Star Trek: Red Shirts - Ghost of the 21st Century: Unraveling the Dark Secrets of Section Null
IDW Publishing has recently announced a new five-issue limited horror comic series titled “Star Trek: Red Shirts – Ghost of the 21st Century” in honor of the franchise's 60th anniversary. The comic delves into the infamous ‘red shirts’ trope from the original “Star Trek” series, where expendable crew members often met untimely deaths during away missions. This term has since become a symbol for characters introduced only to be quickly killed off, serving to highlight the dangers faced by more prominent characters.
Written by Gerry Duggan (“Deadpool”) and illustrated by Scott Buoncristiano (“Creepshow”), the series is set in the era of the original cast movies. The story follows Harry Deubert, a conscripted security officer who stumbles upon a dark secret involving Section Null, a clandestine Starfleet division that transforms disposable red shirts into valuable assets as part of a sinister conspiracy. Teaming up with Andorian officer Lyna Taval, Deubert delves into a dangerous investigation that exposes a betrayal within Starfleet Security and uncovers the true purpose behind the red shirts.
As the mystery unfolds, Deubert and Taval find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and danger, realizing that the red shirts are more than just cannon fodder. With the revelation of a treacherous plot threatening the Federation, the duo must confront the truth behind the red shirts and confront the forces working against them. The series promises a thrilling exploration of the darker side of the “Star Trek” universe, offering a fresh perspective on the iconic red shirts and the mysteries they hold.