This Forgotten '80s Sci-Fi Classic Is Making An Unexpected Return

5 days ago 13

Published Mar 11, 2026, 1:30 PM EDT

Sam Fang primarily covers news for CBR, with over a decade of experience writing about entertainment and pop culture and degrees in both journalism and art.

One of the '80s best sci-fi films is gearing up for an epic sequel story, over 40 years later. The Last Starfighter will soon be heading "into the multiverse."

Mad Cave Studios, the independent comics publisher known for series like Flash Gordon and Dick Tracy, secured the rights to produce comic books based on The Last Starfighter, with the film's original writer, Jonathan R. Betuel confirmed to be involved in the upcoming sequel's creation. The new series is being teased as part of an expanded universe, with the comic planned for a debut later this year in June. Exact details about the title remain under wraps at the time of writing, but are likely to emerge over the coming months as its release draws nearer.

The Last Starfighter Remains a Pioneer in the Sci-Fi Genre

Lance Guest as Alex Rogan and Dan O'Herlihy as Grig in The Last Starfighter

Originally released in 1984, The Last Starfighter follows a teenager who, after earning the high score in an arcade game that is secretly a simulation, is recruited by aliens to fight in an intergalactic war. Mad Cave's The Last Starfighter revival will see Betuel joined by producer Paul Davidson, with the story written by Deric A. Hughes and Benjamin Raab. Art will be handled by Willi Roberts, and colors by Francesco Segala.

"Greetings, Starfighters! I’m thrilled to be collaborating with the stellar team at Mad Cave and Paul Davidson to elevate Starfighter into the multiverse," Betuel said in Mad Cave's press release announcing the new title. "Long overdue, we’re all eager to chronicle the Herculean undertaking of Alex Rogan as he finds himself charged with rebuilding the legendary Starfighter Legion."

Davidson echoed Betuel's statements, adding: "The Last Starfighter was and still is a childhood obsession that I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to work on. Jonathan created an iconic story for the ages, and now Mad Cave, Ben & Deric, Willi, and Francesco are the All-Star team helping us bring it to a new generation."

Mad Cave's The Last Starfighter Sequel to be Released Summer 2026

Lance Guest is in a cockpit in The Last Starfighter.

Mad Cave Studio's President, Mark Irwin, also expressed excitement at being able to continue The Last Starfighter's epic sci-fi journey. "Starfighters, you have been recruited by the Star League to defend the frontier, alongside Mad Cave Studios! We are excited to bring Jonathan’s vision to comic fans everywhere."

The Last Starfighter #1 is slated to go on sale sometime in June, and its release will likely coincide with The Last Starfighter Movie Adaptation, which Mad Cave recently revealed will be released on June 23. Mad Cave's movie adaptation release is a special, collected paperback edition of the original three-issue comics released by Marvel back in 1984.

The comic adaptation of the movie expanded the film's world but has been sadly out of print for many years — and Mad Cave selling it in a collected paperback will offer fans the perfect opportunity to catch up on Alex Rogan's sci-fi adventures before jumping into the sequel story.

More details about the plot for Mad Cave's upcoming The Last Starfighter series are expected to emerge in the coming months ahead of its release in June.