Star Trek: Red Shirts #1

Star Trek: Red Shirts #1

by Christopher Cantwell, Megan Levens (Artist)

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.

Genres: Comics, Star Trek, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels

Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2025

Reviews

[Scott Rhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

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...

[The Void Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 🚀🪐📚

[Aron · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars. Pretty solid start to what I'm hoping will be a good read.

[Rob Vitagliano · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[alejandro galvez · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[Mark Plaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great idea for a series! I'm eager to read more!

[AJ Easterday · Rating 4 out of 5]

That's gotta be one of the best opening pages in any comic I've read. Instantly iconic.

[Tom Mathews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good start to an away mission of a forlorn hope.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

good start to a mini series

[Kasie Cavanagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.