Star Trek’s Kelvin Era Return Is Officially One Month Away

Published Oct 16, 2026, 7:55 PM EDT

The 2009 Star Trek reboot undoubtedly earned a divided, polarizing response from Trekkies, with some loving the modernized return and others criticizing its abandonment of traditional science-fiction depth in favor of a fast-paced action blockbuster. However, most fans can agree that the reboot brought together a fantastic A-list cast to portray the franchise’s most iconic characters.

Actors including Chris Pine (James T. Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), and Karl Urban (Dr. McCoy) became the defining faces of the Kelvin Timeline, going on to carry its legacy across the era’s three main projects: Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), and Star Trek Beyond (2016). Whether you loved or hated these three movies, they served as an excellent gateway into Star Trek for newcomers, opening the franchise to a whole new generation of Trekkies.

Now, 17 years after the Kelvin Era’s first release and 10 years after Beyond, this era returns next month in Star Trek: The Kelvin Era.

Everything Trekkies Need To Know About The Kelvin Timeline's November Return

Main Cover for Star Trek: The Kelvin Era–IDW Classic Collections (2026)

Star Trek: The Kelvin Era–IDW Classic Collections is a new release that brings fans back to the world of the 2009 movie in an oversized, 344-page paperback edition. The collection will be available to purchase for $13.99 on November 17, 2026.

Brought to life by the creative talents of writers Mike Johnson, Tim Jones, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci, alongside artists David Messina and Giovanna Niro, this 6 x 9-inch collection will bring together three graphic novels that tie directly into the movie: the official movie prequel Star Trek: Countdown, Star Trek: Nero, and Star Trek: The Official Motion Picture Adaptation.

This upcoming publication is perfect for fans looking to revisit the Kelvin Timeline's beginnings and learn more about the events and characters surrounding the 2009 film in a format beyond the movies. It also offers a convenient entry point for readers who have watched the films but haven't explored the franchise's comic-book tie-ins. With this collection, fans won't just revisit the movie; they'll also discover bonus content that explores the film's backstory, expands on one of its central villains, and retells the movie itself.

The official synopsis for this collection reads: “In the 2009 movie, Star Trek by J.J. Abrams, audiences were introduced to Nero, the mysterious Romulan who ultimately threatened the survival of the entire universe. Find out his origin and what drove him to perform such heinous deeds, as well as what he did in those cold, dark, lonely years he spent waiting for his nemesis to arrive.”

While this comic return to the Kelvin Era may not be the live-action comeback fans wanted, they shouldn't dismiss it too quickly, since this collection features comics directly tied to and inspired by the 2009 movie. The fact that it includes work from some of the film's screenwriters, including Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, makes it even more notable and establishes a direct creative connection between the movie and the collection. So, if you're itching for more of Star Trek's Kelvin Timeline, this collection is a great addition to your bookshelf.

Star Trek: The Kelvin Era–IDW Classic Collections from IDW Publishing will be available to read on November 17, 2026!