Many fans know Star Trek through its TV shows and films, but some of the most compelling stories are actually found in its comic books. IDW Publishing has been creating particularly strong Star Trek comics that build upon the existing universe, and their latest, Star Trek: Red Shirts: Ghost of the 21st Century #1, arrives in July. ComicBook recently got an early look, and it’s a must-read for any Star Trek enthusiast.
You don’t need to be familiar with the previous Star Trek: Red Shirts series or even a huge Star Trek fan to enjoy Star Trek: Red Shirts: Ghost of the 21st Century. All you really need to know is that in Star Trek, characters wearing red shirts usually don’t survive for long! However, this new story offers a different take – instead of just dying, these red shirts are being exploited. This first issue takes their unfortunate situation and makes it even more intense and violent, blending elements of spy stories and crime thrillers into a captivating narrative.
Rating 4.5 out of 5
| PROS | CONS |
| Engaging story with easy entry point | Might be a little too gory for some. |
| Incredible art |
Ghost of the 21st Century is a Near Perfect Entry Point (But a Better Thriller)
In Ghost of the 21st Century, we meet Harry Deubert, a low-level security worker forced into a job with Section Null. It’s not his dream position, but it’s better than his previous situation. However, Deubert uncovers something terrible: people in positions like his are considered expendable and are being exploited as part of a large criminal scheme. When he starts digging too deep, he becomes a liability – and a target.
One of the strengths of this issue is how quickly it reveals key details about the central conspiracy. While the story will likely become more complex, writer Gerry Duggan effectively introduces the main villain early on. This approach shifts the feel away from a typical Star Trek adventure and towards that of a fast-paced crime thriller – which is a positive change. It broadens the book’s appeal, making it accessible even if you aren’t familiar with the Star Trek universe. The story suggests galactic conspiracies share common threads, and Duggan provides an excellent starting point while building plenty of suspense to keep readers engaged.
The artwork is where this issue really shines. It’s definitely graphic and violent, with plenty of death and blood, but artist Scott Buoncristiano handles it exceptionally well. While Star Trek often uses ‘red shirts’ as disposable characters, the deaths here aren’t played for laughs – they’re genuinely gruesome and the art powerfully conveys that. This comic is taking things seriously, and the artwork is a key part of establishing that tone. There’s one particularly brutal scene early on that’s incredibly well-done; you’ll have to read it yourself to see what happens!
Overall, Star Trek: Red Shirts: Ghost of the 21st Century is a really good read. You don’t need to be a Star Trek expert or have read the first Red Shirts book to enjoy it – the story is easy to follow and immediately pulls you in. It works perfectly well on its own, with a captivating plot, striking artwork, and characters you’ll genuinely care about. It’s a great choice for both longtime Trek fans and those new to the series, and is highly recommended.
The first issue of Star Trek: Red Shirts: Ghost of the 21st Century will be available in stores on July 22nd. If you want to ensure you receive a copy, retailers need to place their orders by June 15th.
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2026-06-12 17:12