Written by: Ollie Kaplan
This review is about an ongoingwebcomic with 5 episodes released. New updates every Monday.
Sixty years in, Star Trek is still boldly exploring new ways to toy with the K/S fandom. While that statement might make it seem like I didn’t enjoy the first ever Star Trek x WEBTOON collab, that assumption would be wrong. I loved the first four chapters of the webcomic so much that I NEED more BL x Star Trek in my life, and I NEED it to focus on old Trek, instead of new Trek. My body is screaming for a series that’s a fragment out of time, starring Kirk and Spock…and it needs to be GAY AF, just like OG slash fiction.
Now, that my very important aside (so important it had to start this review) is out of the way, let’s sink our teeth into my thoughts on the new all-canon Star Trek x WEBTOON series Stargazers: A Star Trek Story, written by Jarrett Melendez, with art and typeset by Indonesia’s “leading webtoon production house” Kisai Entertainment creators Owello2, Felix Jati, Cyrel W, Rina Daon Leafiona, and Tsukkkey Pam. Of particular note, Kisai Entertainment strictly prohibits the use of artificial intelligence in its creation process, despite wider WEBTOON policies.
While only the first four webtoon episodes were read for this review, Stargazers is set to be a 40-episode YA series planted firmly in the world set up by Deep Space 9. However, don’t expect Cardassian war crime tribunals or Dominion-era dread. This cozy read stars an entirely new cast, perfect for #Garashir shippers: Leon, an optimistic recent grad with a passion for non-replicated food; Churi, a Bajoran inventor; a loyal dog named Alfie (who “borks” up a storm); and Syrrik, Leon’s childhood friend turned complicated romantic interest, grinding under the weight of his father’s Starfleet ambitions. There’s also, apparently, a station-wide animal smuggling conspiracy and a talent show. But I haven’t gotten that far in the series…yet.
So far, Stargazers reads less like Deep Space Nine and more like DS9: The CW Years — and that’s not necessarily a knock. The WEBTOON audience skews young, the vertical-scroll format is built for slow-burn character work, and the franchise has always been at its best when it finds the human (and Bajoran) stakes within the space-opera scaffolding. If Melendez can make the romance land and the conspiracy feel genuinely dangerous, this could be the on-ramp a new generation of Trekkies needs. This comic serves as an ideal introduction to Star Trek Universe on the WEBTOON platform, elegantly weaving together the conventions of the vertical scroll format, the BL genre, and hope-fueled science fiction.
A Satisfying Feast in Stargazers
While boys’ love manga delivers the romance readers come for, the best titles often weave that emotional core into something bigger. And that’s exactly what Stargazers does, welcoming readers into a delightful blend of culinary exploration and rich storytelling within the Star Trek Universe.
What sets Stargazers apart is its unique approach to the science fiction genre, combining BL tropes and the stylistic trapping of fan-favorite cooking manga stories with the protopian science fiction stories that Trekkies love, features that resonates deeply with those who understand the joys—and struggles—surrounding food consumption, and the morality society attaches to how we consume food. As someone dealing with an eating disorder, I found myself particularly drawn to the way the characters in this comic revel in enjoying a diverse array of delicious foods—and non-replicated foods at that, which I love, as it indicates that the food was not tempered with to have fewer calories or “healthier ingredients.” Plus, the tactile and sensory delight of eating is not just a backdrop but a central element, making the comic unexpectedly enjoyable.
From the very start, Stargazers emphasizes the value of non-replicated food, presenting a family meal scene where the protagonist passionately argues against replicated meals. This dialogue highlights the richness of flavors and individual chefs’ creativity, reflecting the comic’s broader theme of the importance of personal experience over mass production. Each dish tells a story, reminding us that no two meals are ever identical.
The exploration of food continues as the main character takes a new love interest to a farm-to-table restaurant, which specializes in non-replicated dishes. This establishment mirrors the essence of Southern cuisine, offering seasonal specialties until they run out, reinforcing that some culinary experiences are singular and unmatched. As emphasized by supporting characters, this focus on food is not just about nourishment; it’s an immersive, communal experience that adds depth to the characters’ journeys.
At its core, Stargazers challenges the tension between following authority and forging one’s path, and this story is told through food. The two main characters frequently clash over the significance of creativity within an authoritarian context, a dialogue that feels particularly relevant in our own capitalist world. The narrative invites readers to ponder the complexities of art and value, encouraging a deeper reflection beyond mere survival.
In summary, Stargazers is more than just a comic; it’s a celebration of food, creativity, and identity. It successfully combines rich storytelling with an emphasis on the sensory pleasure of eating, making it a worthwhile read for fans of both cooking manga and the Star Trek franchise. This comic is a true testament to the power of art in a world that often feels stifling, proving that creativity can flourish even in the most challenging environments.
Star Trek: Stargazers launched on the WEBTOON vertical scroll platform on May 17, 2026, with a new episode dropping weekly on Sunday at 7 PM PST.
