The farcical animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks is getting a comic adaptation thanks, in part, to the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl's writer. Ryan North, along with illustrator Chris Fenoglio, are creating a 3-issue miniseries to expand on the adventures of Star Trek's most unlikely heroes.

Star Trek: Lower Decks premiered in 2020 on CBS All-Access (later rebranded to Paramount+). Set in the late 24th century, Lower Decks is the story of the USS Cerritos, a Federation ship, and its crew, particularly the support staff. The lowly Ensigns take the spotlight in this series, unlike most other entries in the Star Trek canon, providing a rarely seen look at the day-to-day operations of Starfleet. With the adventures of characters such as the tenacious Beckett Mariner and the bookish Bradward Boimler, Star Trek: Lower Decks has created on the the most unique entries in the entire franchise.

And it wouldn't feel like a part of Star Trek canon if it didn't have its own tie-in comic. Fan site Trekmovie.com got a first look at the covers and details from IDW's upcoming miniseries. Star Trek: Lower Decks will be three issues and come from the creative team of Chris Fenoglio and the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl’s Ryan North. The official synopsis promises just as much chaos as the show.

The hit Paramount+ animated series makes its comics debut with Eisner-winning comics writer Ryan North (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl) at the helm! Soon after leading her crew on a planetary expedition aimed at building bridges and advancing Federation technology, Captain Freeman begins to suspect that the planet and its people are not all what they seem… Meanwhile, the crew in the lower decks take to the holodeck, enjoying some much-needed recreational time—until a bloodthirsty visitor decides to join in on their games.


The crew of the USS Cerritos has faced some wild adventures before, but North and Fenoglio seem to have even more outrageous tales planned for the ragtag underlings. While Star Trek: Lower Decks is without a doubt the most humorous spin on the franchise, Ryan North seems like a prime candidate to pen the series' first comic adaptation. Balancing humor and poignant storytelling is a hard needle to thread, but North should be the right person for the job.

The work Ryan North and Erica Henderson did on their run of The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is regarded as one of the most comedic runs in Marvel Comics' history. Not only was it full of rib-tickling gags, it featured thoughtful commentary and and a number of poignant moments. Star Trek has always been an insightful franchise, but its never been known for its comedy. However, Lower Decks proved that there was room for comedy in Star Trek's grand world and now North has the chance to continuing proving that with his and Chris Fenoglio's new miniseries. If his work with Squirrel Girl is any indication, North's comedic style will be a perfect fit to add onto Star Trek: Lower Deck's legacy.