The Mirror War #2 comic preview, covers, and artwork

The latest issue in IDW's The Mirror War(ad) year-long comic event is available now; with issue two(ad) of the main series within the event released last week. Continue below to check out lots of covers, a five-page preview, and behind the scenes artwork.

While this story is focused mostly on TNG characters, the TNG title was dropped off before the series launched, and this issue might point to why, as it brings in Regent Worf from DS9 along with several other DS9 characters, not to mention more TNG cameos, and event a little love for Enterprise!

The book and series is written by Scott and David Tipton, with art by Gavin Smith, and colour from Charlie Kirchoff. Like the previous issue it's available in no less than four different covers! The A cover(ad) is painted by J.K. Woodward, and prominently features Worf, framed by several of the TNG crew. The B cover(ad) is by Amanda Madriaga and features Sisko and Ro. There's also a rarer retail incentive cover(ad) by Mark Alvarado and also features Ro. And on top of that there's also a really cool Worf cover by Zach Howard with colour by Nelson Dániel, which is an online exclusive - I'm not sure exclusive to where though; the similar issue-one cover was associated with a convention, so maybe we can expect similar.

The Mirror War #1 comic preview, covers, and artwork

Out this week is issue one(ad) of IDW's new mirror universe comic event series The Mirror War(ad) - Although if you're following the series it will feel more like the second issue, as it was preceded by an issue zero(ad). Building on IDW's three previous TNG mirror universe miniseries(ad), this eight issue series, with numerous one-shot side stories also promised, will expand on the story of the remnant of the Terran Empire still active in the 24th century, and the grand ambition of mirror-Picard and crew. The core series in the event is written by Scott and David Tipton, with art by Gavin Smith, coloured by Charlie Kirchoff. 

This first issue is offered in no less than four covers! The A cover(ad) featuring mirror-Picard and a montage of other characters and ships, is by J.K. Woodward; who created the look of the IDW TNG-mirror universe crew in their first miniseries, and has been involved in some capacity with all the subsequent outings. The B cover(ad) featuring echoes of Barclay, is by Amanda Madriga. There's then a rarer retail incentive cover(ad) by Mark Alvarado, featuring a shattered vision of Data. Finally there's the most elusive cover of all an online exclusive convention cover(ad) offered as part of the New York Comic Con last weekend, which features Picard, as illustrated by Zach Howard and Nelson Daniel.

Continue below to check out all those covers, a five-page preview, and artwork from the book. Look out for cool stuff including the Enterprise-D's captain's yacht in action, and black versions of the Insurrection-style dress uniforms!

Year Five #25 preview and artwork

This past week brought us issue 25(ad) of the Star Trek: Year Five(ad) comic series, the bumper epilogue issue which bridges the end of the Five Year Mission on towards the world of The Motion Picture. Almost the entire creative team of the two year maxiseries returned to contribute to this final issue, which was written by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Jody Houser, Paul Cornell, Jim McCann, and Brandon Easton, with art by Carlos Nieto, Silvia Califano, Angel Hernandez, J.J. Lendl, Megan Levens, and Christopher Jones, all coloured by Charlie Kirchoff!

The book is available in two different covers, with the regular cover artists for the series of course also return: The main cover(ad) is by Stephen Thompson with colour by Charlie Kirchoff, while the rarer retail incentive cover(ad) is by J.J. Lendl. Continue below to check them out, plus a five page preview from the book, and come behind the scenes art:

The Mirror War: Data comic covers, blurb, and art teases

IDW's TNG mirror universe comic series The Mirror War(ad) is due to get its first character focused one shot in Data(ad), details of which have been announced in IDW's latest round of solicitations. Taking a break from the main eight-issue run, December will bring the first of four one-shot side-steps in the year long comic event. The Mirror War: Data takes on a different creative team to the core series, with Celeste Bronfman writing and Roberta Ingranata providing artwork. Here's the blurb for the book:

The spotlight turns to Data in this one-shot set in the Mirror Universe of The Next Generation! Expand upon the world of The Mirror War!

 Data and Barclay’s relationship has been strained since Barclay returned from the Prime universe. When Barclay becomes preoccupied with revenge, Data determines to help him right past wrongs so that the human can return to peak operating efficiency. Can the two put aside their differences and work together?

The comic will be offered in three covers, all featuring Data and Barclay. There's the A cover(ad), also by Roberta Ingranata, the B cover(ad) by Ejiwa "Edge" Ebenebe, or a more elusive retail incentive cover by Tom Ralston. Continue below to check them all out.

Year Five #24 covers, preview pages, and artwork

This week the Star Trek: Year Five(ad) comic series brings two-years of story-telling to and end with the final part of it's three-part finale, in issue 24(ad) of the series. This issue pulls together the threads of Bright Eyes and the Tholians, Gary Seven, and the crew of the Enterprise, with a healthy dollop of creative time travel. Brought to us by writers Jackson Lanzig and Collin Kelly, artist Silvia Califano and Elisabetta D'Amico, and colourist Charlie Kirchoff.

The book is offered in two different covers, either the main cover(ad) by Stephen Thompson featuring Captain Kirk and Gary Seven, or the rarer retail incentive cover(ad) J.J. Lendl, which is a travel poster style design advertising a visit to the Federation Council. Continue below to check out both covers, preview pages, behind the scenes art, and a new cover for the forthcoming epilogue issue.

The Mirror War #0 comic preview, plus behind the scenes art and new cover

This past week brought the launch of the new TNG mirror universe comic, The Mirror War(ad), with issue #0(ad) setting the scene before an eight-part series, and four character-focusesd one-shots carry on this mirror epic for most of the next year!

This first book in the series is written by Scott and David Tipton, with art by Carlos Nieto, and colours by DC Alonso. It is offered in three different covers, with the A-cover(ad) also by Nieto featuring a flag waving Picard and crew. The B-cover(ad), more tightly focused on Picard and Data, is by Ejiwa "Edge" Ebenebe. The final cover by Tom Ralston, is a rarer retail incentive variant(ad), and also features Picard and Data, with a space battle to one side. Continue below to check them all out, plus a five-page preview from this book, some behind the scenes art from the series, and a new cover for a future issue too!

IDW The Mirror War comic updates

IDW 's big Star Trek event for the next year or so is The Mirror War(ad), the latest entry in their occasional mostly-TNG based mirror universe continuity, and their latest round of solicitations, other cover releases, and some artist teases, give us a few hints of where that series is going. Continue below to check out new covers and art:

The latest announced issue, The Mirror War #2(ad), is due out in November, and will be written by David and Scott Tipton, with art by Gavin Smith (as is the whole main series in this year-long event). Here's the blurb, noting an appearance by "The Obnoxious Okona":

Return to the Mirror Universe of The Next Generation with this brand-new series from writers David & Scott Tipton! 

When one of Picard’s secret supply caches is raided by “The Obnoxious Okona”—putting an obstacle in the way of the crew getting to Faundori—the Captain vows revenge. Meanwhile, Worf remains on their trail…

The book will be offered in three different covers, and all three have already been revealed, with more characters due to appear identified from the artwork. 

The A cover(ad) by J.K. Woodward prominently features Worf, alongside a Klingon Bird of Prey, La Forge, Beverly and Wesley Crusher, and a Cardassian. The B cover(ad) by Amanda Madriaga meanwhile brings us Benjamin Sisko and Ro Laren. Ro is also prominent on Mark Alvarado rarer retailer incentive variant cover.

Year Five #23 covers, preview pages, and artwork

Issue twenty-three(ad) of IDW's Star Trek: Year Five(ad) comic series was released last week, and is the middle book in the three-part finale story for the series, Ithaca. Continue below to check out covers, preview pages, and some cool behind the scenes art.

The book, and entire final story, is written by Jackson Lanzig and Collin Kelly, with art for this issue by Stephen Thompson, inked by Elisabetta D'Amico, and coloured by Charlie Kirchoff. As usual is it available in a choice of two covers; the main one(ad) is also by Stephen Thompson (coloured by Charlie Kirchoff) and features the USS Enterprise bursting free of a Tholian web; or you can track down a rarer retail incentive cover(ad) by JJ Lendl, this issue styled in the form of a promotional poster for the Constitution class refit program. Check them out:

IDW mirror universe comic updates

IDW and their artists have announced new mirror universe comic details for both the new Mirror War series starting later this year, and other releases. Continue below for the latest.

Following the announcement of the TNG mega-series The Mirror War back in May IDW have been a bit quiet on actual release dates for the series, but the new solicitations for October releases have now pinned issue #1 down to a release that month. There's also been an update in the creative team, with Gavin Smith now filling art duties on the series. As previously announced, Scott and David Tipton will be writing.

The series also seems to have been rebranded slightly, referred to simply as Star Trek: The Mirror War, rather than being under the TNG banner specifically. Here's the blurb for Star Trek: The Mirror War #1:

Return to the Mirror Universe of The Next Generation with this brand-new series from writers David & Scott Tipton, where familiar faces and exciting new surprises await around every corner!

To conquer the Mirror Universe, Captain Picard must first seize control of the ship-building planet of Faundori! The only problem? Faundori is inside Klingon-Cardassian Alliance territory…

The book will be offered in three different covers, with the main one painted by J.K Woodward. IDW have released previews of this with the full cover treatment and the art only:

Star Trek: Year Five finale begins, with #22, Ithaca, part 1. Preview and artwork.

Last week began Ithaca, the final story in IDW's Star Trek: Year Five(ad) comic series. Issue twenty-two(ad) of the series is the first of a three-part finale written by Jackson Lanzig and Collin Kelly and artists Stephen Thompson and Elisabetta D'Amico, and offers both the start of an exciting explosive end to the series, and some impactful emotional moments. Continue below to check out the covers, a five-page preview, and some impressive behind the scenes artwork.

As usual for the series, the book is offered in two covers, either the main one(ad), which is also by Stephen Thompson (coloured by Charlie Kirchoff), or the rarer retail incentive cover(ad) by JJ Lendl, this time leaning into the Greek mythology references of the story. Check them out:

Year Five #21: The Raptor's Wings part 2 cover, excerpt, and behind the scenes. Plus other Year Five updates

Last week brought us issue twenty-one(ad) of IDW's Star Trek: Year Five(ad) comic series, which was part two of the Vulcan time travel story The Raptor's Wings. Continue below for a five-page preview from that book, plus some behind the scenes art, and other updates from the Year Five series.

The Raptor's Wings was written by Brandon Easton, with art by Silvia Califano and colour from DC Alonso. As usual for the series, you can find it in two covers, either the main one(ad) by Stephen Thompson (coloured by Charlie Kirchoff), or the rarer retail incentive cover(ad) by JJ Lendl, in retro travel poster style. Check them out, plus the preview pages from the book:

IDW return to TNG's mirror universe in The Mirror War

IDW have announced a big new comics project set to start later this year. After a little while away from the mirror universe they are returning in 13-issue year-long event, Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Mirror War.

Following up on the previous three TNG mirror miniseries Mirror Broken(ad), Through the Mirror(ad), and Terra Incognita(ad), the series will begin with an issue zero one-shot in September, with an eight-issue miniseries to follow. That will be interspersed with tie-in character-focused specials, the first of which will focus on Data and release in December. IDW promise that:

the 13-part saga will chart Mirror Picard’s path of conquest across all of the Mirror Universe, stoking the wrath of the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance along the way.

The series will be written by Scott and David Tipton, who previously wrote all the preceding TNG mirror comics (and many other IDW Trek titles). The #0 issue will be illustrated by Carlos Neto, who also worked on several of the previous TNG mirror books. Here's how IDW describe that issue:

...a new story of “Mirror Picard” as he’s summoned to Earth to face the wrath of his emperor, deftly weaving threads from past Mirror Universe tales in a way entertaining to newcomers and the initiated alike.

UPDATE: IDW's August solicitations, in which The Mirror War #0 is the only Star Trek release (rather than September?), include this blurb as well:

Get caught up with the Mirror Enterprise-D before its crew—helmed by Jean-Luc Picard—faces new threats and challenges in the upcoming Mirror War event!

Following the failure of the attempt to steal ships from the Prime Universe, Picard and the Mirror Crew are called back to Earth to report to the Emperor personally… so long as they can survive the trip!   

This issue will be offered in three different covers; either cover A by Carlos Nieto, Cover B by Ejiwa “Edge” Ebenebe, or a retail incentive cover by Bex Glendining. IDW have released the A cover so far:

IDW Year Five comic previews and art

IDW have recently released details of their July releases, which include just one new Star Trek comic, the epilogue to soon to be concluded TOS: Year Five maxiseries. Continue below for details of that, more Year Five art, and other Star Trek comics updates.

Year Five #25: Experienced in Loss(ad), will be a bumper-size epilogue to the series, which will be written by all the writers from the series: Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Jody Houser, Brandon Easton, Jim McCann, and Paul Cornell. They are joined by almost all of the series' artists: Angel Hernandez, Silvia Califano, Stephen Thompson, and Christopher Jones. Here's the solicitation blurb:

The five-year mission may be over, but now it’s time for the next adventure to begin. Join the crew of the Enterprise for the end of an old chapter and the beginning of a new.  This special, oversized epilogue from the entire Year Five writing team bridges the gap between the end of the five-year mission and the beginning of Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

As usual, the book will be offered in two different covers. The main one, not yet revealed, will be by Stephen Thompson, whil J.J. Lendl provided the rarer retail incentive cover, which has been previewed:

Year Five #20: The Raptor's Wings, part 1 preview

Out this week is issue twenty(ad) of IDW's Star Trek: Year Five(ad) comic series, which is the first half of a new story arc, The Raptor's Wings, written by Brandon Easton with art by Silvia Califano, and colour from DC Alonso. This chapter sees Spock transported back to the Time of Awakening, giving us a look at Mad Max-esque ancient Vulcan, and a fresh take on Vulcan and Romulan history. Half way in, this is already a highlight of a generally excellent series! 

As ever the book is offered in two different covers. The main cover(ad) by Stephen Thompson gives us Spock standing beneath those raptor's wings. Alternatively, the rarer retail incentive cover(ad) by JJ Lendl is a retro movie style poster also featuring Spock, this time within the silhouette of the raptor as seen on the Romulan Bird of Prey.

Continue below to check out both covers, and a five page preview:

The Gift and First Contact comic previews

This past week IDW delivered a double dose of TNG comic reprints. One was specifically to mark First Contact Day, and the other ended up with a surprising connection to this week's big announcements too. Continue below to check out the details and preview pages of The Gift and First Contact in comic form.

Released as a special one shot, The Gift(ad) is a facsimile edition of what was originally a DC Comics annual from 1990. This Q story was written by no less than Q himself, John de Lancie, with some additional dialogue from Star Trek comic writer and novelist Michael Jan Freidman. Art for the book is by DC regulars Gordon Purcell and Pablo Marcos, with colour from Julianna Ferriter. 

Of course de Lancie was announced just this week to be returning as Q soon in Picard season two, so this seems a nice moment to revisit his own take on Q. This particular book was written when Q was still very new, presenting him firmly as a menace to the crew, and still largely an enigma. It sees Q take Picard on a trip to his past, as well as a dark alternate timeline. One of the highlights of Q in comic form here is the choice of how to present him, made of space and stars in many scenes, and toying with the fabric of the universe. The story also has a lot of visual fun in how Q and Picard visit the past, including turning them into ducks! 

For this new printing IDW had J.K. Woodward create a new painted edition of the cover based on the original design by J.K. Moore. Otherwise it seems to be a straight reprint, so one to fill a gap in your collection if you've not picked up the original before.

Year Five covers and updates, and other Star Trek comics news

IDW have released their June released, which include two Star Trek titles. Continue below for the details of those, and other Star Trek comic updates.

June will see just one new Star Trek comic, the finale of the magnificent TOS: Year Five series. As with the rest of the three-part story, issue twenty-four is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, with art by Stephen Thompson. Here's the blurb:

Their journey has taken them to the edge of the known universe and beyond. They’ve faced down impossible odds, conquered incredible enemies, and now, here in the shadow of home, their mission will come to an end... and nothing will ever be the same. The crew of the Enterprise will put it all on the line in the grand finale of Star Trek: Year Five from showrunners Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly (Gotham City Garage, Green Arrow) and artist Stephen Thompson (Satellite Falling, Die Hard: Year One).

As usual the book will be offered in two different covers, with the main by Thompson as well, and a more elusive retail incentive cover by JJ Lendl. So far just the latter has been revealed:

Year Five heads towards its finale in IDW's May comic releases

IDW have released their solicitations for May, which include a double dose of Year Five(ad), as the final three-part story in the series begins. Continue below for all the details of those, other updates from the series, and more comics news.

Year Five's finale, Ithaca, begins in issue 22(ad). The original creative team that began the series is returning; writers Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly, and artist Stephen Thompson. Here's the blurb:

For five years, the U.S.S. Enterprise and her crew have journeyed to the edge of the known universe, tackling impossible challenges and menacing foes along the way. But the biggest challenge of all awaits them here at home... and no matter what happens, the lives of Captain Kirk and his crew will be changed forever. The grand finale of Star Trek: Year Five begins here with a new issue from showrunners Jackson Lanzing & Collin Kelly (Gotham City Garage, Green Arrow) and artist Stephen Thompson (Satellite Falling, Die Hard: Year One).

The book is offered in the usual choice of two covers, with Thompson also behind the main cover, which features Kirk departing the Enterprise bridge. Alternatively the rarer retail incentive cover is by JJ Lendl, who is this time drawing on the ancient Greek theme of the title:

Year Five #19: On the Death of a Friend, part 2 preview, and other Year Five updates

Out this week is issue nineteen(ad) of IDW's TOS comic maxiseries Year Five(ad), which is part two of the Doctor McCoy focused medical mystery story, On the Death of a Friend. Continuing from the previous issue, the book is written by Jim McCann, with art by Angel Hernandez, and colours by Fran Gamboa.

As usual you can pick this up in two different covers; either the main cover(ad) by Stephen Thompson (coloured by Charlie Kirchoff) which features Isis, Sulu and Chekov, who also feature prominently in this chapter. Or alternatively there's a rarer retail incentive(ad) design by JJ Lendl, with a quarantine twist on their ongoing series of travel poster designs.

Continue below to check out the covers and a five page preview, plus other updates from the series.

Seven's Reckoning #4 covers and preview pages

Out this week is the fourth and final issue(ad) of IDW's Voyager comic miniseries, Seven's Reckoning(ad). The series has been written by Dave Baker, with art by Angel Hernandez, colours by Ronda Pattison. This final chapter, titled The Endless Echo of Hate, sees Janeway and Seven at odds with what to do about the aliens they have encountered in this series.

As has been the case throughout the series, this issue is available in three different covers: The A coverA cover(ad) is also by Hernandez and Pattison, and is one of those covers that features a scene not exactly in the comic, but sums up separate events in the book. The B cover(ad) is a photo-cover featuring Tuvok. Or there's the rarer retail incentive cover(ad) by Jeffrey Veregge, which offers a touching epilogue to the series

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

Year Five comic updates

IDW have released their solicitations for April, which include just one new Star Trek comic, the latest issue in the Year Five series. Continue below for all the details of that, and some other Year Five updates.

Issue 21 of Year Five(ad) is part two of the Vulcan/Romulan time travel story, The Raptor's Wings. The story is written by Brandon Easton, with art from Silvia Califano. Here's the blurb:

With Spock still missing, the crew of the Enterprise needs to figure out where—and when—he is if they want to save the future! Meanwhile, on Vulcan, Spock is faced with a choice that won’t only change his life, but Vulcan society as he knows it! The final voyages of the original mission continue in this episode from writer Brandon Easton (Transformers: War for Cybertron, Thundercats) and artist Silvia Califano (Star Trek: Year Five, X-Files: Case Files)

The book will be available in two different covers, and both have been previewed already. The main cover featuring Spock with the Stone of Gol, and a Vulcan and Romulan, is by Stephen Thompson, while a more elusive retail incentive cover is J.J. Lendl, the latest of their travel posters, advertising a time travel holiday to "Ancient Vulcan at Civil War".