Monday 23 December 2019

The Borg assimilate Hallmark itty bittys

Hallmark have unleashed the Borg Collective on their itty bittys cuddly toys, with their latest waves of releases focusing on characters from First Contact and Voyager. Continue below to check out the cute collective, and some other Hallmark updates:

Just released are the latest pair of itty bittys, based on First Contact. Available separately are "Borg Picard" (aka Locutus) and the Borg Queen:


Tuesday 3 December 2019

Star Trek costumes, props, miniatures, and concept art heading to auction

There are two big TV and movie auctions coming up in the next couple of weeks (from Profiles in History and Julien's Auctions), and both feature numerous Star Trek lots, offering many costumes, props, miniatures, and pieces of production art from several Star Trek movies, and all of the classic live action TV series. Continue below to check out some of the highlights.

If you're a fan of The Motion Picture you might be able to get hold of something interesting, as several of the lots from Profiles in History are from the film. My favourites are a couple of pieces of Robert Fletcher costume concept art, mainly because Spock's "meditation garments" are so gloriously unusual!


Wednesday 27 November 2019

Two new Star Trek art prints from Bye Bye Robot

Bye Bye Robot have revealed their latest Star Trek art prints, two new releases, both from new artists to the company, with designed based on TOS and TNG. Continue below to check them out.

First up, from Chris Nielsen, we have In Awe, a dazzling and bright rendering of the refit USS Enterprise in spacedock:



Tuesday 12 November 2019

New Star Trek coins feature the TOS and TNG crews

The two mints currently releasing Star Trek coins have both had new releases recently. Continue below to check them out:

From the Perth Mint we have a new TOS coin, featuring the USS Enterprise, along with Captain Kirk, Spock, and Doctor McCoy.


Sunday 10 November 2019

USS Enterprise and Borg Cube PCs, and other Trek gadgetry

Got a round up of the latest Star Trek gadgets today, including USB sticks hidden in insignia badges, a wireless charger, and the latest Borg Cube PC. But first, the most extraordinary Star Trek PC so far released:

Remember the USS Enterprise shaped PC that Lenovo were showing off last year? Well they and Tiburn (aka Titanium Technology) only went and actually brought it to market! This starship-shaped computer has been licensed for release in twenty-five countries, which I assume is covering the Asian market, as so far it has been offered via crowd funders in China (via JD Finance) and Japan (Makuake) - These were run earlier this year, and the PCs are starting to arrive with backers now.

Check out this snazzy video which shows of the features of the starship computer:



Thursday 7 November 2019

Discovery starship production art round-up

The many people who help bring Star Trek to life often share their work with the wider world, given us a great insight into their process and designs. Today let's take a look at some of the latest starship focused art from the makers of Discovery:

First up, from the distant future Short Treks episode Calypso we have a welcome close up look at the V'draysh escape pod. This was shared by modeller Kelvin Tam on their Art Station portfolio, who commented:
Was fun working on this vehicle, because I got to do most of the designs. I even tried to figure out the pod door opening with some keyframe animation but never got in the final cut.

Lovarzi's Discovery uniform inspired scarves and hats

Lovarzi have been making stylish geek-infused Star Trek winter wear for a little while now, and have just revealed their latest designs, which include several taking inspiration from the Discovery uniforms, pus some new TOS and TNG pieces. Continue below to check them out:

My favourite from the new range is this Discovery delta patterned scarf, which is a really good example of Lovarzi's perfect balance of design; taking icons and design influences from the series, and using them in a way that celebrates them while still looking like everyday clothes (rather than some novelty on-the-nose print). The pattern in Disco uniform colours is accented here with a Starfleet Command patch.


1/3 scale Captain Spock statue from Darkside Collectibles

Darkside Collectibles Studio have revealed an impressive new Star Trek release, a 1/3 scale Spock statue! Specifically Captain Spock, as seen in The Wrath of Khan. That scale makes for a whopping 65.5cm tall statue, which stands on a 29.5cm diameter Starfleet logo base. Made from polystone Captain Spock weighs in at 15kg. To stir your Federation patriotism for this hero of Starfleet, the statue also comes with a seperate Federation flag, which itself stands 81cm tall.

Darkside Collectibles are taking orders for this now, with an expected delivery in October 2020. They also have an exclusive variant, with a live long and prosper hand. Continue below to check out that, and lots of images of the regular release too:


Tuesday 5 November 2019

New Star Trek stuff for pets

Is your dog a trekkie? Well good news, the Star Trek Shop has just launched a big new range of Star Trek stuff for pets, drawing inspiration from Picard, TNG, and TOS. Continue below to check it all out, plus some new pet costumes from Rubies. But first, here's a treat for your fish!

Something Star Trek loving fish have surely been waiting for all their lives (or at least the last 10 seconds), Pet Ting have released a fish tank ornament of the refit USS Enterprise, complete with ship-wrecked style damage and coral mottling!


Sunday 3 November 2019

Lots of Star Trek Cats stuff from the Star Trek Shop

The Star Trek Shop has launched a new wide ranging collection featuring the art from Star Trek Cats. The range includes designs from both the TOS and TNG incarnation of the Star Trek Cats project, with Jenny Park's artwork transferred onto all manner of household goods and apparel. Continue below to check out your latest feline Trek offerings:

Both TOS and TNG are offered as sets of four coasters:


Thursday 31 October 2019

Star Trek matte paintings at auction give us a close look at alien cities

Heritage Auctions are about to have an auction of movie posters, and among the numerous lots there are several original pieces of matte painting art, mostly from Star Trek productions!

These give us a great look at several alien worlds, showing wider fields of view than what ended up on screen, and getting to see the artwork in fantastic detail. Continue below to check them out:


Sunday 27 October 2019

Wild Bangaran launch TNG costume inspired wunic and dresses

Wild Bangarang have just launched a new series of Star Trek fashion pieces in their ongoing Trek-wear range. Their latest releases include wunics, dresses, and leggings, this time all TNG inspired. Continue below to check them out.

New to their Star Trek offering are a couple wunics (hooded tunics), both putting a cool twist on a classic Star Trek; you can choose from either a TNG command uniform, or Klingon armour:


Friday 25 October 2019

Trek or Treat T-shirts and other seasonal Treks

It's that spooky time of year when Star Trek stuff gets a scary twist. This year that means lots of Halloween themed T-shirts! Continue below to check out those, plus a few other seasonal twists on Star Trek stuff:

Gold Bubble Clothing have slipped out of their usual offerings of dresses for this cute "Trek or Treat" design featuring tribbles in halloween costumes. Of course we're now well aware of the dangers of an out of control tribble colony, so wear with caution!


Thursday 17 October 2019

Picard bluray collection comic book preview

Just released is the new TNG highlight bluray set, the Picard Movie and TV Collection, which is basically the TNG movies, plus a couple of TV two-parters (see previous report for full details). Included in this set is a brand new and exclusive comic from IDW, Sky's the Limit.

The book is written by Thomas Zahler, with art by Carlos Nieto, and colourist Charlie Kirchoff. To try and tempt us StarTrek.com have released a short excerpt, which features Picard playing poke (indicating a post-All Good Things... setting), and a Maquis raider. What likes ahead? Find out more below:


Star Trek characters Handmade by Robots

Star Trek has joined The Coop's new Handmade by Robots range of vinyl figures, with Kirk and Spock the first Trek characters to join the collection. These figurines, about 6x4.5x5.5 inches are apparently inspired by, and designed in the style of, Japanese Amigurumi; small, knit or crocheted stuffed toys - Although they are in-fact solid vinyl models. Entertainment Earth currently have these up for pre-order, and expect a November release. Continue below to check them out:


Thursday 10 October 2019

Get Star Treking, with the latest Star Trek shoes and socks

There's a surprising abundance of Star Trek shoes and socks of late, with creative designs spanning TNG, TOS, and Discovery. Continue below to check the latest Trek-footware:

Perhaps the most striking designs come from EMP, who have gone all out with their Star Trek sneaker designs, both based on TNG. First up, here we have the Picard sneaker, inspired by his red and black accented TV-era uniform, complete with embroidered combadge on one side, and a row of rank pips which line up nicely with the upper-most lace hole.


Friday 20 September 2019

Factory Entertainment Star Trek bottle openers on the way

Factory Entertainment have released images of the first of their Star Trek bottle openers, which they are expecting to be available by January. The initial range has two designs, both prop inspired, one each from TOS and TNG. Continue below to check them out.

The TNG design is a combadge, and looks about the right size too. Which no specified in the official product descriptions, it appears to have a magnet in the back, making it a pretty neat fridge magnet too.


Tuesday 27 August 2019

Year Five #5 covers and excerpts

Out this week is fifth issue of IDW's Star Trek Year Five comic series, which is also the start of a new two-parter in the series, The Truth Artifact. This book comes from writer Jody Houser, with art by Silvia Califano.

This issue is available in two covers, from the series' usual artists: The main cover, featuring the shadow of the Enterprise, comes from Stephen Thompson (coloured by David Garcia Cruz). While a retail incentive is another retro design from J.J. Lendl. Continue below to check out those, and a five page preview:

Wednesday 14 August 2019

Year Five #4 covers and excerpts, and other Star trek comics updates

Out this week is issue four in IDW's Star Trek Year Five comic series, which is part two of the return to Sigma Iota II (of A Piece of the Action) story, Communications Breakdown. This story arc comes from writer Brandon Easton, with art by Martin Coccolo.

The book is offered in two covers, from the now familiar cover artists for the series: The main cover, featuring a striking "Your Country Needs You"-esque Spock poster, is by Stephen Thompson (coloured by Charlie Kirchoff). The retail incentive is a retro travel poster design by J.J. Lendl. Continue below to check out a five page preview.

Tuesday 13 August 2019

Mego preview Wrath of Khan figures, and other updates

Mego have started to release further images of their forthcoming wave of Wrath of Khan action figures, continue below to check them out, and for some other Mego updates.

The first non TOS-TV era Star Trek figures to join the Mego revival range, on offer in this wave will be Admiral Kirk, Captain Spock, and of course Khan Noonien Singh. Mego's solicitations for the wave have revealed the packaging design for each, while the Mego Museum have released a large selection of images of the Spock figure:


Monday 12 August 2019

Book bits: First The Higher Frontier details, new blurbs, and updated covers

Got a few book updates today, including a better look at the most recently revealed covers. But first, some new blurbs:

Due out in March is Christopher L. Bennett's The Higher Frontier, the new blurb for which has popped up on Amazon's new listings, and reveals this TOS novel is move era (a bit of a rarity for TOS stuff) and will feature the Medusans. UPDATE: Bennett has now confirmed this is a The Motion Picture era follow up to his previous books in that period, most notably Ex Machina.
An all-new Star Trek movie-era adventure featuring James T. Kirk!

Investigating the massacre of a telepathic minority, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise confront a terrifying new threat: faceless, armored hunters whose extradimensional technology makes them seemingly unstoppable. Kirk must team with the powerful telepath Miranda Jones and the enigmatic Medusans to take on these merciless killers in an epic battle that will reveal the true faces of both enemy and ally!
There's also a rather less descriptive new blurb for Una McCormack's Picard prequel novel, The Last Best Hope, coming in February:
A thrilling novel leading into the new CBS series, Una McCormack’s The Last Best Hope introduces you to brand new characters featured in the life of beloved Star Trek captain Jean-Luc Picard—widely considered to be one of the most popular and recognizable characters in all of science fiction.
Explaining the higher price point of this book, Simon and Schuster now have it listed as a hardcover release; if so I think that would be the first Star Trek novel in hardcover since the Kelvin timeline Starfleet Academy series at the start of the decade!

Simon and Schuster have also now released the digital versions of the cover art recently revealed at the Star Trek Las Vegas convention, giving us a clearer look. Here's David Mack's TNG book, Collateral Damage, front and back covers. This is coming in October:


Saturday 10 August 2019

New ITX Borg Cube PC from Cherry Tree

Cherry Tree, makers of Borg Cube PCs, have announced a new smaller model in their range. The ITX PC is a little bigger than their smallest (the Micro), but still pretty compact, at eight inches cubed. The slightly bigger design than the Micro allows it room for a graphics card. The ITX is available either as a fully fitted out PC (to whatever spec you provide from a myriad of options), or just a case ready to build your own. Continue below for a closer look, and more details.


Monday 5 August 2019

New Star Trek jewellery range from Bixler

Jewellery makers Bixler have launched a large new range of Star Trek: Discovery themed jewellery, including necklaces, rings, earrings, cuffs, and cuff-links. The designs draw inspiration from iconography and props from the series, including Starfleet, Federation, Klingon, and mirror universe themed pieces. Every item in the initial range is offered in both solid silver of gold, many with diamonds too! Continue below to check out all the designs:

Some of the most unique designs in the collection are Klingon inspired, which have taken inspiration from some of the lesser seen Klingon emblems of the Klingon Houses. For instance this House of Kor emblem cuff:



Sunday 4 August 2019

Hallmark's 2020 Star Trek Keepsakes revealed

At the Star Trek Las Vegas convention Hallmark have just revealed their 2020 Star Trek Keepsake Christmas decorations (which StarTrek.com have diligently released images of too).

This year they've got a whole new assortment of ornament styles to shake things up a bit. All of the ornaments in this year's range are interactive, part of a new series called Storytellers. Each ornament has built in sound recordings, as many have before, but these ones also work together to tell stories, depending on which ornaments you bring together using a Keepsakes Power Cord. Reporting from the STLV panel, TrekCore say this is the start of a three year program of releases, so there'll be lots more story to come over the next few Christmases.

The bulk of the range is made of character figurines, and they've gone mirror universe themed for this initial assortment, with mirror versions of Kirk, Uhura, and Sulu. Each is displayed on a small base, which lights up when they "talk".


Saturday 3 August 2019

Discovery season 2 bluray and DVD details

CBS have announced details for the home video release of Discovery Season Two. The season will be coming to bluray and DVD in November, including the fourteen episodes of Discovery, plus two episodes of Short Treks, The Brightest Star and Runaway -  Those two of course tie-in strongly to events in the season, but for some reason they seem to have decided to not bother with the other two Short Trek in the first batch, Calypso and The Escape Artist; hopefully they will show up in other home media releases later...

In addition to the episodes, there will also be two hours of extra features, including featurettes, audio commentaries on four episodes (Brother, New Eden, Through the Valley of Shadows, and Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2), cast interviews, deleted scenes, and a gag reel.


Friday 2 August 2019

2020 Star Trek novels announced, and other book bits

At the Star Trek books panel at the Star Trek Las Vegas convention yesterday the authors and editors revealed details of several new books coming in 2020 - Thankfully TrekCore were there live tweeting the news. Here's the novel line-up so far (from the present):

2019:
2020:
  • February - Picard: Last Best Hope, by Una McCormack
  • March - TOS: The Higher Frontier, by Christopher L. Bennett.
  • April - Kelvin: The Order of Peace, by Alan Dean Foster.
  • June - TOS: Agents of Influence, by Dayton Ward.
  • August - Kelvin: More Beautiful Than Death, by David Mack
  • To be scheduled - Discovery novel, by John Jackson Miller.
  • To be scheduled - Voyager: To Lose the Earth, by Kirsten Beyer.

There's a lot to take in there! The cancelled Kelvin timeline novels are back at last, new Picard tie-ins (a comic was announced too), and there were also hints at efforts to keep the novel continuity as we know it in play somehow. It also looks like we're almost back to one novel a month. hurrah! Continue below for a closer look at everything.

Thursday 1 August 2019

STO: Awakening brings the game back to the 25th century, with Paul Stamets and a starship from a comic!

Star Trek Online's narrative is heading back to the 25th century in it's latest update, Awakening, which launches in September.

But they've still keeping plenty of Discovery seasoning, with a holographic version of Paul Stamets around to help with mycelial issues, and pesky Disco-Klingons led by J'Ula having travelling into their future. Here's how they describe what's coming in Awakening:
During Age of Discovery, players witnessed J’Ula and her Klingon forces steal Mycelial technology, which pulled them forward to the year 2410. Captains must now follow this ruthless Klingon matriarch back to the 25th century to ensure she doesn’t corrupt the entire Mycelial Network in pursuit of her own dangerous agenda. Unfortunately, the insurmountable threat J’Ula poses to the universe also draws out the Elachi, who fear her actions will lead to the destruction of their home planet - and they will stop at nothing to protect it. In order to complete their mission, Captains must rely on the help of an astromycologist expert, a sentient hologram of the legendary Lieutenant Commander Paul Stamets from the U.S.S. Discovery to help them track down J’Ula and repair the tears she’s caused in the fabric of space.

Awakening will also shine a new light on Patrols, with a system that makes them easier to find and easier to play – and offers new rewards. We’re celebrating this by launching five brand new Patrols with Awakening, that see you jetting around the galaxy with Stamets and STO favorites like Captain Kuumaarke, stopping Ju’la’s plans. In addition, there will be a Mycelial Event coming which allows you to earn a new T6 Elachi ship by completing the new episode, patrols and TFO.
Here's a teaser trailer, which is very much about teasing the Stamets-ness of things to come:

Wednesday 31 July 2019

Discovery: Away Mission VR experience on the way from Sandbox VR

Sandbox VR have announced a new Star Trek: Discovery virtual reality experience, Away Mission, which they are taking great delight in promoting as a holodeck experience.

The game promises to make you, and a group of friends, part of the crew of the Discovery, exploring the ship, working with the crew, and playing with Disco tech. Here's how they describe it:
The Star Trek: Discovery Away Mission warps you and your crew aboard the U.S.S. Discovery where you'll be guided by Starfleet officer Sylvia Tilly. Your mission is to investigate a distress signal from a lost spaceship. Gear up on phasers and tricorders, explore an ice moon and locate the spaceship.
And here's a trailer, which riffs on the Discovery opening credits, while detailing what the experience will offer:



Eaglemoss Starship book previews: Voyager book coming, Disco cutaway and concept art, and more!

Lots of previews of forthcoming Eaglemoss starships books today. Continue below for the latest Designing Starships and Shipyards books. But first, let's get up to date on the Illustrated Handbook series.

The series began recently with a book focusing on the Enterprise-D, with content mostly previously published in the long out of print Star Trek Fact Files, including numerous gorgeous cutaway diagrams and other illustrations covering every aspect of the ship, equipment, and uniforms.

The second book discussed below is on the way soon, and now Eaglemoss have announced a third. Due out in April is the USS Voyager NCC-74656 Illustrated Handbook. Like other Eaglemoss releases, this will be offered on it's own, or packed with an Eaglemoss starship model, Voyager of course. There's no cover art yet, but here's the blurb:
Captain Kathryn Janeway's Starship Voyager! Lavishly illustrated with detailed technical information, this third volume in the Illustrated Handbook series features the U.S.S. Voyager from the hit Star Trek TV series.

This book is an in-depth, illustrated account of the Intrepid-class U.S.S. Voyager NCC-74656. Showing Captain Janeway's 24th century ship in detail, it opens with the ship's operational history and features illustrations of all the key locations from the bridge to the shuttlebay; the deflector relay control room to the stasis chamber.

With illustrations and technical information from official sources, this book provides an extraordinary reference guide to this iconic ship.
Meanwhile coming in October is the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 and 1701-A Illustrated Handbook. Covering every prime timeline iteration of the original Enterprise, this book has some very exciting brand new content too, with coverage of the Discovery version of the Enterprise, nestled between the classic Pike era design, and the Kirk era version. Continue below to check out the Disco-Enterprise cutaway bridge, uniform and equipment diagrams, and more, as well as look at the classic content.

These new previews come via Amazon; see my previous report for even more preview pages, including the complete contents listing for the book.:

Star Trek Wines brings us real Chateau Picard

Wines that Rock have launched a new Star Trek Wines range, with two Star Trek themed wines at launch, including a pretty cool twist on Star Trek theming: A Chateau Picard wine bottled at the actual real Chateau Picard in Bordeaux, France. Continue below for the details.


Tuesday 30 July 2019

Book bits: Kirk Fu cover, Enterprise War excerpt, and more

Got a few book bits today, including new covers and excerpts from several books. Continue below to check them out:

First up, we have the long awaited cover reveal for Insight Edition's forthcoming Kirk Fu Manual. This guide to "Starfleet's most feared martial art" is written by Dayton Ward (of course), with illustrations by Christian Cornia. It's been pushed back in the schedule from the original planned release, so you've got until March next year before you can start preparing yourself for self defense Kirk style:

Monday 29 July 2019

The Motion Picture returning to cinemas and maybe a home video upgrade too

This year is the 40th anniversary of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and there's already plenty in the planning to celebrate. We already knew about plans to reprint Gene Roddenberry's novelisation of the film, and an audiobook edition to match. And now there's news about the film itself coming back to screens big and small:

This September, on the 15th and 18th, Fathom Events will be bring the film back to (select) cinemas in the US - The first nationwide release since the original December 1979 showings. The film will be preceded by a behind the scenes featurette, The Longest Trek: Writing the Motion Picture, which comes from a previous bluray release. Tickets will be available from August 2nd on Fathom's website.


New Picard themed bluray collection to include brand new comic

CBS have announced a new bluray collection, Star Trek: Picard Movie and TV Collection. The set is due for release in October, ready to serve as a primer for the new Picard series of course.

The six-disc collection includes all four TNG movies (Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis) and two two-part episodes, each presented as a single movie-length edit, The Best of Both Worlds and Chain of Command.

However rather more tempting than any of that is that the set also includes an exclusive new comic! Continue below for all the details of that.


Sunday 28 July 2019

Star Trek Cats statues from Bradford Exchange

Not long ago Chronicle Collectables announced a new range of sculptures based on the Star Trek Cats series, but it turns out their not the only ones in the business for statuesque cats, as Bradford Exchange launched its own range back in March!

Like Chronicle, Bradford are mining TOS, with releases as part of their The Hamilton Collection range of collectable sculptures. Like many of Bradford's lines, the series comes as a subscription. So far four character have been revealed in the collection, called Space Cat Crusaders: Cat-tain Kirk, Mist-purr Spock, Lieutenant Uh-purr-a, and Doc-purr McCoy.


Saturday 27 July 2019

IDW's Star Trek comics for October

IDW have released their solicitations for October, which include three new Star Trek comics. Continue below for all the details of those, and other Star Trek comics updates:

Aftermath #3
Writtern by Kirsten Beyer and Mike Johnson, with art by Tony Shasteen.
You saw the stunning conclusion of the second season of Star Trek: Discovery—now prepare yourselves for the ending of the Aftermath! With the fragile peace between the Klingons and the Federation hanging by a thread, Spock, Captain Pike, and Chancellor L’Rell make a last stand against the forces threatening to ignite a new galactic war!
This will be offered in two covers, with the A cover coming from Angel Hernandez. A photo cover (not yet released) will be offered as a retail incentive:


First starship model reveal from Picard is... a PC!

Cherry Tree, makers of Borg Cube PCs have teased a forthcoming Picard tie-in release, the first model ship so far seen from the series. Due to be exhibited at the Star Trek Las Vegas convention is the Star Trek: Picard Borg Cube ATX Limited Collectors Edition - Which one assumes is a new version of their larger Borg Cube PC model.

They've shared a couple of pictures of the finishing touches being put to what is now a familiar Borg Cube variation seen in the Picard trailer, giving us a slightly closer look at the new variant design -Is it battle damaged? Is that a baby Borg Cube about to pop out the corner? Is it a Star Trek Armada II style Fusion Cube? (Ok probably not the last one) Who knows! But hopefully we'll at least get a better look from all sides when it arrives at the convention.


Friday 26 July 2019

Round 2 Model's Discovery model kit updates, and many reissues

Round 2 Models are zipping through their promised collection of Discovery starship model kits, with two already out, and a third coming soon. Continue below to check them all out, as well as details of reissues of Round 2 and Revell ships from other series:

The third Discovery kit will be the USS Enterprise, which like the previous Disco kits will be a 1:2500 scale model. The new box art for this has just started showing up with retailers; Entertainment Earth are expecting it as soon as next month!


Stick-upz expand line with life size characters, and Enterprise and Section 31 designs

Star Trek sticker makers Stick-Upz have expanded their range of Discovery stickers with several new releases.

Back in January they launched with a USS Discovery themed set of stickers, and have now added an Enterprise set with a similar mix of characters, ships, and emblems:


Tribbles get an upgrade, now app-enabled and interactive

Tribbles just got an upgrade. The little balls of fluff have been available for years, including ones that makes sounds and vibrate. But now Science Division have bred the next generation of tribbles, with interactive features enabled via a mobile app!


Here's how Science Division describe the new tribble's abilities:
Download the Section K-7 app to change your Tribble's mode, and to make it scream at your friends by alerting your Tribble that the person holding it is a Klingon. You don't need the app to change your Tribble's mode. Use the mode button on your Tribble, to interact without the app.

Science Division Tribbles have three modes:

At Ease: Your Tribble is not searching for Klingons. It will trill to acknowledge you when you interact with it. It will also trill on its own without being picked up because, well, it's a Tribble. When left alone, your Tribble will continue to trill, but will do so less frequently to avoid irritating its human companion.

On Duty: Your Tribble will begin actively seeking Klingon agents. Pass it around to determine who is an ally, and who is an enemy among us. It will trill when it meets a friend, but it will scream if it detects a Klingon!

Watchdog: If you must leave personal items unattended, set your Tribble on top of the object that you wish to protect. If a Klingon agent attempts to retrieve that object, your Tribble will alert you with a scream!

Wednesday 24 July 2019

The Q Conflict #6 covers and preview

Out this week is the sixth and final issue in IDW's series-spanning crossover The Q Conflict, IDW's big multi-series crossover event. In IDW's long history of exotic crossovers, just bringing together the various Star Trek crews has managed to be one of the strangest so far; and this finale only takes that further, with among other things, armies of Mugatu, living chess topiary, and a horse! All that comes from writers Scott and David Tipton, with David Messina and Elisabetta D’Amico on art duties.

The covers for this issue come from the usual gang for the series: David Messina (and colourist Alessandra Alexakis) provide both the A and B covers, forming a diptych featuring the series captain's and the the gaggle of omnipotent beings that cause them strife in this story. Meanwhile George Caltsoudas final retail incentive cover for the series also features the captains, and their ships.

Continue below to check out all the covers, and a five page preview.


Monday 22 July 2019

QMx reveal Chekov 1:6 scale action figure

QMx have revealed the latest character to join their range of 1:6 scale Star Trek action figures, in a display at the San Diego Comic Con this weekend. Almost completing the main TOS crew (with Uhura still to come) we have our first look at Mr Chekov (images via the QMx Twitter):


Sunday 21 July 2019

New official Star Trek podcast on the way

Nestled among yesterday's exciting updates on forthcoming Star Trek TV projects was a brief mention of another new Star Trek venture, an official podcast, which will be called Prime Directive: The Official Star Trek Podcast.

The podcast will be co-hosted by Tawny Newsome, a podcaster (Yo, Is This Racist?), comedian and actor (Brockmire, The Comedy Get Down, Bajillion Dollar Propertie$), and musician, and surely most importantly, the voice of Ensign Beckett Mariner in the new animated series Lower Decks. The other host has not yet been announced.

StarTrek.com gave this summary of what to expect:
With unparalleled access to Star Trek luminaries and behind-the-scenes creative professionals, this official podcast will take a smart, witty and thoughtful look at all things “Trek”– both old and new. Offering a high-level discussion of the themes, ideas and characters that resonate across the history of the franchise’s storied universe, episodes will also explore the brand’s 50-plus year legacy and influence in an accessible and inclusive way for dedicated and casual Star Trek fans alike.
Each episode features an in-depth personal interview with a notable guest, coverage of a Star Trek event, or a discussion of a specific topic with one or more guests. Listeners will also be able to hear updates about new projects and take part in a regular quiz segment. Guests will include the cast and creative teams behind upcoming, current and legacy projects, as well as noted writers, performers, critics, scientists, musicians, historians and scholars – all offering fresh perspectives as the franchise continues to expand with a range of new projects.

Saturday 20 July 2019

Picard trailer is here to blow your mind

CBS revealed a bunch of very exciting surprises about Picard at the San Diego Comic Con today, with the release of a new trailer that brings us more familiar faces that we might have hoped for, and sets the scenes for a whole new Trek. Check it out (on Instagram is geolocked YouTube fails you):



Short Treks and Discovery season 3 previews

At the San Diego Comic Con today CBS announced a whole bunch of new Short Treks episodes, and revealed some new bits regarding Discovery season three. Continue below for more:

First up, without spoiling anything, check out this awesome trailer for forthcoming Short Treks (also on Instagram if geolocked YouTube lets you down):



Lower Decks characters revealed

CBS have given us our first look at the characters from the forthcoming new animated comedy Star Trek series, Lower Decks. The first season has been confirmed as being ten episodes long, and starting in 2020. Continue below to check them all out:

Revealed at the San Diego Comic Con today, and as previously hinted, the series will focus on a group of lower rank crew members working in the background on a "not important starship". The main characters will be a group of four ensigns aboard the California class USS Cerritos (a new and as yet unseen design), a Starfleet support ship:


Star Trek homewares round-up: Bottle stoppers and openers, stationary, and soap!

Got a gaggle of Star Trek stuff for practical and decorative use at home today, including pop-up cards, coasters, and even soap! But first, a whole new range of drink-accessories.

Revealed at this week's San Diego Comic Con, Factory Entertainment have been showing off a forthcoming range of Star Trek bottle stoppers and bottle openers. Figures.com got the following pictures. First up, there are two showy starship wine stoppers, the USS Enterprise and a Klingon D7. These, and everything else in this range, are described as "coming soon":


Thursday 18 July 2019

IDW announce mirror universe Voyager comic, and other comics updates

A few comics updates today, starting with a notable new announcement from IDW: The first stand-alone Voyager comic is almost two decades! Coming in October will be Mirrors and Smoke, a mirror universe Voyager one-shot, which will be the first in a new series of mirror universe one-shots, with DS9 and TOS issues to follow later - Presumably these are all in the continuity of IDW's recent series of TNG mirror universe comics.

The Voyager book will be written by Paul Allor with art by IDW's mirror universe specialist and painter extraordinaire J.K. Woodward. Here's a blurb from the press release:
Voyager: Mirrors and Smoke introduces Captain Janeway of the Voyager, a rebel ship stranded in the Delta Quadrant, far from the ruins of the Terran Empire. When Janeway crowns herself Pirate Queen of the Quadrant, the locals – including scavengers Neelix and Kes – won’t give up without a fight. Amid this conflict, the crew of the Voyager has a second problem on their hands: just who is the Terran calling herself Annika Hansen, and can she be trusted?
And here's the first look at the mirror crew on the Woodward cover for the issue:


Tuesday 16 July 2019

Mego reveal new Khan action figure, and Spock gift set

Mego have revealed their new Khan action figure, which will be seeking his wrath with the seventh wave of releases from the reborn Mego brand this September. Continue below to check him out, as well as a new Spock gift set, and new images of the latest releases

Khan will be one of three new Star Trek figures in mego's next wave, appropriately joined by Admiral Kirk and Captain Spock - They will be released Separately, but you can order them as a bundle from Entertainment Earth. These will be the first Mego figures outside the TOS TV era in the current run (although DST released a couple of TNG figures when they did Mego figures a few years ago).

Mego Museum released these first look photos of the Khan figure, along with previews of other non-Trek wave seven characters. Kirk and Spock are yet to be seen, although I doubt we'll have long to wait with San Diego Comic Con coming up.


Book bits: Next Discovery novel details, Too Many Tribbles preview, and more

Got a few book updates today, including a look at the new Tribbles book! But first, new book news!

There have been a handful of mystery new books with "Untitled" listings floating about for a few months now, and the first of those just got a title! Due out in December is Dead Endless, the next Discovery novel, which will be written by Dave Galanter. This book will focus on Paul Stamets and the spore drive, and according to Enterprising Individuals, who had a chat with Galanter at the recent Shore Leave convention, Airiam will also get some attention. TrekToday have released the following blurb, via a press release they were sent:
The U.S.S. Discovery’s specialty is using its spore-based hub drive to jump great distances faster than any warp-faring vessel in Starfleet. To do this, Lieutenant Paul Stamets navigates the ship through the recently revealed mycelial network, a subspace domain Discovery can briefly transit but in which it cannot remain. After responding to a startling distress call originating from within the network, the Discovery crew find themselves trapped in an inescapable realm where they will surely perish unless their missing mycelial fuel is found or restored. Is the seemingly-human man found alone and alive inside the network the Starfleet officer he claims to be, or an impostor created by alien intruders who hope to extract themselves from the mycelial plane at the expense of all lives aboard Discovery?
There's no cover yet, but surely it will feature Stamets (and some spores?).

Sunday 14 July 2019

Eaglemoss starship book updates

Eaglemoss' range of starship-related reference books has just had it's latest release, and I've got previews of several other recent and forthcoming releases. Continue below to check the latest from the Illustrated Handbooks, Shipyards, and Designing Starships series.

First up, the latest series from Eaglemoss is the Illustrated Handbooks, which pull together material previously published in the Star Trek Fact Files, a part work magazine long out of print, to give us a detailed and lavishly illustrated guide to all the systems. The second book in that series, due in October, will focus on the original 1701 and the 1701-A, and interestingly that includes brand new content that integrates the Discovery version of the Enterprise into the overall history of the ship

Like previous Eaglemoss releases, the book is also being offered paired with a model ship, and images of that version of the book have now been released, giving us a look at the packaging, as well as a peek inside the book: