Science Fiction Saturday: Star Trek: 60th Anniversary Special #1

IDW Publishing released Star Trek: 60th Anniversary Special #1 earlier this week. Here's the official summary:

"Celebrate 60 years of Star Trek with an anthology collecting all-new stories from a star-studded list of creators, including Brian Michael Bendis, Christopher Cantwell, David Walker, Ryan North, Meghan Camarena, Mike McMahan, Derek Charm, Michael Allred, Laura Allred, and more! On September 8, 1966, Star Trek debuted on television and changed the landscape of science fiction forever, bringing us not only characters who were inspiring and smart but storytelling that shaped the way people thought about the world. Since then, every Trek show, movie, and comic has endeavored to do the same. In this seven-story collection, IDW thrills, delights, and contextualizes lore with tales from the original series Star Trek, Lower Decks, The Animated Series, Picard, and Starfleet Academy… plus a preview of the all-new Star Trek flagship title launching in 2026. Join us as we make history!"

Cover of Star Trek: 60th Anniversary Special #1 from IDW Publishing

Science Fiction Saturday: Star Trek: Celebrations 2026

IDW Publishing released Star Trek: Celebrations 2026 earlier this week. The following six stories are included in this issue: "Girlfriends," "Mx. T'Lir's Night Out," "Worst-Case Scenario Protocol," "Klingons Don't Flirt," "Love's First Bloom" and "Lovesick." Here is the official summary:

"You are cordially invited to the party that is this year’s Star Trek: Celebrations anthology! This one-shot features the universe’s queer characters in tales of love and triumph, exemplifying Gene Roddenberry’s mission for us all to one day celebrate infinite diversity in infinite combinations."

Cover of Star Trek: Celebrations 2026 from IDW Publishing

Science Fiction Saturday: Star Trek: Starfleet Academy -- Lost Contact #1

IDW Publishing released Star Trek: Starfleet Academy -- Lost Contact #1 earlier this week. This mini-series is based on the Paramount+ original tv series. Here is the official summary:

"Caleb, Genesis, Jay-Den, Kyle, and Tarima are all students of Starfleet Academy, the illustrious school responsible for the Federation’s best. One day, they dream to serve as great leaders on board ships of their own, to study the cultural intricacies of sentient life amongst the Galaxy, or to go where no person has explored before. But today, their mission is simply to execute a survey simulation on a lifeless, low-oxygen planet. Or at least, it seems simple… until a huge storm cuts off their contact with their teachers aboard the Athena… and something impossible appears: an alien. Now, they’ll have to work together and use everything they’ve learned in class about first contact to make it off the planet alive!"

Cover of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy -- Lost Contact #1 from IDW Publishing

Superhero Sunday: The Rocketeer: The Island #1

IDW Publishing released The Rocketeer: The Island #1 last month. Here is the official summary:

"The year is 1938, and Cliff Secord (A.K.A. the Rocketeer) is recruited to lead a search and rescue mission. The mission? Find Amelia Earhart! Considering a year has passed since the famous pilot went missing, the Rocketeer is hesitant at first — that is, until he learns the expedition is to the same island Betty ran off to with the scummy photographer Marco! The Rocketeer will have to uncover the secret of the century’s greatest mystery while trying to win back his girlfriend. But what else awaits him on the island?"

Cover of The Rocketeer: The Island #1 from IDW Publishing

Captain Segar aka Popeye and Justin Martin aka Tintin also appear in this issue:

Popeye and Tintin in The Rocketeer: The Island #1

Women Wednesday: Star Trek Deviations: Threads of Destiny #1

IDW Publishing released Star Trek Deviations: Threads of Destiny #1 today. The cover features Uhura as played by Nichelle Nicols on the original tv series. The story is a great read for Black History Month and this week's Women Wednesday. There is a very special guest star that appears in the story too. Here is the official summary:

"This special one-shot features Lieutenant Nyota Uhura. In the 23rd century, she explores far-flung star systems with her crew on the Enterprise as part of her mission to communicate and build bridges with life found across the Galaxy. But in the 20th century, humankind was working to build understanding among themselves, with African Americans on Earth championing the Civil Rights Movement and using their voices and acts of protest to end racial segregation and discrimination. Now, by way of the Guardian of Forever, Uhura is yanked back through time to 1963. There, she’ll join all those fighting for equality and justice and reconnect to why her work as a communications officer is perhaps the most important work of all."

Cover of Star Trek Deviations: Threads of Destiny #1 from IDW Publishing

Science Fiction Saturday: Star Trek: Lower Decks #15

IDW Publishing released Star Trek: Lower Decks #15 earlier this week. Brad Boimler is on the cover along with "Star Trek 60". I will admit that this is the first issue of this series that I have read but I greatly enjoyed the humor. I also have to admit that I have yet to watch the animated tv series on Paramount+. Here's the official summary:

"When Commander Jack Ransom promised Boimler command of the away team on Laapoonia in the event that both he and Sun-Sanchez — his Number One — were taken out of commission, he didn’t think it’d, like, actually happen. But now, Boimler is in charge, and things have gone full-blown Crisis Royale: A planet’s missing population, a big-ass alien warship, and a team at each other’s throats threaten to explosively end the Cerritos’ second-contact mission with Laapeeria. The name’s Boimler. Brad Boimler. And he’s got a license to… mildly delegate while panicking under pressure."

Cover of Star Trek: Lower Decks #15 from IDW Publishing

 

Countdown to Halloween 2025 Day 19: 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1

IDW Publishing released 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1 on October 15, 2025. This one has plenty of blood and vampires. Here is the official summary:

"IDW’s hit horror franchise returns with a terrifying new tale! The town of Barrow has moved on. Those who remember the vampiric terror of two decades past would rather not talk about it. Those who don’t remember don’t believe the stories. Ignorance will be their downfall, because a dark memory is stirring in the heart of Romania and it has set its sights on Barrow, the death place of Vicente. While vampires seek revenge for their fallen leader in Alaska, troubled teen Jalen James seeks sanctuary. After fleeing gang violence in Los Angeles, Jalen needs a fresh start. But he’s unlikely to find it as the sun falls…"

Cover A of 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1 from IDW Publishing

Cover Gallery of 30 Days of Night: Falling Sun #1 from IDW Publishing

Women Wednesday: Monster High: World's Scare #1

Monster High: World's Scare #1 from IDW Publishing is out today.

Here's the spooky summery found on the back cover: "Surprise, ghouls — I'm baaack. Did you miss me? For those unacquainted, let me reintrobooce myself. I'm Monster High's purrmiere gossip account, CryptCrier. I know everything and everyghoul. And here is my juiciest piece of gossip yet: IDW is bringing readers a faboolous new miniseries from fang favorites Jacque Aye and Caroline Shuda, starting with a double-sized first issue. Frankie Stein, Draculaura, Clawdeen Wolf, Cleo de Nile, and Lagoona Blue are starting a new scaremester at Monster High, so this is a creeperific jumping-on point for new fangs. How eekciting. This year, the World's Scare is in New Salem! The brightest minds are gathering to exhibit their latest breakthroughs that could change monster-kind furever. And Monster High's very own Frankie Stein is dreaming up something monstrous to honor her late father, Headmaster Frankenstein. With a little help from her fiends, Frankie is sure to shock the judges."

Cover of Monster High: World's Scare #1 from IDW Publsihing

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 27: Star Trek: Holo-Ween #4 Cover

The cover of Star Trek: Holo-Ween #4 from IDW Publishing features Redjac with his arm around Scotty's neck while Armus has Riker as a Wolfman and Deanna Troi as a mummy queen in his grasp. This is the final issue of the mini-series and it was indeed a real treat to read.

Cover of Star Trek: Holo-Ween #4 from IDW Publishing

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 20: Star Trek: Holo-Ween #3 Cover

Star Trek: Holo-Ween #3 came out this week from IDW Publishing. The cover features Worf as a Gill Man and Deanna Troi as a mummy queen being chased by a mob with the giant face of Redjac looming high in the background. This issue features a surprise (or not so surprise) guest star from the original series plus the return of a surprise (or not so surprise) villain also from original series.

Cover of Star Trek: Holo-Ween #3 from IDW Publishing

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 17: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Saturday Morning Adventures Halloween Special #1 Cover

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Saturday Morning Adventures Halloween Special is a mouthful and it hit the newsstands last week. If you love the cartoon series from the 1980s, then you will love this issue. The gang goes against Creepy Eddie, who looks a little like that creepy guy on Elm Street. They also fight several other monsters while cracking jokes. The second story features Shredder and Krang that is a real treat.

Cover of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Saturday Morning Adventures Halloween Special from IDW Publishing

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 14: Star Trek: Holo-Ween #2 Cover

IDW Publishing released Star Trek: Holo-Ween #2 earlier this week. The cover features Data as a Frankenstein monster facing Riker as a Wolfman while the face of Troi as a mummy queen looms in the background.

Cover of Star Trek: Holo-Ween #2 from IDW Publishing

There is a great homage to classic monsters in this issue with Deanna Troi as a mummy queen, Riker as a wolfman, Worf as a Gill Man and Picard as Mr. Hyde:

Classic Monster Homage from Star Trek: Holo-Ween #2 from IDW Publishing

Countdown to Halloween 2023 Day 6: Star Trek: Holo-Ween #1 Cover Gallery

Star Trek: Holo-Ween #1 launched this week with three covers. Cover 1A and RI both have art by Francesco Francavilla that features Captain Picard and Deanna Troi running from Redjac aka Jack the Ripper. Cover 1B has art by Suspiria Vilchez that features Troi screaming with a giant Medusa head in the backgorund. I won't spoil the story but some of the crew gets turned into monsters.

Cover Gallery of Star Trek: Holo-Ween #1 from IDW Publishing

Countdown to Valentine's Day 2020 Day 14: Star Trek Year Five Valentine's Day Special

Happy Valentine's Day! IDW Publishing released Star Trek: Year Five: Valentine's Day Special on February 12, 2020.

"James T. Kirk has had many loves during his mission among the stars, but this time he may have met his match in fellow Starfleet Captain Laura Rhone. This special story by award-winning writer of prose, comics, and television Paul Cornell (Doctor Who) takes Captain Kirk to where he has never gone before!"

Star Trek Year Five Valentine's Day Special cover

The alternate cover features Mr. Spock playing his lute:

Star Trek Year Five Valentine's Day Special alternate cover

This issue also includes a special pin-up of the cover featuring Captain James T. Kirk and Cpatain Laura Rhone:

Star Trek Year Five Valentine's Day Special pin-up

As an added bonus, there is even a Valentine card featuring Mr. Spock playing his lute as seen on the alternate cover:

Valentine card featuring Mr. Spock playing his lute

This wraps up this year's Countdown to Valentine's Day at Moongem Comics I hope you enjoyed the posts as much as I did.

Countdown to Halloween 2015 Day 30: Fistful of Blood #1

IDW Publishing's Fistful of Blood #1 (October 2015) is the first of four issues. It was originally published in Heavy Metal #192 to #202 before it was collected into a black and white trade paperback in 2002. This new series is in full color.

It was written and drawn by Kevin Eastman and Simon Bisley:

This issue starts with the mysterious Woman With No Name walking into a western town that was used in a tv series and several movies with the most famous one being Fistful of Blood. The town is being fought over by vampires and zombies. She is befriended by an old man who gives her more clothing since she arrived just wearing a bra and panties.

One of the creatures wants to hire here:

She gives them her answer without saying a word:

There is also a Behind the Scenes of Fistful of Blood section in the back featuring sketches and history:

I have never read the original but this remastered version rocks especially if you enjoy some T&A with your horror.

Another PCH Comic Book Grab Bag

I ordered another PCH Comic Book Grab Bag a few months ago and actually received it on Tuesday, April 7. This makes the third one with the first two being at PCH Comic Collection and PCH Super Hero Comic Books Plus Graphic Novel. I can't believe that it has been almost a year since the last one.

Once again there is no comics from Marvel. There are three comics from Boom! Studios, a graphic novel from DC Comics and Image, and another graphic novel from IDW Publishing. Yes, you read that right for this grab bag has three regular comics and two graphic novels.

First up is Higher Earth #3 (July 2012) from Boom! Studios. I have yet to read it but has dinosaurs so it might be an interesting science fiction comic.

Next up is Planet of the Apes Special #1 (February 2013) also from Boom! Studios. I have yet to read this either but I can't wait to do so.

I have always wanted to read the Steed and Mrs Peel series from Boom! Studios and now I get my chance to start with #0 (August 2012). I got Cover A and I have read the first few pages while I was scanning the rest of the comics in. It's set in 2000 and old agents are showing up dead.

The Mummy: The Rise and Fall of Xango's Ax (July 2008) from IDW Publishing is a prelude to the movie, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Empire and has some photos of Brendan Fraiser in the back. I haven't read this either but can't wait since I enjoyed all the mummy movies.

I also received the Spawn vs Batman graphic novel from DC Comics and Image in the last PCH Comic Book Grab Bag. While it was nice to get two graphic novels this time around, I just wish it wasn't one that I already had.

Overall, I liked the choices of the comic books in this grab bag. However, I was disappointed with getting a graphic novel that I already had. Also, I thought the value was not great once you add shipping costs to the normal price of the grab bag. This will probably be my last one from PCH for sure.

Green Lantern To Crossover With Star Trek

Big news for comic book and science fiction fans at Star Trek and Green Lantern to cross over in new comic book series. This will be Hal Jordan as Green Lantern with the new look Enterprise crew from the movies. The name of the series will be Star Trek/Green Lantern: The Spectrum War. DC Comics and IDW Publishing's first crossover was Star Trek/Legion of Super-Heroes in 2011.

TFAW Grab Bag #24: The Transformers #3

Andrew Wildman did the B cover for IDW's The Transformers #3 (January 2010). This issue seemed more like a bridge from whatever happened in #2 to the coming action in #4. I never realized how much time those robots spent moping and talking.

TFAW Grab Bag #23: Star Trek: The Next Generation: Ghosts #2

Joe Corroney did the cover art for IDW's Star Trek: The Next Generation: Ghosts #2 (December 2009). I like this issue and would love to read the rest of the series.

TFAW Grab Bag #22: Jon Sable Freelance: Ashes of Eden #3

Like Grimjack: The Manx Cat, IDW's Jon Sable Freelance: Ashes of Eden was originally published online by ComicMix (you can still read the entire series here). I received #3 (December 2009) as part of the TFAW grab bag. The cover and interior art were done by Mike Grell, who also wrote the series. I greatly enjoyed the issue and probably be reading the entire series online soon.