Literary Treks: A Star Trek Books and Comics Podcast

Greg Cox: Identity Theft.     Pavel Chekov is a reminder that some Star Trek characters do their most interesting growing just outside the spotlight. Known for his youthful enthusiasm, sharp wit, and loyalty to the Enterprise, much of Chekov's development is implied rather than shown on screen. That makes tie-in novels an ideal space to explore characters like him in greater depth, filling in the moments between episodes and missions. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan are joined once again by author Greg Cox to discuss his new Original Series novel, Identity Theft. Mostly taking place in the movie-era, we finally get Chekov in the spotlight. We discuss Chekov's identity crisis, getting off the bridge, how this is absolutely not a sequel, and much more!  In the news segment we discuss a new book announcement as well as some Lower Decks comics from IDW.   News New Book Announcement (03:28) Lower Decks Comics (09:45)                 Feature: Greg Cox Greg's Star Trek (18:49) About the Cover (23:20) Strange Unfamiliar Aliens (26:09) Pretending to Be Chekov (31:00) Chekov's Love Interest (34:02) Writing Chekov Played by a Different Character (36:49) Getting Off the Bridge (39:33) Breezier and Funnier (42:18) The Exiles (49:14) The Audiobook (56:21) Sulu (59:25) Not a Sequel (1:02:47) Remembering Margaret (1:09:57) What's Next for Greg? (1:13:25) Closing (1:19:01)         Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Guest Greg Cox Production Matthew Rushing (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Editor and Associate Producer)

David Mack: Ring of Fire.     With fewer Star Trek series currently on TV, it's the novels that keep us boldly going. These stories bridge the gaps between episodes and explore what happens when the cameras aren't rolling — deepening our connection to the characters and giving us new adventures to imagine. It's an exciting time to see how writers expand the universe we know and love. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan chat with author David Mack about his Strange New Worlds novel, Ring of Fire. They dive into the book's ensemble of characters, high-action set pieces, Spock delivering a memorable beatdown, and Pike's continued growth as a captain.  In the news segment, the hosts judge a book by its cover and share their thoughts on two new-ish comics.   News Judge a Book by its Cover (03:15) Omega Comic (10:19) Section 31 Comic (12:52)                  Feature: David Mack Remembering Margaret (18:30) Within the Confines (28:06) Project Azorian (31:13) An Ensemble Story (36:10) Crafting the Mystery (42:35) Pike's Lesson (48:50) Set Pieces (53:51) Spock Gives a Beatdown (1:01:26) Pelia and Scotty (1:04:26) Ortegas as Number One (1:10:05) Wrapping Up with David (1:14:55) Closing (1:19:12)          Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Guest David Mack Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Gateways: What Lay Beyond.      Back in late 2001, Pocket Books published the most epic crossover event to date: Gateways. With six novels spanning the eras from The Original Series to Voyager, the series brought together multiple authors to tell stories utilizing the gateways created by the mysterious Iconians. And the hook for the series was that each story was to end with a cliffhanger, culminating in one giant hardcover with six short stories to conclude the series. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss the final book, What Lay Beyond. They discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly, and talk about their vision for the series were it to be written today. Also covered is The Lore War comics, the concluding crossover between the Star Trek and Star Trek: Defiant comics from IDW.           News The Lore War Comics (03:24) Feature: What Lay Beyond A TOS Story (19:03) Casey Rambles About Challenger (25:45) Jonathan is Angry About DS9... (29:43) ...but a Happy Camper with Voyager (37:14) Jonathan Blows Casey's Mind (42:25) New Frontier Character Work (43:31) TNG Tying Everything Up (49:28) Can We Cut Gateways Some Slack? (56:17) A Little Too Much Freedom (01:00:11) Star Trek Timeline (01:04:57) Goofy Corps of Engineers Story (01:06:20) Final Thoughts (01:09:27) Wrap Up (01:13:54)        Hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt  Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)

Interview with Star Trek: Khan writers Kirsten Beyer and David Mack.     Legacy isn't reserved for heroes. Some characters leave a mark not through their nobility, but through the incredible shadow they cast. Few exemplify this better than Khan Noonien Singh. Decades after his first appearance, Khan continues to shape the Star Trek universe - his presence echoing through generations of stories, creators, and fans alike. His legacy raises a fascinating question: what happens when a villain becomes just as iconic, just as influential, as the heroes they oppose? In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt speak with Star Trek: Khan writers Kirsten Beyer and David Mack. They talk about the writing process, casting and recording, making it sound like Star Trek, allegory, the mind of a villain, and much more!                Feature: Kirsten Beyer and David Mack Genesis of Khan Podcast (02:58) Writing for Audio (05:29) Collaboration (06:47) Nick's Vision (07:41) Late Night Episode Breaks (09:50) Podcast vs Audiobook (12:00) Production Involvement (14:40) Nick's Vision (again) and Canon (15:56) Sounds Like Star Trek, Sounds Like Khan (17:00) Recording and Casting Marla (19:46) Allegory and Villains (21:23) Just Trying to Tell a Good Story (28:30) A Contained Narrative (33:09) Give Us More Stories! (33:58) Wrap-up (36:11) Closing (38:59)          Hosts Jonathan Koan and Casey Pettitt  Guest  Kirsten Beyer and David Mack Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer) Stream below or subscribe to listen at: Website - http://www.trek.fm/literary-treks/3374 Choose your podcast app: https://trekfm.link/lt-efm

In 1997, Pocket Books began releasing novels in a new series - one not based on a Star Trek television series. The brainchild of then-editor John J. Ordover and author Peter David, Star Trek: New Frontier was a way to have a series of novels with its own continuity, independent of the shows still on the air. Spanning over 20 novels, numerous short stories, and even some graphic novels, the series lasted until 2015. In this episode of Literary Treks, hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan discuss 2001's Cold Wars, the sixth book in the Gateways saga. We discuss the New Frontier series and characters, the overall plot, growing up too fast, a clean ending, and more! In the news, we talk about a new coffee table book and discuss the Star Trek: Defiant comic arc, No Old Warriors.    News New Books (00:02:41) Comic review (00:05:17)                  Feature: Cold Wars New Frontier (00:11:24) Post-Coital Opening (00:14:43) The Characters (00:15:16) The Plot (00:19:39) The Mystery of "Smyt" (00:24:27) A Holo Ruse (00:26:36) She Had to Grow Up Very Fast (00:29:53) A Little Too Clean (00:34:15) The Gateways (00:38:44) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:40:11)          Hosts Casey Pettitt and Jonathan Koan Production Matthew Rushing (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Greg Rozier (Associate Producer) Casey Pettitt (Associate Producer)