It’s been somewhat quiet on the Star Trek: Voyager front for a number of years, despite the show seemingly having a surge in popularity after characters featured prominently in Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Prodigy. Even Star Trek: Discovery got in on the action, introducing the successor to Janeway’s vessel. The U.S.S. Voyager J, back in 2020 when its third season was airing.
Despite all that, Voyager’s 30th Anniversary almost passed without much fanfare. The ‘relaunch‘ novels wrapped up some time ago on somewhat of a cliffhanger. Prodigy hasn’t been renewed, and the last comic series for the show was published back in 2020 (although it is being re-released in an Omnibus this month). The last comic series, that is. Until now.
🖖 READ Star Trek: Voyager—Homecoming #1 –
SPOILER WARNING – This review will contain details of the twists and turns revealed in the first issue of Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming. If you haven’t read it yet, consider yourself duly warned!
Set A Course… For Home
The command that brought a lump to the throat of every Voyager fan when they first saw Endgame. The mirroring of Kate Mulgrew’s final words in Voyager’s pilot created a beautiful symmetry between the opening and closing episodes of the show. Fans watched on, eyes watering as Voyager was depicted on screen next to stand-ins for the hero ships of her era: a Galaxy, Defiant, even an Excelsior. Only to have the moment rudely interrupted by the names of the Executive Producers appearing on the screen, followed closely by the credits.
We had followed the crew of Voyager for 7 years (more, if, like me, you had to try and piece the series together with reruns and second-hand VHS purchases). After all that time, the finale definitely packed an emotional punch. But many fans have said over the years that they felt cheated. They wanted to see the crew actually get home. See Tom Paris hug his father and introduce his father’s granddaughter. Not just see Voyager almost reach orbit.
There was talk of there being a movie after Star Trek: Nemesis, which would unite the Captains. But then, well. Nemesis was Nemesis, and the momentum fell out from under the franchise and that particular idea. Garrett Wang has echoed the feelings of fans at conventions and on the Delta Flyers podcast. Saying that Endgame should have instead ended with a ‘To Be Continued…’ banner that would point fans to theatres to see the final installment, where Voyager actually gets home. That obviously didn’t happen. But now, we have a new comic book series to pick up where the show left off.
Captain Kathryn Janeway and her crew are back for one last adventure in celebration of Voyager’s 30th anniversary! Picking up where the series finale left off, Voyager has just returned to Earth. Everyone is looking forward to reuniting with their friends and family after the crucibles they’ve faced—but there is a deadly secret in store, one that takes the crew far from home. Voyager delves back into the breach, all those aboard determined to make it back to their loved ones no matter what, even if there’s hell to pay.
IDW Synopsis
Homecoming. No, not that Homecoming.
Fans of the Star Trek novels may have been confused by the news of this comic book series. I can reassure you that no, you’re not seeing double. You’re not misremembering either. The first novel of the Star Trek: Voyager relaunch was also called Homecoming. While I do love that book and I wouldn’t mind a graphic novel version. IDW’s new Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming is a new story.
For this new story, Star Trek: Prodigy consultants Tilly and Susan Bridges (Monster High, Star Trek Adventures, Fallout TTRPG) have teamed up with Sons of Star Trek artist Angel Hernandez (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine—The Dog of War, Godzilla: Here There Be Aliens)
They’ve set out, as IDW has told us, to spin a heart-pounding tale that pays homage to all that came before and deliver the ending fans have waited decades for. A bold promise. So does Homecoming live up to the hype?
Stardate 54795.1
The comic picks up, as one might have hoped, exactly where the series left us. Voyager is leading a fleet of Starships towards Earth. The opening spread of the comic serves as a recap of some of the series’ highlights. Framed within the Trek favourite narrative exposition device of a Captain’s log. I may as well address this ahead of time: yes, we see Tuvix. Also, yes, we see the Warp 10 Salamanders (see the preview gallery below).
It’s incredible artwork, and a lovely tribute to characters that otherwise don’t feature (or rather haven’t yet at least)—showing us Kes and Neelix before moving on to the story post Endgame. The canon critic in me feels the compulsive need to point out that Neelix is wearing his season 7 outfit with Kes, and that Voyager is depicted emerging from the sphere explosion (and later in Spacedock) without the armour deploying panels fitted in Endgame. But these are the textbook definition of minor quibbles.
Following the log, the story takes us on board Voyager. With the crew standing to attention as a group of Admirals, including Admiral Paris, enter the bridge from the Observation Lounge. There’s some charming banter between Janeway and Chakotay. With a not-so-subtle nod towards the fact that Seven will come up against… Complications after Voyager’s return. A story mentioned in Picard, which is explored in more depth in the show’s tie-in novel, Firewall.
**** Gets Freaky
In true Voyager tradition. Janeway barely manages to sit down with a cup of coffee before she’s rudely interrupted by her favourite ensign. The ship is on the move. Characteristically, she storms out onto the bridge to a bewildered Admiral Paris as they’re getting the lay of the land. Then Tuvok has a creepy vision. Uh oh.
In a nice reference to the fact that Voyager’s been in regular contact with Starfleet for some time. The crew’s first reaction isn’t to assume a Delta Quadrant species followed them home. They suspect changelings! Which means that the first step is to take everyone down to sickbay for a blood screening. Admiral Paris reacts a little strangely towards his new granddaughter. But then passes the screening with flying colours, so is beyond suspicion… For now. This change of scenery also allows B’Elanna to enter the narrative. A decision I’m grateful for, as I feared that she would be sidelined (having just given birth and all).
Janeway attempts again to contact the seemingly rogue Admirals who had accompanied Paris earlier in the story, but is rebuffed with the classic ‘it’s classified’. Which, all things considered, isn’t that unbelievable. But again, it’s Voyager. They hatch a scheme to get the Doctor close enough to scan said rogue Admirals. As we do, we learn that they are making modifications to the deflector, which is where I put together the clues for the reveal. Species 8472 is making a return! They’re not happy about Voyager having technology from the future. So they’re reactivating their invasion plans. Janeway immediately suits up into tank top mode, and we’re left in suspense until the next issue.
Preview Gallery
Conclusion
Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #1 is a compelling introduction to this new story about Voyager’s return home. The characters are written well, and their voices all shine through. You can’t help but feel sorry for the Voyager crew. But then again, it is tradition that they can never get home smoothly. I’m also a big fan of the motivation behind Species 8472’s actions, which stems from their fear of the future Borg technology. Trek series that have taken place after Voyager have steered well clear of Ablative Armour and Transphasic Torpedoes. So with any luck, Homecoming will tell us why!
I do have one fear, though. This is a five-issue run, and such stories are usually action-packed. The first issue certainly has been! So I do hope that Homecoming doesn’t repeat the sins of Endgame and leave us hanging (in orbit) at the end. Given the calibre of the writing so far, I don’t think that will be the case. So I look forward to being along for this ride and seeing some reunions at the end.
Star Trek: Voyager – Homecoming #1 releases on September 3rd, both physically and digitally, from online retailers such as Amazon, brick-and-mortar stores like Forbidden Planet, and IDW’s own website. For more reviews, all the latest Star Trek news, lore discussions, and more, be sure to follow the team here at Trek Central.
Coming up…
Star Trek: Voyager ‘Homecoming’ Issue 2
From the Publisher: Moments before returning to Earth, the crew of Voyager is betrayed by insurgents hidden on board! With her ship’s deflector dish broken and the ship itself out of her control, Janeway must convince the aliens that Starfleet means them no harm if she’s ever going to get her found family home. If that weren’t enough to handle, there’s a ticking clock to contend with: Tuvok’s disease has accelerated, and he must get home to mind-meld with a family member to cure himself with Fal-tor-voh…before it’s too late!
Release Date: Oct 22, 2025
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