As collectors and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the release of Star Trek: Red Shirts #5, the evolving narrative within this beloved franchise continues to resonate with themes of loyalty and survival. This latest installment, hitting stores on Wednesday, December 3rd, is set to challenge the remaining ensigns’ allegiance to Starfleet amid escalating peril.
With only two red shirts left, the stakes have never been higher for Ensigns Raad and Miller. After ten of their crewmates on Mission Squawkbox face tragic fates—from catastrophic falls to lethal alien encounters—the survivors are left questioning Starfleet’s ideals of cooperation versus the harsh reality of sacrifice. This issue raises thought-provoking inquiries: Is Starfleet truly committed to the safety of its members, or does it view them as expendable resources in pursuit of broader peace?
The backdrop of tension between Klingons and Romulans adds an exhilarating layer to the story, further complicating Raad’s and Miller’s decisions. Collectors will find significance in this narrative shift, as it captures the timeless dynamic of expendability versus value within team structures—a compelling reflection ripe for discussion within collector communities.
This issue promises to be a crucial part of the Star Trek timeline, offering readers not just entertainment, but a deeper exploration of character loyalty when placed in extreme situations. For fans and collectors, this storyline reinforces the notion that every red shirt death brings not only closure to adventure narratives but also presents a poignant commentary on leadership, sacrifice, and survival.
Star Trek: Red Shirts #5
by Christopher Cantwell & Megan Levens, cover by Chris Shehan
Only two red shirts remain. The other ten crewmembers on Mission Squawkbox have plummeted hundreds of feet to the ground, been eaten alive by giant alien insects, or been exploded into a million tiny bits by falling torpedoes. Each death has dealt a blow to Ensigns Raad’s and Miller’s morale… Is Starfleet really the paragon of cooperation it claims to be? Or is it willing to expend its members’ lives for the sake of peace? With both Klingons and Romulans breathing down their necks, Raad’s and Miller’s loyalty will be tested. Are they for Starfleet? Or themselves?
IDW Publishing
6.63″W x 10.19″H x 0.05″D (16.8 x 25.9 x 0.1 cm) | 2 oz (57 g) | 220 per carton
On sale Dec 03, 2025 | 32 Pages | 82771403430100511
Rated T
$4.99
Variants:
82771403430100521 – Star Trek: Red Shirts #5 Variant B (Corroney Federation Recruitment) – $4.99 US | $6.99 CAN
82771403430100531 – Star Trek: Red Shirts #5 Variant RI (10) (Biggie) – $4.99 US | $6.99 CAN
Based on reporting by Bleeding Cool. Read the full story at https://bleedingcool.com/comics/star-trek-red-shirts-5-preview-red-shirts-in-a-deathly-dilemma/.