Captain Kirk Returns in a Brand-New Star Trek Series ‘The Last Starship’
IDW Publishing is set to launch The Last Starship, a bold new Star Trek comic series premiering on September 24, 2025. The story brings back Captain James T. Kirk, who died in the 1994 film Star Trek: Generations, for a gripping tale set in a chaotic future.
Written by Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing, with art by Adrián Bonilla, the comic promises a fresh and intense take on the Star Trek universe.
The series unfolds during The Burn, a devastating event that destroyed warp travel and left the United Federation of Planets in ruins. With Starfleet weakened and trillions dead, Kirk somehow returns to lead a new crew through a galaxy on the brink of collapse.
“Forget everything you know about Star Trek. The Last Starship is a new crew, a new era, and a completely different tone,” Lanzing said. He described the comic as accessible, requiring no prior Star Trek knowledge. “We’re bringing you into the Federation’s darkest hour through the brilliant, noir-soaked lens of artist Adrián Bonilla with zero homework required,” he added.
Kelly highlighted the thrill of writing Kirk again. “William Shatner’s iconic performance transcends borders and Kirk is one of the great characters of the modern fiction canon,” he said. He noted that this story pushes Kirk into new challenges as he confronts a crisis threatening his legacy.
“We’re honored to be taking this character into truly uncharted, groundbreaking territory in The Last Starship… as the Federation’s greatest pioneer must face down the inferno that threatens to consume his entire legacy,” Kelly explained.
Unlike past Star Trek comics focusing on familiar faces, The Last Starship introduces an entirely new crew alongside Kirk. Bonilla’s dark, cinematic art style complements the story’s gritty tone.
The comic, featuring a main cover by Francesco Francavilla and variant covers by Skyler Patridge and Michael Cho, will anchor IDW’s growing Star Trek lineup, which includes titles like Star Trek: Red Shirts and Strange New Worlds – The Seeds of Salvation.
Bringing Kirk back in The Last Starship is a risky but exciting move. I love that it’s set in a fresh era with new characters, making it easy for newcomers to jump in. The noir vibe and focus on a broken Federation sound intriguing, but I hope it balances Kirk’s classic heroism with the darker tone.
I’m curious to see how they explain his return. What do you think about Kirk’s comeback and this new Star Trek comic? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
