So, you thought we were only getting novels from 2021? Oh noooo, there’s a lot of book content coming out of the Trek universe. Calendars, design, stories of Kirk, Spock and even Grudge! She’s a Queen Don’t Ya Know!!!. We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s get cracking!
April 2021 – Star Trek Shipyards: Delta Quadrant and the Delta Quadrant by Hero Collector
It’s two gloriously big books from Hero Collector, high detail glossy books that take an in-depth look at nearly every single ship encountered by Voyager. The first of the two, “The Borg and the Delta Quadrant” Akritirian to Krenim” is due to hit shelves in April and here’s what the blurb has got to say:
“Featuring ships of the Borg and vessels of the Delta Quadrant, the first of two companion volumes of ships from STAR TREK: VOYAGER.
This volume begins with the ships operated by STAR TREK‘s greatest villains: the Borg, including the Borg Cube and Sphere, the Borg Queen’s Ship, the Renegade Borg Vessel and the Borg Tactical Cube. From there, it profiles more than thirty-five ships operated by the species Voyager encountered in the Delta Quadrant, featuring ships from A – Akritirian to K – Krenim.
With technical overviews and operational histories, the ships are illustrated with CG artwork – including original VFX models made for the show.
After you read this, be sure to check out the companion volume – THE DELTA QUADRANT: Ledosian to Zahl, which profiles more than 50 ships of the Delta Quadrant species, among them the Lokirrim Warship, the Species 8472 Bioship, and the Vidiian Warships.
With previously unseen artwork specially created in CG the two official volumes form the most comprehensive account of Delta Quadrant ships from STAR TREK VOYAGER ever produced.
THE BORG AND DELTA QUADRANT: Akritirian to Krenim IS THE FIFTH BOOK IN THE SERIES STAR TREK SHIPYARDS.”
And this book is packed. We’re talking over 220 pages of facts, figures, ships and details. There’s so much ship eye candy in there, it’s amazing. A lot of the focus is on the Borg ships, and that’s totally understandable, their name is on the cover. But we get some great frames, from episodes along with renders for the book itself which show us their meaning cyborgs ships in all their glory!
“The second half of this duo is Star Trek Shipyards: The Delta Quadrant: Ledosian to Zahl and is due to reach us in June.
Profiling more than 50 ships that Voyager encountered in the Delta Quadrant, this is the 2nd of two volumes that profile the ships from STAR TREK: VOYAGER.
Featuring the Lokirrim Warship, the Species 8472 Bioship, and the Vidiian Warships, and many more. Including technical overviews and operational histories, the ships are illustrated with CG
artwork, created using the original VFX models made for the STAR TREK: VOYAGER TV series.
With previously unseen artwork, the two official volumes form the most comprehensive account of ships from STAR TREK: VOYAGER ever produced.”
The most comprehensive account ever produced is a bold claim, but again, this is 200 plus pages of Trek ship goodness, so I don’t doubt it for a second! Again this book promises to show off these ships in wonderful detail. From Ledosian to Lokirrim, and even the dreaded Species 8472! This book has it all and like so many others that we have here, I can’t wait to read it!
July 2021 – 2022 Calendars – Ships of the Line, TNG, TOS, Discovery, Picard & Cats of the USS Enterprise
We hotfoot it into July and we already have a brilliant selection of calendars from “Universe” for 2022? Man, time in lockdown sure does fly by. Still, at least we’ve got something pretty to look at while we are stuck indoors. (Well, hopefully not by 2022).
Ships of the Line – Every year these babies get prettier and prettier with a shinier selection of ships. This time around we get a gorgeous display of the Trek’s finest in a panoramic format. Among the confirmed artists returning we have Alain Rivard as well as Star Trek: Online’s Thomas Marrone. We even get a wonderful shot of the Enterprise-F for the first time in the Ships of the line. This panoramic feel almost gives this a lightweight and stylish coffee table feeling, it’s certainly got a fancy edge to it.
Discovery, TOS, TNG, Picard – A simple but cute fare with these, embracing the tech aesthetic from each show along with scenes various episodes and promotional material. The TNG various immediately catches my eye with the integrated LCARS design fitting so seamlessly into the overall look of the calendar.
Stat Trek: Cats of the USS Enterprise – Oh, you know I am excited for this one. Cats! Cats in space! A wonderfully purr-fect collection of Trek scenes and sets beautifully recreated with a selection of Starfleet’s finest moon hopping moggies covering the TOS and TNG era. These fine fluffy feline adventures can be seen lounging and about the bridge of the Enterprise, or tackling the terrible troubles with tribbles. A personal favourite I know I will be getting my paws on. (Okay, no more cat puns).
August 2021 – Star Trek Starfleet Ships, 2294, Second Edition by Hero Collector
Ships glorious ships! Just how do they do it? In this second edition from Hero Collector, we can find out. Incorporating almost everything we’ve had new on screen, (though sadly no Lower Decks), we will be getting some gorgeous images of the new Voyager – J, Zheng He, and the Titian!
Ben Robinson and Marcus Riley are the masters of this one, promising a treat for the eyes with high detailed digital models of the classic ships we all know and love. (Will the Akira make it in this time? Please?) Riley and Robinson have this to say about their latest book:
“This UPDATED 2nd Edition includes 70 pages of all new, never-before seen Star Trek Starfleet starships from Discovery Season 3 and Picard, presently airing on Paramount+!
Presenting a chronological history of the Star Trek Starfleet starships, from the 24th century to the far future. This in-depth reference book covers Starfleet vessels including the U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC- 1701-D, U.S.S. Voyager and Starfleet’s first true warship – the U.S.S. Defiant. Includes time traveling ships from the distant future.
All the featured ships are illustrated with CG artwork, including original VFX models made for the TV show.”
August 2021 – Star Trek: Designing Starships, Deep Space Nine and Beyond by Hero Collector
Another exemplary book from Ben Robinson here, collecting some of the finest concept art from Deep Space Nine and beyond!
Personally speaking, I’m a concept art junkie, so I do love a good in-depth look into the production of a show and the genesis of so many elements we take as matter of fact. Want to see the origins of the Runabout, the Defiant, or maybe even how the iconic DS9 came to shape? You can read about it and more in this very book.
“Showcasing the concept art behind the Deep Space 9 station itself, the U.S.S. Defiant and dozens more ships from the award winning Star Trek series.
Deep Space 9 is considered by some as the best Star Trek series.
The fifth in the series of Star Trek Designing Starships is built around original production art and extensive interviews with the station and ships’ designers, explaining exactly how the ships came into being. The award-winning series Deep Space Nine ran for seven seasons and 176 episodes, from January 1993 to June 1999.”
August 2021 – Star Trek: Villains From Titan Comics
What’s a good space opera without really good villains? Star Trek Villains looks at iconic Trek villains, including the Borg Queen, Khan, Q, Shinzon, etc. But it’s not just a collection of facts and profiles about the villains, but this tome also boasts interviews with the stars themselves on playing some of the iconic villains from the franchise. From Alice Krige’s Brog Queen, John de Lancie’s Q, to Thom Hard’s Shinzon! And many many more!
August 2021 – Star Trek: Designing the Final Frontier by Dan Chavkin
TOS has always been at the heart of the retro chic frontier, outfits, props, models, stories…and furniture? Dan Chavkin takes a unique and expert look at the mid-century design of furniture
And decor that shaped the look of the era. Packed with detailed images it’s a feast for the eyes and the brains to get a in-depth look at the history of everyone’s favourite sci-fi show.
September 2021 – The Autobiography of Mr. Spock by Una McCormack
As someone who’s been the first officer, and then the captain of the Enterprise, and then died, and then came back to life, and THEN got trapped in an alternate timeline, Mr Spock has lived a colourful and very logical life.
Now Star Trek writer Una McCormack picks up her pen chronicles the life of Spock “in his own words”.
“The Autobiography of Mr. Spock tells the story of one of Starfleet’s finest officers, and one the Federation’s most celebrated citizens. Half human and half Vulcan, the book, written in Spock’s own words, follows his difficult childhood on the planet Vulcan; his controversial enrollment at Starfleet Academy; his adventures with Captain Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise;
His diplomatic triumphs with the Klingons and Romulans; and his death and amazing resurrection on the Genesis Planet. We meet the friends he’s made, the women he loved, and experience the triumphs and tragedies of a life and career that spanned a century. Despite his alien blood, his struggle to find his place in the universe is one we can all relate to.”
A meta in-universe biography as “Told by the man himself”, it tells of Spock’s life on Vulcan growing up, his controversial decision to enrol in Starfleet and his subsequent adventures on the Enterprise and beyond.
September 2021 – Starfleet Is… Celebrating the Federation’s Ideals by Robb Pearlman
Written by Robb Pearlman and published by Smart Pop (their first Trek outing) “Starfleet is…” is an inspirational look at what Starfleet means, examining Gene’s vision for a bright and bold future. It’s a neat little novelty book covering all shows with illustrations and captions highlighting Starfleet ideals. With images and captions from across the franchise, even managing to slip in a little of the animated sieges as well!
November 2021 – The Book of Grudge by Robb Pearlman
A paw-some book (I’m sorry, I know I said I’d stop) Discovery novelty book featuring Grudge the Cat’s (or Queen’s) view of the 32nd century. Grudge has certainly gained a lofty and royal status within the Trek fandom, with her own dedicated social media pages, she’s certainly making her mark on the show. So it makes sense then for Hero Collector to gift us with a cute little look into the world of Grudge The Cat.
“Grudge is a “Queen,” and she knows it. Everyone—her so-called owner, Cleveland “Book” Booker, Michael Burnham, Ryn, Zareh, and Tilly—bows down to her, some more willingly than others. And nothing, not extended periods in space, not ship-rattling attacks from enemies, rattles her. Ever. She’s a cool kitty with a ’tude. We call it “Cattitude.”
As a cat, Grudge, has a particular take on the universe, her seeming indifference masking a wit as sharp as her claws.”
Robb Pearlman brings us the world seen through everyone’s favourite spacefaring cat. With witty observations on the people she meets and the planets she visits. With a mixture of photography and illustrations based on series 3 of Discovery, it promises to be 96 pages of fun!
December 2021 – What Is The Story of Captain Kirk? by M.D. Payne
And last but not least, a little Christmas stocking filler for getting the kids into Star Trek early.
An illustrated children’s book about James T. Kirk in the Who HQ series. A wonderfully bright and childish looks at the great Captain Kirk and beyond. Introducing young readers to a wide range of topics from around the world, historical and contemporary sources. It’s promising to be both educational and fun!
“Your favorite characters are now part of the Who HQ library!
Journey to deep space and learn how James Tiberius Kirk became one of the greatest space heroes in the Star Trek universe.
From appearances in live action and animated television shows, a series of films, comics, video games, and more, James T. Kirk is an established space captain in pop culture.
Star Trek remains one of the most popular science-fiction series of all time, and Captain Kirk is one of the most famous and highly decorated captains in the history of Starfleet. As the commanding officer of starships like the U.S.S. Enterprise, viewers follow his adventures through space. But did you know that Kirk wasn’t even the show’s first Captain? And that the Star Trek series almost didn’t happen?
Author M. D. Payne takes readers aboard Starfleet starships as Kirk explores new worlds, encounters new villains, and “boldly goes where no man has done before.”
There’s a real treasure trove of books waiting for us in 2021, I know we here at Treksphere are excited for a fair few of these, and I’m definitely going to be getting my hands on a few of these books to pour over the artwork!
Is there anything on this list that’s caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below!
