Star Trek has a longstanding history in movies, television, comics, and novels. Therefore it can be difficult to find a good jumping on point. However, recently I have felt some of these tales, including Star Trek: The Last Starship by Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing and illustrated by Adrián Bonilla, make these feel a bit easier. The Last Starship is a brutal, emotional, and action-packed story that lends itself to those longtime fans of the series as well as newcomers alike.
Out of this cosmic wreckage rises an unlikely beacon: the U.S.S. Omega a lone vessel crewed by survivors navigating a lawless, uncharted Galaxy nearly 300 years after the fall. With no Federation to guide them, they must carve out a path through the ruins—facing warlords, scavengers, and the raw unknown.
But they are not alone.
In a desperate act, the remnants of Starfleet strike a dangerous bargain with one of their oldest enemies…in order to resurrect Captain James T. Kirk. Thrust into a future where everything he fought for has crumbled, Kirk must confront a Galaxy in twilight—and decide whether he can become the symbol it needs one last time.
Star Trek: The Last Starship is definitely connected to wider stories of Star Trek lore. Make no mistake. How Kelly and Lanzing have crafted it makes someone like myself not feel completely lost, someone who has only recently been diving into the universe. Seeing the events of The Burn and the immediate aftermath sets a great foundation for the rest of this series, allowing me to immerse myself into this tale without needing much background.
I say this, but those who know a lot of the history of Star Trek know that they do try and force in a material from years past into the start of this book. Even with that, you can get by without connecting the dots. Yes, this book might be a bit more impactful to those regular readers of the comics, it is not as important in a story based in the 31st century, long after the main storylines. Bonus, we do get the return of an iconic character that anyone even remotely familiar with Star Trek knows of, Captain James Tiberius Kirk.
Let’s be clear, this is a Star Trek story. It has all the makings for what you’d expect from this universe. But it also had the vibe of a post-apocalyptic space tale wrapped in a Star Trek shell. With trillions of lives lost and only 4% of Starfleet’s ships intact, it had this who is left vibe that you get from reading something based around the end of the world. This is not to say it is a post-apocalyptic story, just had that feeling when reading the first chapter.
The Last Starship is grandiose and explosive, making for a fun and entertaining read. What Kelly and Lanzing are able to accomplish in this story is wonderful. While there stories in Star Trek that deal with the repercussions of The Burn, these writers give us the actual event and what it’s like directly following this tragic time, giving to an original story.
The artwork by Adrián Bonilla was not what I expected to see on the pages of this Star Trek tale, but surprisingly enjoyable at the same time. It gave this rough and chaotic feel needed in a story such as this. Maybe that is why I compared it to a post-apocalyptic tale, not just the story, but the artwork as well. Either way, it fits this tale in such a good way.
Star Trek: The Last Starship Vol. 1 has the feeling of a love letter to longtime fans, while also being accessible to those stepping into the universe for the first time. Collin Kelly and Jackson Lanzing deliver a story filled with massive stakes, emotional weight, and bombastic sci-fi action. Adrián Bonilla unique art style captures the chaos of a galaxy left in ruins, fitting for this story. The Last Starship is a brutal, emotional, and action-packed journey through the ashes of Star Trek’s future.
Star Trek: The Last Starship Vol. 1 hits bookstores everywhere on September 8, 2026 and your local comic shop a day later on September 9 from IDW Publishing.
Star Trek: The Last Starship Vol. 1 Preview
