Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Officially Returns in 2027 With Historic New Release

While it capped off just before the new millennium, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine returns after 28 years. The Star Trek panel announced at the New York Comic Con panel that a new graphic novel is in the works and will be written by the legendary Timothy Zahn. Titled Star Trek: Roc’s Egg, the story is a mystery set in the Deep Space Nine station. It is set to be out in 2027.

The inclusion of Zahn is incredible for the franchise, as he is the legend behind the Thrawn Trilogy in Star Wars, which is the reason why the expanded universe exists. With Star Trek in limbo after the end of Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy, a writer like Zahn contributing to the franchise gives a lot of hope for the future.

Star Wars Legend Switches Franchise with New Star Trek Mystery

Thrawn in Ahsoka | Credits: Disney+

Few authors have shaped a franchise like Timothy Zahn. His Star Wars novel, Heir to the Empire, debuted at the top of The New York Times bestseller list in May 1991. At the time, the saga had been quiet since Return of the Jedi in 1983. The book introduced the strategist Grand Admiral Thrawn and helped inspire the creation of the Expanded Universe. 

The trilogy sold 15 million copies, and Zahn went on to be a creative consultant on the Disney+ series, Ahsoka, which saw Thrawn debut in live-action. The writer avoided the usual Star Wars formula with the novels and followed a villain who was not the Empire or a brutal Lord like Darth Vader, but a cunning and intellectual foe. This is perfect for a Deep Space Nine story.

Zahn joining Star Trek bodes well for the franchise because he is credited with literally reviving one of the biggest franchises. Everything since Return of the Jedi, including the sequel trilogy, the TV shows, and The Mandalorian, is because Zahn revived the franchise. This Deep Space Nine mystery set on the space station poses a similar story of intellect.

IDW editor Heather Antos praised Zahn’s intricate plotting and unforgettable characters, calling him the right storyteller for a station where everyone has a secret (via ICV2). This feels like the perfect relaunch pad for the franchise, whose path forward on TV and streaming remains unclear for the moment.

Deep Space Nine Returns In Book Form with Star Trek: Roc’s Egg

The DS9 station in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine | Credits: Paramount

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was among the four shows that revived the franchise back in the ‘80s. After Star Trek: TOS was abruptly canceled after three seasons, the franchise got a new lease of life after the success of Star Wars, when the Trek movies were made, and The Next Generation was commissioned. After TNG became a global success, Voyager, Deep Space Nine, and Enterprise were also greenlit, and the franchise grew. Deep Space Nine, especially, has gained a cult following now.

Timothy Zahn’s new graphic novel with Ángel Hernández, Roc’s Egg, will see an artifact enter the DS9 space station and is seemingly destroyed in transit. When an investigation is held to figure out what exactly happened, deep secrets among the crew and the Federation begin to unravel. It is also set to include a secret auction, assorted criminals, and a murder.

That setup suits the Ferengi, the Cardassians, and the other schemers who passed through the station during the show. Zahn mentioned that he was a huge fan of the franchise and that he was excited to join as an author. Talking about his connection to Star Trek, he said,

My association with Star Trek goes all the way back to 1966 and the original TV series. Now, after sixty years, I’ve been given the chance to add my own small grace note to that rich and vibrant symphony. This is a huge honor and privilege, and one which I will always cherish.

As the franchise celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and looks at its future with a new management (Skydance merged with Paramount), this new story from a legend set in a familiar place bodes well.

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