Review by RedonBro
Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Artist: Megan Levens
Colorist: Charlie Kirchoff
Letterer: Jodie Troutman
Cover Artist: Chris Shehan
Design and Production: Neil Uyetake
Group Editor: Heather Antos
Editorial Assistant: Cassandra Jones
Thanks to IDW Publishing for the review copy!
Alright, fellow Trekkies and comic fiends, buckle up because we’re diving into Star Trek: Red Shirts #1 from IDW Publishing! Penned by the brilliant Christopher Cantwell, with art by Megan Levens, and absolutely stunning cover by Chris Shehan – this comic is a must-have for your pull list!
The Visuals: Covers That Hyperspace Jump Off The Shelf, Art That Tells The Tale!
Let’s kick things off with those covers! Seriously, Chris Shehan is a master, delivering multiple variants that are pure eye candy. Each one is a dynamic piece of art, practically daring you to pick it up and explore the final frontier within. They perfectly blend classic Trek aesthetics with modern comic book flair, making them instant collectibles.
Now, on to the interior art by Megan Levens. While it has a slightly cleaner, almost animated style – reminiscent of the Archer series – it perfectly serves the narrative. It’s a choice that allows the storytelling to flow seamlessly, putting the focus squarely on the characters and their perilous journey. And here’s the kicker: Megan’s art excels at conveying the raw emotion and sheer urgency of every moment. You can practically feel the sweat, fear, and determination of these brave (and sometimes unlucky) Red Shirts on every single page!
The Story: A Red Shirt Saga for the Ages!
But let’s be real, the heart of any great comic is the story, and Cantwell absolutely delivers! This isn’t just another filler episode; it’s a deep dive into the lives (and short life expectancies) of Starfleet’s most expendable, yet surprisingly resilient, crew members.
We get introduced to Lt. Amiga, a rookie fresh out of a brutal skirmish, now a “veteran” after just three months. Talk about a trial by fire! His backstory on Planet Neural is gripping, painting a picture of a character who’s seen too much too soon.
Then we’re thrown into the jungle hell of Arkonia 89, where the seasoned Lt. Cromarty is holding down the fort, dealing with monstrous reptile-mammal-arachnid hybrids that sound like something out of a horror movie! When his comms are compromised, the stakes instantly skyrocket.
The way Cantwell weaves Amiga and Cromarty’s paths together, setting up a desperate trap for infiltrators, is just brilliant. The pacing is spot-on, feeling exactly like a prime-time Star Trek episode – full of tension, smart plotting, and genuine character moments. You can practically hear the classic theme music playing in your head as you turn the pages. This first issue does a fantastic job of building the world, introducing compelling characters, and leaving you desperate for issue #2!
Final Verdict: Prepare for Warp Speed!
As a longtime fan who grew up on those classic Shatner and Nimoy reruns, I can tell you, Star Trek: Red Shirts #1 hits all the right notes. It captures that perfect blend of classic sci-fi adventure, character drama, and just enough campy fun that made the original series legendary. This isn’t just a comic; it’s an experience that feels authentic to the Star Trek universe.
If you love Star Trek, if you love great storytelling, and especially if you’ve always wondered about the untold stories of those brave souls in red, then do yourself a favor and pick this book up when it comes out! It’s got the makings of a truly epic series.
Star Trek: Red Shirts #1 will be released on July 16th.
Are you going to pick up the comic? Have you already? Feel free to leave a comment below or chat with us on Threads at @theconventioncollective, or Bluesky at @theconcollective.bsky.social
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