The hit show Star Trek: Strange New Worlds comes to comics in a new series from IDW Publishing. Since its debut earlier this year, Strange New Worlds has become the flagship show of the Paramount+ streaming service, debuting to critical and fan acclaim. Now, Strange New Worlds is receiving a new miniseries from IDW, one that bridges the gap between the show’s first and second seasons. The first issue goes on sale in print and digital December 21st.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is the 11th entry in the Star Trek franchise and chronicles the adventures of Captain Christopher Pike and his crew aboard the USS Enterprise, approximately five years before Kirk takes command. Starring Anson Mount as Pike, Strange New Worlds has been well received by fans and critics, becoming the top show on Paramount+. At the conclusion of the show’s first season, First Officer Una Chin, also referred to as “Number One,” is arrested by Federation officials on the charge of illegal genetic modification. While fans curious about Una’s fate must wait until the second season premiere, a new comic from IDW will fill in the gaps, as Captain Pike struggles to prove her innocence.

A blog post on TrekCore, detailed not only Strange New Worlds’ comic, but IDW Publishing’s Star Trek plans for the remainder of 2022. The Strange New World miniseries, titled The Illyrian Enigma, will be written by Kirsten Beyer and Mike Johnson, both of whom have done extensive work in both Star Trek comics and television; it will be illustrated by Megan Levens. While TrekCore did not provide extensive plot information beyond Pike attempting to clear his First Officer’s name, it did provide a look at the first issue’s two covers, shared below.


Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is regarded by some as the best of the “nu-Trek” shows, thanks in part to compelling characters and exciting stories that harken back to the franchise’s heyday–and now the show is set to make its comics debut. The Illyrian Enigma’s writing team has produced not only some of IDW’s best Star Trek comics, but has also worked on the show itself, ensuring the same quality that is a hallmark of Strange New Worlds will be present in the comics as well. It will also help keep continuity between the shows and comics tight. The Illyrian Enigma also has the potential for another hallmark of Star Trek: social commentary. Una’s planet and race make extensive use of genetic modification, a practice illegal under Federation law. This allows the creative team to not only explore 23rd century law and ethics, but also examine the practice of genetic modification–an issue becoming more and more timely in the 21st century.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has breathed new life into the franchise, and now IDW Publishing is bringing it to comics in a new series bridging the gap between seasons.