Star Trek Officially Confirms Captain Kirk's Final Villain Ever

Captain Kirk isn't going down without a fight. As Star Trek gears up to say goodbye to the character for one final time, the legendary leader has his sights set on one more surprising enemy that will truly put him to the test.

IDW's ongoing canonical Star Trek comic series, The Last Starship, has seen Kirk brought back to life by none other than the Borg's Agnes Jurati as the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance. The villainous Emerald Chain has unspeakable control over all reaches of the galaxy — declaring themselves as a replacement for the Federation, and Kirk naturally hasn't taken too kindly to that. In this month's Star Trek: The Last Starship #9, Kirk leads a mutiny and kicks off a chain of events that will start a brand-new story arc next month.

Captain Kirk Launches War Against the Emerald Chain

For months now, IDW has teased that The Last Starship #9 would have a long-lasting impact on the world of Star Trek. "The Federation and the crew are divided. Two visions for the future emerge," the solicit teased. "One will rebuild. One will fight back. The line is drawn. The galaxy will never be the same."

Now that the issue has been published, Kirk's role in this huge divide is much clearer. In the pages of the story, he puts the pressure on the capitalist syndicate. "Every Emerald Chain blockade, we break. Every despairing planet under their so-called 'protection,' we liberate," Kirk directs.

He also makes it clear that he's in this fight for the long haul. "We tear them down. Even if it takes a century." He later adds: "The plan is we stop appeasing and repairing and we fight back! Harder and without fear!"

Kirk realizes his battle against the Emerald Chain will be violent, too. "We stop hoarding what little the Federation has left, and we use it to punch the Emerald Chain in the throat!" As the issue draws to a close, Kirk orders fire on the Emerald Chain, promising an even bigger battle to come in subsequent issues.

The fight against the Emerald Chain is already gearing up to launch an explosive new arc for The Last Starship. The chain rose to prominence in the wake of the Burn in the 31st century, achieving the power of a de facto state — so it will be no small feat to bring about the revolution that Kirk is craving.

Captain Kirk Will Face Emerald Chain Reinforcements Next Month

IDW is already teasing that it's not going to be a smooth journey for Kirk as he faces his final adversary. In The Last Starship #10, which will be published on Aug. 19, Kirk will cross paths with his most dangerous enemy yet: Admiral Sato. That's not all that the Emerald Chain has in store for him, either.

"When the Borg-augmented U.S.S. Omega liberates Tellar, Starfleet's U.S.S. Challenger arrives armed with anti-Borg technology, ordering Kirk to stop at any cost," the solicit reads. "But as Emerald Chain reinforcements descend, an unexpected proposal could force these old allies to choose between destroying each other... and saving the Federation once and for all." IDW calls it the 'explosive opening chapter of a galaxy-shaking new arc.'

Star Trek: The Last Starship #9 is available now from IDW Publishing.