For six decades, Star Trek has inspired generations with stories rooted in exploration, curiosity, and the belief that a better future is possible. To mark the franchise’s 60th anniversary, IDW Publishing has revealed an ambitious new slate of comics that aims to chart bold new territory for the legendary sci-fi universe.
Launching in September, Star Trek #1 kicks off a brand-new ongoing series from Eisner-nominated writer Christopher Cantwell (Iron Man, Out of Alcatraz) and Ringo-nominated artist Dennis Menheere (Little Nightmares: Descent to Nowhere, Hello Darkness). The debut issue sends Captain Seven of Nine and the crew of the Enterprise-G on a classified mission beyond the four quadrants of the galaxy for the first time. Their journey leads them into a hidden region of space in which time splinters, sanity frays, and a mysterious force weaponizes fear, contesting the very principles the Federation was built upon.
Cantwell reflected on the franchise’s legacy and his approach to the new series:
“As we look back on 60 years of Star Trek, we celebrate a story universe that has actually always been about looking forward — a shared dream swirling within the daunting wonder and awe of the stars. I discovered Star Trek at the age of 10 and my life was never the same. The worlds, the people, the stories that wrestled with the work it takes to build community and consensus, to establish and hold sacred values like peace and harmony, the tenuousness of truce amid a galaxy of agendas and perspectives. That is the magic of Star Trek — the kaleidoscopic wonder of its complex themes and notions.
In building a brand new Star Trek adventure, we seek to do just that: create something brand new, something that looks entirely forward into the hope of the complete — and at times frightening — unknown, all as our ensemble of characters stands shoulder to shoulder, facing the expanse of an adventure never dared before. There is an abundance of incredible mythos that Star Trek has given us over six decades, but with this launch we seek to shed that past even as we embrace its best qualities.
If you’ve never experienced Star Trek in your entire life, this adventure is for you. It is a clean slate; truly a strange new world full of new characters — some of whom speak to what has come before, yes, but whose entire mission and purpose concerns boldly going where literally no one has gone before… not even Star Trek itself.”
Anders shared her enthusiasm for the project:
“I’ve loved Star Trek for as long as I can remember — literally, some of my earliest memories are of wearing a homemade Starfleet uniform and waiting to get beamed up. I’m putting all my favorite Trek things into this comic: problem solving, ethical dilemmas, identity crises, and above all, chosen family.
At the same time, I’m determined to write a Trek comic that newbies can read with no homework required: there are no easter eggs, no callbacks to deep lore. Anyone who loves Becky Chambers or Martha Wells ought to be able to pick up this comic and get a fun science fiction story about artificial consciousness and exoplanets. Also, I’m talking to tons of physicists to get the most accurate science I can into this comic. I’m having the time of my life.”
The anniversary celebration continues with two special one-shots. In May, Star Trek: Celebrations 2026 brings together an all-star lineup of LGBTQIA+ creators to spotlight the franchise’s queer characters in stories centered on love, resilience, and Gene Roddenberry’s vision of infinite diversity in infinite combinations.
September also sees the release of the 50-page Star Trek: 60th Anniversary Special, featuring new stories by Dana Gould, Ryan North and Derek Charm, David Walker, Megan Camerena, and more. The issue will include covers by Michael Cho, John Tyler Christopher, Chris Fenoglio, and additional artists.
Fans can also look forward to Star Trek: Starfleet Academy – Lost Contact #1 on April 15, 2026, along with new installments of Star Trek: The Last Starship and Star Trek: Lower Decks. IDW has teased that further announcements are on the horizon.
Readers are encouraged to contact their local comic shop to pre-order Star Trek #1 and other upcoming titles to ensure they do not miss out on this milestone year for the franchise.
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