Star Trek: Celebrations 2026 #1 (IDW PUBLISHING)
One must truly question what media and culture would look like without Star Trek. Gene Roddenberry’s vision was more than just another science fiction adventure show featuring the monster of the week. No, it was more bold than that. They showed us that humanity could overcome our worst traits and that we could build a better tomorrow together.
While the plot of Star Trek has evolved to show a more flawed and emotionally complex future, the core of it is still there. Optimism, exploration, inclusion, and reason. I find it very satisfying that so many amazing creators were given the opportunity to continue that legacy and work to build a better tomorrow.
Star Trek: Celebrations 2026 #1 by Ashley Cooper, Jack Lawrence, Ben Kahn, Mikael Lindeberg, J. P. Jordan, Meghan Fitzmartin, J. Clarke, Xenon Honchar, Karim Diane, Andrew Drilon, Katherine Shuda, Jarrett Melendez, Kiku Hughes, Bex Glendining, Jamila Rowser, Helena Janecic & Jodie Troutman presents stories of triumph and love!
Star Trek: Celebrations 2026 #1 by Ashley Cooper, Jack Lawrence, Ben Kahn, Mikael Lindeberg, J. P. Jordan, Meghan Fitzmartin, J. Clarke, Xenon Honchar, Karim Diane, Andrew Drilon, Katherine Shuda, Jarrett Melendez, Kiku Hughes, Bex Glendining, Jamila Rowser, Helena Janecic & Jodie Troutman (IDW Publishing)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Star Trek: Celebrations is simply just a collection of short stories. Each one takes enough time to tell a quick story and have a few moments or laughs, and they are all a breeze to read. Each story embraces its own artistic approach. While they may not all resonate with the reader, they all feel unmistakable Star Trek. This approach is Star Trek at its core: a universe built on different perspectives all coming together to create something larger than itself.
The book also did a great job capturing different eras of the Star Trek universe, making the celebration feel more complete. Whether you’re a longtime fan or someone new to this universe, there’s a good chance one of these stories will inspire you to explore more beyond this story. There is a vast amount of material out there to explore.
MORE FROM IDW PUBLISHING!
There is no redefining of established lore or reinvention of beloved characters. There is no massive universe-altering moment or overly dramatic “event” twist (think Locutus of Borg). The book is better without. It stays focused on smaller character-driven narratives. That said, if you are looking for huge spectacle, universe building, or game-changing moments, this isn’t for you. It’s a fun read and a good reminder to us all of what Star Trek is.
We learned from Spock, "Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations." This has already been one of Star Trek’s defining ideals. This book embodies that spirit from beginning to end.
“To boldly go where no one has gone before"… Not exactly. But to boldly celebrate Star Trek, its enduring message, and the impact it continues to have on generations of fans… Absolutely.
FINAL GRADE: 9
“The human adventure is just beginning” - Jean-Luc Picard
Let me know your thoughts on Star Trek: Celebrations 2026 #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!