We all knew it was coming. After all, what’s the Internet without a little flame war? And this one ought to be a doozy!

James T. Kirk, first captain of the Enterprise (maybe not canonically, but you get the idea). A man raised in the Midwest America and better known for his womanizing skills than his captaining skills. His over-the-top choreographed fight scenes and exploration of the Universe delighted many fans in the late 60’s. Many Trekkies consider the original the best, do you?

Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the U.S.S. Enterprise. For some of us that Internet meme comes to mind. You know the one I’m talking about. Picard’s diplomatic approach to problem solving was less cavalier than Kirk’s, but was more believable. He was a firm leader and commanded respect with his English accent alone. His love of archaeology, diplomacy and the finer things in life gave real depth to a character that saw worldwide success in seven seasons on television and four motion pictures.

So who is it? The cowboy of space or the refined diplomat? Kirk or Picard?

Stats

James T. Kirk

• Final Rank: Captain
• Full Name: James Tiberius Kirk
• Date of birth: March 22, 2233
• Place of birth: Riverside, Iowa, Earth
• Education: Starfleet Academy, 2250-2254
• Marital status: Single
• Children: One son, David Marcus (2261-2286)
• Date of death: 2293/2371*
• Place of death: Enterprise-B in Nexus/Veridian III*
• Serial number: SC937-0176 CEC
• Quarters: On original Enterprise, Deck 5; on refit/1701-A, Deck 5/Room 0195

Jean-Luc Picard

• Rank: Captain
• Current assignment: Commander, U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E
• Full Name: Jean-Luc Picard
• Date of birth: July 13, 2305
• Place of birth: Labarre, France, Earth
• Parents: Maurice and Yvette Picard
• Education: Starfleet Academy, 2323-27
• Marital status: Single
• Children: None
• Quarters: Formerly, Enterprise: Deck 9, Room 3601
• Office: Enterprise: Deck 1 Ready Room, adjoining Main Bridge