Gates McFadden Takes the Writer’s Chair for IDW’s New ‘Star Trek: Crusher’ Comic
Image: Viacom
If you’ve ever watched Star Trek: The Next Generation and thought, “Wait, what happened to Beverly Crusher during all those years we didn’t see?”, get ready for some answers. And there may be no better person to tell that story than the woman who has spent decades bringing Dr. Crusher to life.
Gates McFadden is returning to the Star Trek universe in a very different role: as comic book writer. The actress behind the beloved Starfleet Chief Medical Officer is making her comics writing debut with STAR TREK: CRUSHER, a new limited series coming from IDW Publishing in summer 2027.
2027 is the 40th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation and the new Crusher comic is timed to arrive next summer as part of that celebration. Created with artist Megan Levens and colorist Charlie Kirchoff, the book will explore the previously untold 20-year gap between the events of Star Trek Nemesis and Star Trek: Picard, giving fans a chance to discover what Beverly was up to during those missing years.
Check out the cover art!
Image: IDW Publishing
Who Better to Tell Beverly Crusher’s Story?
McFadden portrayed Beverly Crusher for more than 150 episodes of TNG, as well as four feature films and two video games. Now, after spending years bringing other writers’ words to life, she’s getting to put her own words into Beverly’s mouth.
“It’s such an honor to return to Starfleet and expand Beverly Crusher’s storyline in a whole new way,” McFadden said. “I’ve spent years bringing the words of other great writers to life in Beverly’s shoes, so it’s inspiring and thrilling to now be the one scripting a new chapter in this fabulous character’s saga.”
Image: Michael Roud
Honestly? We can’t think of a better person to take the captain’s chair—or, in this case, the writer’s desk.
For longtime Star Trek fans, the opportunity is especially exciting because Beverly Crusher has always been so much more than the Enterprise’s doctor. She’s a brilliant physician, mother, Starfleet officer and fiercely compassionate character who has had plenty of adventures beyond what we’ve seen on screen. STAR TREK: CRUSHER promises to open up that part of her history in a brand-new way.
And McFadden is clearly just as excited to explore it as the fans are.
“I’m excited for Star Trek fans to read this comic and I’m so grateful for their continued support,” she added.
IDW Is Going All In on ‘Star Trek’
Images: IDW Publishing
The announcement arrives during a major year for the franchise at IDW Publishing, which is celebrating Star Trek’s massive 60th anniversary milestone.
The publisher recently released the all-star STAR TREK: 60TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL, along with a new STAR TREK #1, which set a new sales record for the franchise at IDW. And there’s more Trek on the way. STAR TREK: ZERO POINT #1, featuring Commander Raffi Musiker, hits comic shops on October 14.
“IDW’s bold celebration of Star Trek’s 60th anniversary was just the beginning of our stellar plans for the iconic franchise,” said IDW CEO Davidi Jonas. “We are so fortunate to have Gates McFadden beam into the world of comics and reprise her role of Beverly Crusher, but this time as the writer. There is a 20 year gap in the fan-favorite character’s story. Who better to tell it than Beverly Crusher herself?”
STAR TREK: CRUSHER arrives in summer 2027. If you want to guarantee your copy, IDW recommends contacting your local comic shop to pre-order Star Trek comics. Because when Beverly Crusher is calling, you answer the hail.
