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Star Trek: Red Shirts #1
Star Trek: Red Shirts #1
The start of an all-new heartrending Star Trek five-issue miniseries by writer Christopher Cantwell (Star Defiant) and artist Megan Levens (Star Trek), featuring Starfleet’s most intrepid and doomed red shirts. Now, finally, they get their own story. Led by an experienced officer embedded on the snow-ridden planet Arkonia 89, the crew of the U.S.S. Warren has a small window in which to pin down spies seeking to steal classified secrets and keep Starfleet data out of their nefarious hands. They face threats not only from their faceless enemies but from the brutalizing elements and wildlife of a planet far from home. The red shirts’ lives and Starfleet’s sanctity are on the line…and no one is safe.
Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2025
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38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 20, 2025
Slow-moving but well-written story by Christopher Cantwell, who attempts to provide some life to the expendable members of the away team.
Most of the first issue is spent getting to know some of these red shirts, which is odd considering (if you know your Star Trek) that most of them won't be alive by issue #5. Still, I'm intrigued enough to continue...
Most of the first issue is spent getting to know some of these red shirts, which is odd considering (if you know your Star Trek) that most of them won't be alive by issue #5. Still, I'm intrigued enough to continue...
February 26, 2026
If you’ve ever looked at a bright red Starfleet tunic and thought, "Well, that’s a stylish way to get vaporized by a salt vampire," then this is the experience for you. Redshirts is a chaotic, tongue-in-cheek love letter to the bravest, most expendable members of the United Federation of Planets.
The Life (and Quick Death) of a Security Detail
The premise is simple: you aren't the legendary Captain or the stoic Science Officer with plot armor thicker than a shuttlecraft’s hull. You are the Security Team. Your job description essentially boils down to:
Beam down to a planet that looks suspiciously like a Southern California rock quarry.
Look alert.
Be the first person to notice the "shimmering energy cloud" by screaming as it disintegrates you.
Why It Hits the Mark
The humor is remarkably self-aware. It leans heavily into the tropes we love to roast—the dramatic rolling falls, the malfunctioning phasers, and the "He’s dead, Jim" moments that happen before the opening credits even finish.
The Comedy: It’s fast-paced and genuinely funny. There’s a certain liberation in playing a character whose "retirement plan" is a five-second memorial service in the cargo bay.
The Vibe: It captures that 1960s "cardboard sets and lens flare" energy perfectly.
The Stakes: High for your character, but low for your stress levels. It’s hard to be upset about a Game Over when you died protecting a guy who forgot your name three rooms ago.
The Verdict
The only reason this isn’t a perfect 5/5 is that the "life expectancy" mechanic can be a bit brutal for those who actually want to see the end of the mission. But let’s be real: if you wanted to live, you would have worn blue.
For anyone who enjoys a bit of dark humor with their sci-fi, Redshirts is an absolute blast. It’s a reminder that while the bridge crew gets the glory, the Redshirts get the best stories... even if they don't live to tell them.
I got this from netgallay.
The Life (and Quick Death) of a Security Detail
The premise is simple: you aren't the legendary Captain or the stoic Science Officer with plot armor thicker than a shuttlecraft’s hull. You are the Security Team. Your job description essentially boils down to:
Beam down to a planet that looks suspiciously like a Southern California rock quarry.
Look alert.
Be the first person to notice the "shimmering energy cloud" by screaming as it disintegrates you.
Why It Hits the Mark
The humor is remarkably self-aware. It leans heavily into the tropes we love to roast—the dramatic rolling falls, the malfunctioning phasers, and the "He’s dead, Jim" moments that happen before the opening credits even finish.
The Comedy: It’s fast-paced and genuinely funny. There’s a certain liberation in playing a character whose "retirement plan" is a five-second memorial service in the cargo bay.
The Vibe: It captures that 1960s "cardboard sets and lens flare" energy perfectly.
The Stakes: High for your character, but low for your stress levels. It’s hard to be upset about a Game Over when you died protecting a guy who forgot your name three rooms ago.
The Verdict
The only reason this isn’t a perfect 5/5 is that the "life expectancy" mechanic can be a bit brutal for those who actually want to see the end of the mission. But let’s be real: if you wanted to live, you would have worn blue.
For anyone who enjoys a bit of dark humor with their sci-fi, Redshirts is an absolute blast. It’s a reminder that while the bridge crew gets the glory, the Redshirts get the best stories... even if they don't live to tell them.
I got this from netgallay.
August 20, 2025
Star Trek: Red Shirts #1 by Christopher Cantwell & Megan Levens
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Finally, the expendables get their moment in the spotlight—and it’s a surprisingly emotional ride. Red Shirts #1 kicks off with a chilling, snow-swept espionage mission on Arkonia 89, where the crew of the U.S.S. Warren is tasked with stopping a data breach that could compromise Starfleet itself. But this isn’t just another away mission—it’s a survival story, a spy thriller, and a quiet meditation on duty, all wrapped in a blizzard of danger.
Cantwell’s writing balances tension and heart, giving depth to characters who’ve long been punchlines. Megan Levens’ art brings the icy terrain and emotional stakes to life with crisp, expressive panels that feel both cinematic and intimate. The red shirts aren’t just cannon fodder here—they’re brave, flawed, and worth rooting for.
A strong start to a five-issue arc that promises grit, grief, and maybe even glory. Can’t wait to see who makes it to issue #2… and who doesn’t.
Happy reading 🚀🪐📚
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Finally, the expendables get their moment in the spotlight—and it’s a surprisingly emotional ride. Red Shirts #1 kicks off with a chilling, snow-swept espionage mission on Arkonia 89, where the crew of the U.S.S. Warren is tasked with stopping a data breach that could compromise Starfleet itself. But this isn’t just another away mission—it’s a survival story, a spy thriller, and a quiet meditation on duty, all wrapped in a blizzard of danger.
Cantwell’s writing balances tension and heart, giving depth to characters who’ve long been punchlines. Megan Levens’ art brings the icy terrain and emotional stakes to life with crisp, expressive panels that feel both cinematic and intimate. The red shirts aren’t just cannon fodder here—they’re brave, flawed, and worth rooting for.
A strong start to a five-issue arc that promises grit, grief, and maybe even glory. Can’t wait to see who makes it to issue #2… and who doesn’t.
Happy reading 🚀🪐📚
September 20, 2025
3.75 Stars. Pretty solid start to what I'm hoping will be a good read.
August 24, 2025
So boring.
This was a chore to get through. Tons of stuff said, but not saying much if that makes sense. Very generic. I am a casual fan of Star Trek, but even I know this was bad. I could be wrong, but I don't think I am.
This was a chore to get through. Tons of stuff said, but not saying much if that makes sense. Very generic. I am a casual fan of Star Trek, but even I know this was bad. I could be wrong, but I don't think I am.
September 16, 2025
I have to say, this was better than I expected it to be. I like a story that makes these characters people, and not just the cannon fodder they've always been. I'm actually surprised it's taken this long for them to get their own story.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of at the beginning of this one, but I have the distinct feeling that won't be a problem for long.
Megan Levens art really works for this book, as her simple but crisp style fits the era of a simplified but still sharp early era of Starfleet. Christopher Cantwell, who wrote the Defiant spinoff that I enjoyed more than the flagship run, does his usual solid work on this one, as well.
I also got a kick out of the "Spaceballs" line. Great throw in, there. I'm also glad there is a line of variant covers that don't involve the skeletons, as that's not really something I'm into, personally.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of at the beginning of this one, but I have the distinct feeling that won't be a problem for long.
Megan Levens art really works for this book, as her simple but crisp style fits the era of a simplified but still sharp early era of Starfleet. Christopher Cantwell, who wrote the Defiant spinoff that I enjoyed more than the flagship run, does his usual solid work on this one, as well.
I also got a kick out of the "Spaceballs" line. Great throw in, there. I'm also glad there is a line of variant covers that don't involve the skeletons, as that's not really something I'm into, personally.
February 26, 2026
I walked into Redshirts with fairly low expectations, and I’m left with a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, I think the premise is fantastic. It’s just so obvious and brilliant to write a series for the “disposable” redshirts, and it’s a wonder that no one thought to do this sooner. I liked that the comic series attempted to give these characters some humanity.
The tone is very self-aware, which is probably its greatest asset. It makes fun of the classic "redshirt curse," but still has a very affectionate tone for Star Trek. Some of the jokes are actually pretty funny, and the tone is very lighthearted and playful. The artwork is also very well-suited for this story, simple, clear, and sharp, reminiscent of early Starfleet designs without being cluttered.
The tone is very self-aware, which is probably its greatest asset. It makes fun of the classic "redshirt curse," but still has a very affectionate tone for Star Trek. Some of the jokes are actually pretty funny, and the tone is very lighthearted and playful. The artwork is also very well-suited for this story, simple, clear, and sharp, reminiscent of early Starfleet designs without being cluttered.
April 3, 2026
In the 'Star Trek' series, Being the person in the 'red shirt' meant that something bad was going to happen to you. The joke has been around for majority of series, so why not take that trope and make a cool comic out of it.
This is exactly what this comic is and I quite enjoyed it. It makes 'Star Trek' feel a little more gritty with the art style and plot. Definitely something I would recommend if you have always wanted 'Star Trek' to be more gruesome.
This is exactly what this comic is and I quite enjoyed it. It makes 'Star Trek' feel a little more gritty with the art style and plot. Definitely something I would recommend if you have always wanted 'Star Trek' to be more gruesome.
July 19, 2025
Great start.
New series starting out strong. Mystery and horror. They aren't afraid to kill people off but way too soon, I had to go back to see their names. Have us like them a little bit before they die in a gruesome manner.
New series starting out strong. Mystery and horror. They aren't afraid to kill people off but way too soon, I had to go back to see their names. Have us like them a little bit before they die in a gruesome manner.
February 21, 2026
As someone who really isn’t into the Star Trek universe even if it was on tv one time, it’s alright. I didn’t get much of what was going on but the art is quite good. There’s really not much to say lol 😅🤷🏼♀️
Got this via netgalley and publisher with thanks
Got this via netgalley and publisher with thanks
April 3, 2026
A good story and plot with well-done graphics. The action is fast-paced, and the artwork does an excellent job of supporting the story. Overall, a good read.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 17, 2025
Great idea for a series! I'm eager to read more!
July 23, 2025
That's gotta be one of the best opening pages in any comic I've read. Instantly iconic.
November 22, 2025
Good start to an away mission of a forlorn hope.
December 9, 2025
A neat take on the classic "Red Shirts" of Star Trek. Interesting premise, and some fantastic (not to mention brutal,) art. Will almost certainly binge this whole thing tonight.
December 29, 2025
good start to a mini series
March 30, 2026
Recently I have really got into Star Trek. I've been watching the original series and even the new onces like Starfleet and Strange New Worlds, so to see Star Trek in graphic novel form it was like a dream come true.
The artwork was brilliant. From the actualy panels to the chapter dividers, I loved this artwork. It made me reminiscent of the old Hellboy comics, both capturing action and humour within its limited panels.
Aswell as this the narrative was interesting and the plot twist was both needed and shocked. Something much like the plot twist at the end of Saga Vol 1.
I look forward to reading future issues in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from #netgalley , thank you. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The artwork was brilliant. From the actualy panels to the chapter dividers, I loved this artwork. It made me reminiscent of the old Hellboy comics, both capturing action and humour within its limited panels.
Aswell as this the narrative was interesting and the plot twist was both needed and shocked. Something much like the plot twist at the end of Saga Vol 1.
I look forward to reading future issues in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from #netgalley , thank you. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 7, 2026
tar Trek: Redshirts (IDW) was a fun read! I loved the humor, the way it poked fun at the classic “redshirt curse,” and how self-aware the story felt. A light, clever comic that balances Trek nostalgia with laughs.
Redshirts Comic
The cover on Goodreads is not the one I received from IDW—and honestly, mine is way better.
It’s packed with classic Star Trek redshirt ensigns, which tells you everything you need to know going in.
My review:
When you open the comic, the first thing you see is a Starfleet yearbook of redshirt personnel.
Flip the page…
…and suddenly you’re hit with graphic redshirt deaths.
Sigh.
You knew it was coming from the title, but it's still shocking.
Not everyone dies immediately though.
Some just suffer severe injuries and mutilations first.
My favorite scene is when the crew is about to be launched in torpedo tubes for a covert mission, and their thoughts appear as subtitles:
🙂 Humor likely.
🤔 Romulans… maybe?
😱 Dun dun dun…
I won’t spoil the ending, but the ship’s log is absolutely ridiculous.
Some standout quotes:
“We estimate a 42% chance of survival.”
“I don’t like taking orders from Goldies.”
“I never met a security officer over 30. They were all legends.”
It’s cute, chaotic, and very Trek.
Redshirts Comic
The cover on Goodreads is not the one I received from IDW—and honestly, mine is way better.
It’s packed with classic Star Trek redshirt ensigns, which tells you everything you need to know going in.
My review:
When you open the comic, the first thing you see is a Starfleet yearbook of redshirt personnel.
Flip the page…
…and suddenly you’re hit with graphic redshirt deaths.
Sigh.
You knew it was coming from the title, but it's still shocking.
Not everyone dies immediately though.
Some just suffer severe injuries and mutilations first.
My favorite scene is when the crew is about to be launched in torpedo tubes for a covert mission, and their thoughts appear as subtitles:
🙂 Humor likely.
🤔 Romulans… maybe?
😱 Dun dun dun…
I won’t spoil the ending, but the ship’s log is absolutely ridiculous.
Some standout quotes:
“We estimate a 42% chance of survival.”
“I don’t like taking orders from Goldies.”
“I never met a security officer over 30. They were all legends.”
It’s cute, chaotic, and very Trek.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews