Star Trek is a series that has, for years, felt like it was stuck. Most of them are prequels or set in other universes, save for Picard, which, in itself, was a retread at best. That’s not the case with Star Trek: The Last Starship (out September 24th), a new series set hundreds of years in the known history of Star Trek, with a motley crew and a far different Federation than what we’ve seen before. It’s an exciting turn that many Star Trek fans have been hoping to see in movies and television shows. Leave it to IDW, and longtime Star Trek writers Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing to give us the new-new.
So what’s the premise? Well, it’s right there in the title. There’s only one Federation ship left, and while the Federation brought peace to the galaxy for 700 years, an event known as The Burn made dilithium inert and warp cores across the universe explode. Armed with the ideals of peace, the ship’s captain carries on in the hope they can bring the Federation back, but how can you do that in a universe where war brings far more resolution than peace?
Oh, and Captain Kirk has been brought back to life!
The first issue, out September 24th, does a great job establishing the varied crew and the ideological situation Captain Delacourt Sato is wrestling with. Customary of the writing team, there are solid speeches that you’ll hang on every word with well-established lore and worldbuilding throughout. Frankly, Star Trek hasn’t felt this raw and new in a long while.
Elements that really pick up the intrigue involve the Borg joining the U.S.S. Omega, how Kirk comes back, and the Klingons intriguingly being the main villains. Throw in the fact that the Gorn are an enemy at the start, and there’s a good mix of old and new for everyone to enjoy.
Courtesy IDW
Art by Adrian Bonilla and colors by Heather Moore add a gritty rawness that suits this darker future. Instead of shiny glitz, the world feels a bit worn and forlorn. While dialogue-heavy scenes draw you in with great use of shadow, there’s a good mix of spaceships and awe-inspiring visuals to make sure this isn’t a stuffy visual affair. The return of Kirk is a real showstopper. Intermixed with the art are data/design pages, which further make this an immersive experience.
Speaking of Kirk, I could see many having a bad taste in their mouths regarding his return. Frankly, the way he comes back feels safe enough not to ruin his legacy. Fact is, Star Trek hasn’t taken big chances in a while, so I’m seated for this ride.
Having read the second issue, I must say the narrative really opens up in that issue, and Star Trek fans, new, old, and lapsed, need to read this series. There is a far more dangerous conflict, a compelling look at new crew members, and a lot more Kirk. I’ll say no more to avoid spoilers, but know the second issue is a solid 9.5/10 for sure.
Star Trek: The Last Starship #1 is a thrilling reinvention that gives Trek the bold narrative leap fans have long craved, blending familiar faces with daring new stakes in a world where peace feels nearly impossible. It’s essential reading for anyone eager to see Star Trek boldly go somewhere truly new.
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