Star Trek – New Frontier (IDW Publishing)
Genre
Science Fiction, Space Opera, Adventure
Main Characters
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Captain Mackenzie Calhoun – A fearless and unconventional Starfleet captain with a rebellious past and a knack for getting the impossible done.
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Commander Elizabeth Shelby – Calhoun's former adversary and current first officer, known for her strategic brilliance.
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Lieutenant Soleta – A half-Romulan science officer, struggling with her dual heritage.
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Dr. Selar – A Vulcan medical officer who brings logic and emotional depth to the crew’s interpersonal dynamics.
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Lieutenant Mark McHenry – A helmsman with mysterious abilities, tied to ancient galactic powers.
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Burgoyne 172 – A unique Hermat engineer, who identifies as both male and female, offering both technical and cultural insight.
Writer
Peter David – A celebrated novelist and comic book writer, known for his character-driven storytelling and long-standing contributions to the Star Trek franchise.
Artist
Stephen Thompson – Brings clean lines, expressive character work, and dynamic space action to the panels, capturing the aesthetic of both Starfleet and alien worlds.
Editor Details
Edited by Dan Taylor – Former IDW editor with a strong history of managing Star Trek titles, ensuring canon alignment and creative freedom.
Publisher and Brand
Published by IDW Publishing, under the Star Trek: Second Stage initiative, which aimed to elevate Star Trek comic storytelling by spotlighting top-tier creators and original narratives.
Release Year
2007
Brief Plot Summary
Star Trek: New Frontier picks up where Peter David’s acclaimed novels left off, thrusting the U.S.S. Excalibur and its eclectic crew into new galactic turmoil. When unexplained phenomena threaten to tear apart sectors of known space, Captain Calhoun must navigate not only hostile alien forces but also internal tensions aboard his ship. With elements of political intrigue, species conflict, and moral ambiguity, the series expands the Star Trek universe beyond familiar territory.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
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“Double Time” – An early arc that deals with temporal anomalies and their effect on identity and loyalty within the crew.
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“Revelations” – This storyline uncovers deep-seated secrets in Calhoun’s past and questions the limits of Starfleet authority.
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“Unity Divide” – A conflict involving the Thallonian Empire’s remnants, sparking an ideological clash among the crew members.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
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Some fans speculate that McHenry’s hidden powers link him to the Q Continuum or other ancient cosmic entities, due to his seemingly unnatural awareness and reflexes.
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There’s debate around Soleta’s loyalty, with some interpreting her actions as indicative of a future shift in allegiance—possibly to Romulus.
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The Calhoun-Shelby dynamic is often read as a metaphor for the struggle between impulsive innovation and strategic order, core themes in post-Roddenberry Star Trek narratives.
Review Summary
Star Trek: New Frontier is a strong, character-focused entry in IDW’s Star Trek catalog. Peter David’s writing is sharp, humorous, and emotionally resonant, offering both longtime fans and newcomers a rich narrative experience. The art by Stephen Thompson balances action and introspection, with expressive characters and polished starship detail. The comic succeeds in expanding the Star Trek mythos without relying on legacy characters, delivering a fresh yet familiar voyage into the unknown.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
