1

{{separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Dynamite Comics}}

{{Comic Data
| image =BSGDOA01COVAMayhew.jpg
| title=Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #1
| series=Dynamite
| issueno=1
| episode=
| writer= [[Dan Abnett]]
| penciller=[[Dietrich Smith]] 
| inker= 
| colorist= [[Fran Gamboa]]
| letterer= [[Simon Bowland]]
| editor=
| cover= [[Mike Mayhew]] (Cover A)<br/>[[Dietrich Smith]] (Cover B)<br/>[[Livio Ramondelli]] (Cover C)<br/>[[Ardian Syaf]] (Cover D)
| published=December 2014
| collects=
| collected=[[Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo (Trade Paperback)|Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo]]
| reprints=
| reprinted=
| isbn= 725130224408
| prev={{comics|vol2|12}}
| next={{comics|doa|2}}
}}

: ''The shocking new'' Battlestar Galactica ''event starts here! [[The Fleet (TOS-DE alternate)|The fleet]] has been travelling for [[7358 (alternate)|ten years]], and at last the human survivors seem to be leaving [[Thousand-Yahren War (alternate)|the war]] and the [[Cylons (TOS-DE alternate)|Cylons]] behind them. But the threats never go away. A voice from the past and a bizarre twist of fate leads'' {{Alt|Galactica|TOS-DE}} ''into danger once again, and events will take place that will change everything, forever. A milestone in'' Battlestar ''continuity, by'' [[W:Guardians of the Galaxy|Guardians of the Galaxy]] ''writer [[Dan Abnett]] and cosmic superstar artist [[Dietrich Smith]].''<ref>{{cite_web|url=https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513022440801011|title=
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE DEATH OF APOLLO #1|date=|accessdate=06 November 2021|last=|first=|format=|language=}}</ref>

== Plot ==

* The issue begins ''in media res'' during Major {{Alt|Apollo|TOS-DE}}'s attempt to [[Encounter of the Super Basestar|escape the Cylon ambush]]. After reporting the loss of his two wingmen, [[Zurel]] and [[Neats]], his {{Alt|Viper|TOS-DE}} succumbs to damage and falls towards a pitted planetoid, ablaze.
* Three days earlier, Commander {{Alt|Adama|TOS-DE}} makes a grand speech in {{Alt|core command|TOS-DE}} before an assembly of {{Alt|Colonial Warrior|TOS-DE}}s, commemorating the endurance of the Fleet and its Warriors over the past ten [[yahren|yahre]]<nowiki/>[[yahren|n]]<nowiki/>s.
* During the speech, when Adama reflects on the last encounter with the {{Alt|Cylons|TOS-DE}} being over [[7356 (alternate)|two yahrens ago]], a teenage {{Alt|Boxey|TOS-DE}} (alongside {{Alt|Muffit|TOS-DE}}) pledges to pass his Warrior's exam and hopes that "there had better ''still'' be [[clankies]] to fight."
*Adama ends his speech with reiterating the same pledge he made ten yahrens earlier, to find {{Alt|Earth|TOS-DE}} and therefore their salvation.
*Everyone celebrates, while Adama orders {{Alt|Tigh|TOS-DE}} to assemble a briefing be held in short order.
*En route, {{Alt|Athena|TOS-DE}} hugs Adama and asks him if he's up for a briefing, and Adama reaffirms that he is not yet an elderly man.
*Apollo and {{Alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} make their way to the briefing room. En route, Starbuck comments on Adama's visible fatigue, to which Apollo notes that the journey has been a hard one and arthritis plagues him. Starbuck engages in his dalliance that he will live forever and transcend to be one with the universe, and that Apollo will also live forever as a result of Starbuck's immortality as anything else would result in Starbuck becoming awfully lonely.
*Apollo enters the briefing room, while Starbuck receives a call on his communicator outside from Doctor {{Alt|Salik|TOS-DE}}, who asks if he's coming down to life sciences today. Starbuck replies that he does so every day, but he is urgently called away, and excuses himself.
*Adama reflects that Starbuck is both a boy and "an idiot," and Apollo rebukes the comment. After a briefly heated exchange, Adama instructs {{Alt|Omega|TOS-DE}} to omit the exchange from the log, which the officer already had done.
*Athena proposes [[Psionic|psionic divination]] as a means for finding Earth's location, which raises Tigh's ire. Apollo advises his sister to not push them on any other radical ideas, noting that they are "old school."
*Starbuck reports to life sciences, where he finds Doctor [[Madusa]] waiting. She informs him that Salik called her for a consult, and they discuss [[Xam]]'s condition; Starbuck has visited Xam every day for the past seven yahrens following the event that placed Xam in his coma. 
*Madusa believes that Starbuck's friendship with Xam will allow them to reach some rapport with the comatose telepath, as Xam has shown some signs of activity. To Starbuck's astonishment, Xam is able to enter in the name ''[[Taurella]]'' and a set of numbers (441:334:112:198) into a touch-screen data pad, sight unseen.
*Madusa tells Starbuck that Xam's typed the same message 18 times over the past 2 [[Centar|centars]]. Starbuck believes the numbers to be grid coordinates.
*Meanwhile, Athena and Tigh continue to argue the merits of psionic divination, with Tigh militantly against such radical methods. Omega attempts to meekly intercede, noting the efficacy of [[Radiotelegraph probe|radiotelegraph probes]].
*Adama tells Athena to sit down; Apollo tells Athena that the "old man's not listening."
*Adama's hackles are raised over the "old man" name, and Apollo begins to apologize when Starbuck arrives with Xam's data pad and its puzzling content.
*Omega confirms that they are coordinates, and that long-range scanners have picked up something at that location. Tigh also elaborates on ''Taurella'': it was a ship that had been lost in the first yahren of the voyage, and its fate remained a mystery.
*A {{Alt|Viper|TOS-DE}} squadron consisting of Apollo, Starbuck, {{Alt|Boomer|TOS-DE}} and {{Alt|Sheba|TOS-DE}} launches to investigate whatever lays at those coordinates.
*Four centars later, Adama asks Athena for an update. Athena professionally responds that they've received only status updates during scheduled check-ins while they transit en route.
*Adama then apologizes for his earlier behavior in the briefing room, noting that she'll command ''Galactica'' one day. Adama confides that she is better suited, as Apollo excels at being a Viper pilot, and reiterates that she has nothing left to prove. 
*Apollo contacts ''Galactica'', noting they've found ''Taurella''. 
*''Taurella''<nowiki/>'s crew gives permission for the Viper flight to land. Sheba remarks that the ship is in ruin, just from the launch deck.
*As the Warriors proceed with care, they are met by Captain [[Rekort]] and an entourage of officers. He informs them that they've been chasing the Fleet ever since they've fell behind, and that their survival is due to [[Countess]] [[Sephoni]] of {{Alt|Scorpion|TOS-DE}}, a well-known psionic. Rekort presents her and her court. 
*Sephoni notes that she was not the one to send the psionic message requesting a rescue, even though such a rescue was sorely needed. She then reveals that, after the last ten years of searching and divination, she has found {{Alt|Earth|TOS-DE}}.

== Notes ==

=== Releases ===

* This comic has three additional [[Mike Mayhew]] "Virgin Art" variants: an edition remarked (also known as "[[M-w:remarque|remarqued]]") by Mayhew himself ($150.00 USD),  "Silver Elite Edition" featuring Mayhew's signature ($75.00 USD), and the standard version ($50.00 USD).
* An additional exclusive subscription variant cover featuring the work of [[Ardian Syaf]] was made available to "comic shop subscribers and limited to initial orders."

=== General ===

* This installment transpires a decade (10 [[Yahren|yahrens]]) after the {{Alt|Battle of Cimtar|TOS-DE}}, and 7 yahrens after the events of {{Comics|vol2|12}}.
* This is the first instance of a Dynamite comic book series acknowledging other prior comic book installments, likely because of Dan Abnett's involvement. Thus many of the characters and situations introduced in {{Comics|vol2}}, namely [[Xam]], [[Breena]] and [[Madusa]], are carried over.
*In much the same way that [[count]] refers to a male aristocrat, e.g. Count [[Iblis]], the term [[countess]] is introduced as an honorific for female aristocrats. This suggests that count/countess is a higher rank of nobility than [[sire]]/[[siress]].
*Various characters have been promoted, namely: Major {{Alt|Apollo|TOS-DE}} (from Captain), Captain {{Alt|Athena|TOS-DE}} from Lieutenant, and Captain {{Alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} from Lieutenant.

=== Nods ===

* {{Alt|Jolly|TOS-DE}} appears in this issue, but does not appear in others. 
* {{Alt|Greenbean|TOS-DE}}, an early background character, plays a larger part in this story line in the same way that Jolly would have in the past.
*{{Alt|Cassiopeia|TOS-DE}} appears in the assembly during Adama's speech but, like Jolly, has no further appearances in this series.
*{{Alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}}'s intention to ascend to a higher plane of existence is a nod to [[Starbuck (1980)|Starbuck's fate]] in ''[[Galactica 1980]]'', particularly from "[[The Return of Starbuck]]" and its unfilmed sequel, "[[Wheel of Fire]]."
*The term "old man" is brought up to refer to Commander Adama, but more as a pejorative to describe the deterioration. This term is used in the [[Re-imagined Series]] as a nickname for [[William Adama]], and is used by his crew with familial admiration.  

* 

=== Errata ===

* As with other Dynamite installments, visuals from the [[Re-imagined Series]] are interposed, including backgrounds for the [[launch bay]] and ''[[Taurella]]''<nowiki/>'s ship design.
*A shot of the Fleet features ships from the Re-imagined Series, including ''[[Zephyr]]'' and various [[Luxury liner|luxury liners]]. This is a recurring feature.

<nowiki/>
* 

== Analysis ==

* Despite being a teenager, {{Alt|Boxey|TOS-DE}} wears the same type of clothing (green overalls with a long-sleeved blue shirt) that he did when he was rescued from [[Caprica (TOS)|Caprica]]. While this may be more of a visual aid for the reader, it does portend resource scarcity in {{Alt|the Fleet|TOS-DE}}.
* Aside from her fleeting appearance during {{Alt|Adama|TOS-DE}}'s speech, {{Alt|Cassiopeia|TOS-DE}} is absent from these stories, sugge<nowiki/>sting that her character is elsewhere and apart from ''{{Alt|Galactica|TOS-DE}}'''s "inner circle." This would likely explain {{Alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}}'s continued "Devil may care" inclinations, and his continued use of roguish charms, particularly towards [[Breena]] in later issues of the series.
* On the other hand, Starbuck displays great loyalty to his friends, particularly in his vow to {{Alt|Apollo|TOS-DE}} and his continued visitations to [[Xam]] in sickbay. 
*Adama's deterioration is profound, particularly as the rigors of his geriatric decline become more visible, notably as his visible fatigue, irritation and arthritis. Adama is incensed at being called an "old man" and publicly demonstrates his condensation of various crew members, particularly Starbuck who he calls an "idiot" and "boy" in front of other officers. This seems to be the inevitable result of Adama readjusting his approach to command, given that he had been quick to abdicate it during the [[storm zone]] crisis during the latter half of {{Comics|vol2}}, which is now established as taking place seven yahrens prior in[[7351 (alternate)|7351]].   
*Despite Apollo's previous reaction to [[psionic]] abilities in the {{OS|War of the Gods, Part II|prose=y|nocat=y}}, it seems that such abilities are well-known given [[Sephoni]]'s fame by many persons.   
*Tigh's rejection of psionic abilities is not a new development. In the {{OS|Lost Planet of the Gods, Part II|prose=y|nocat=y}}, Tigh implies that he doesn't share Adama's beliefs. Adama, on the other hand, would share such beliefs given his practice of telekinesis and mental abilities. Thus, Adama's shutting down Athena's line of discussion during the briefing is for different reasons, likely stemming from his concern about securing Athena's place as ''Galactica''<nowiki/>'s future commander as exemplified by his apology later on.     

=== Segue into ''1980'' ===

* Despite [[Glen A. Larson]]'s disowning ''[[Galactica 1980]]'' as merely being "Starbuck's bad dream," thus rendering it non-canonical to the [[Original Series]], facets of this storyline are setups to ''1980''<nowiki/>'s story beats:
** The loss of Apollo during Boxey's youth, as reflected in {{G80|Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I|nocat=y|prose=y}}. 
** Boxey on the path to becoming a Colonial Warrior, like his adoptive father.
** Starbuck's future loss from the Fleet in {{G80|The Return of Starbuck|nocat=y|prose=y}}, and the groundwork for his eventual ascension into the [[Beings of Light]]'s rank in the unfilmed "[[Wheel of Fire]]." 

* 

== Questions ==

* Will [[Xam]] fully recover?
* Will {{Alt|Athena|TOS-DE}} assume command of ''{{Alt|Galactica|TOS-DE}}'' in the future?
*Will {{Alt|Boxey|TOS-DE}} become a Colonial Warrior?
*Why wouldn't {{Alt|Tigh|TOS-DE}} assume command of ''Galactica'' after {{Alt|Adama|TOS-DE}}? 
*Has the Fleet shaken off their Cylon pursuers? ([[Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo 2|Answer]])
*What happened to {{Alt|Apollo|TOS-DE}} and his wingmen? ([[Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo 2|Answer]])
* Has [[Sephoni]] truly located {{Alt|Earth|TOS-DE}}? ([[Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo 2|Answer]])

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

* ''{{Alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} brings up {{Alt|Adama|TOS-DE}}'''s ''growing impairments to {{Alt|Apollo|TOS-DE}}.''
*:'''Starbuck:''' Is it me, or is he looking a little... Okay, I'm going to say it ''again''. ''Old.'' He doesn't move like he used to. He gets... ''tired''.
*:'''Apollo:''' It's been a ''long'' ten [[Yahren|yahrens]], Starbuck. And arthritis ''plagues'' him. We're ''all'' getting older. We're only ''human''. And we have to look after ourselves. [[Fumarello|''Those'' things]] will kill you, for instance. 
*:'''Starbuck:''' Well, I know for a ''fact'' that ''you're'' gonna live forever.
*:'''Apollo:''' Really?
*:'''Starbuck:''' Sure. You know why?
*:'''Apollo:''' Nope, but I ''know'' you're going to tell me.
*:'''Starbuck:''' Because ''I'' intend to. I'm gonna ''transcend''. Don't ask, 'cause I haven't figured out the ''details'', but I'm gonna join the [[Beings of Light|immortal light]]. Be one with the ''universe''.

*''{{Alt|Athena|TOS-DE}} and {{Alt|Tigh|TOS-DE}} argue over alternate methods of searching for {{Alt|Earth|TOS-DE}}.''
*:'''Athena:''' [[Psionic]] divination is a ''viable—''
*:'''Tigh:''' ''Please'', Athena! You keep trying to prove your worth ''by'' suggesting ''increasingly'' radical—
*:'''Athena:''' Radical? I don't have ''anything'' to prove! I'm trying to find ''Earth''!
*:'''{{Alt|Omega|TOS-DE}}:''' [[Radiotelegraph probe|Radiotelegraph probes]] have been most effective in—
*:'''Athena:''' ''Effective?'' They've found ''squat! Commander.'' I'm just trying to explore ''all'' our possibilities! Conventional detection isn't finding the Thirteenth Colony.
*:'''{{Alt|Adama|TOS-DE}}:''' Sit down, Captain Athena.
*:'''Athena:''' I'm not suggesting we ''stop'' radiotelegraph, or [[deep-pulse]], or ranged sensor!  I'm just suggesting we embrace ''other'' methods as well!
*:'''Adama:''' Sit ''down''.
*:'''{{Alt|Apollo|TOS-DE}}:''' ''Sit'', Athena. The ''old man''<nowiki/>'s not listening.

*''Adama apologizes to Athena:''
*:'''Adama:''' I didn't ''mean'' to shout. Or ''diminish'' you.
*:'''Athena:''' I never ''thought'' so. I'm just trying to explore ''every—''
*:'''Adama:''' I know. You have ''nothing'' to prove. You ''will'' command this battlestar one day. I have ''every'' faith in you.
*:'''Athena:''' Command? Before ''Apollo''?
*:'''Adama:''' He's a Viper pilot. A ''damn'' good one. Let ''him'' excel at what he does. You're [[Core command|''core command'']]. Be there for him when it's your turn to drive this battlestar. I told you... you have ''nothing'' left to prove.

== Related Imagery ==

=== Covers ===
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:BSGDOA01COVAMayhew.jpg|alt=Cover A by Mike Mayhew.|Cover A by [[Mike Mayhew]].
File:BSGDOA01COVBSMITH.jpg|alt=Cover B by Dietrich Smith.|Cover B by [[Dietrich Smith]].
File:BSGDOA01COVCRAMONDELLI.jpg|alt=Cover C by Livio Ramondelli.|Cover C by [[Livio Ramondelli]].
File:BSGDOA01COVDSubSyaf.jpg|alt=Cover D by Ardian Syaf.|Cover D by [[Ardian Syaf]].
File:BSGDOA01COVEIncenSmithBW.jpg|alt=Cover E by Dietrich Smith. (B&W Incentive)|Cover E by [[Dietrich Smith]]. (B&W Incentive)
File:BSGDOA01COVFIncenSyafBW.jpg|alt=Cover F by Ardian Syaf. (B&W Incentive)|Cover F by [[Ardian Syaf]]. (B&W Incentive)
File:BSGDOA01COVGIncenSmithRed.jpg|alt=Cover G by Dietrich Smith. (Red Monochrome Incentive)|Cover G by [[Dietrich Smith]]. (Red Monochrome Incentive)
File:BSGDOA01COVHRareMayhewVirg.jpg|alt=Cover H by Mike Mayhew. (Rare "Virgin" Cover Incentive)|Cover H by [[Mike Mayhew]]. (Rare "Virgin" Cover Incentive)
File:BSGDOA01COVIFOCMayhewBoard.jpg|alt=Cover I by Mike Mayhew. (Sketch Board Incentive)|Cover I by [[Mike Mayhew]]. (Sketch Board Incentive)
</gallery>

=== Preview Pages ===

: ''Please Note: These are used for promotional purposes by the publisher, and are provided here in the same vein.''
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== External links ==

*{{Archivelink|url=https://dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513022440801011|title=Dynamite.com - BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE DEATH OF APOLLO #1}}
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==References==
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