Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek #21!

For months, Star Trek has dropped tantalizing hints about the Pleroma, and now it stands revealed in all its glory, and is composed of members from across the franchise’s 58-year history. In Star Trek #21, Captain Sisko and the Theseus enter the Pleroma, and are greeted with an awe-inspiring sight: gods from across the franchise, gathered to decide on matters of universal importance.

Star Trek #21 is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Megan Levens. Sisko and his senior officers are brought before the gods in the Pleroma, who have gathered to debate on the Organian issue. A text piece, made to resemble a Starfleet briefing, lists each of the gods on the council. Among those present are Trelane, Apollo, Charlie Evans and the Metrons, from the original Star Trek, as well as Kevin Uxbridge from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

The Caretaker, who kicked off Star Trek:Voyager, is also among the gods.

Star Trek’s Gods Are Facing a Threat Unlike Any Other

The Council of Gods is a Historic Development in the Star Trek Universe

In late 2022, IDW relaunched their line of Star Trek comics, creating a massive, franchise-spanning “god war.” The Klingon Emperor Kahless launched a campaign against the gods, slaughtering them with a powerful weapon. Captains Sisko and Worf were able to stop Kahless’ plans for the time being, but the damage had been done. Sisko and the crew of the Theseus traveled to the Pleroma to help fix the damage, but found themselves faced with a chilly reception. T’Lir, who was revealed to be the last of the god-like Organians, was seeking the restoration of his powers.

The introduction of the Pleroma may rank as one of the most important developments in the Star Trek franchise. In the various shows and movies, the crew often encounter god-like beings, and this stretches back to the franchise’s first days. The Pleroma gives these beings new depth, showing that they are, in many ways, just another race in the Star Trek universe. The gods of the universe have their own laws and governance, much like the Federation. However, the gods are obviously working on a far greater scale, meeting to decide the fates of entire species.

The Pleroma May Not Be the Safe Haven It Appears to Be

Will Kahless or Lore Find the Pleroma?

Yet, as Star Trek’s god war has shown, these beings can be killed. Both Kahless and Lore are still on the loose, and the Pleroma would make a highly desirable target for them. Furthermore, Section 31 gave Lily Sato a mysterious device to be used at a later date, perhaps suggesting the shady agency has an interest in the Pleroma. The gods of the Pleroma proceed as if they are invulnerable and infallible, but Kahless has thrown all of this into doubt. Despite its great power and elusive nature, the Pleroma may soon be under siege.

Star Trek #21 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!