There is little doubt that Star Trek: Picard is one of the most highly anticipated shows of 2020. After all, the CBS All Access series is bringing back Patrick Stewart as the iconic Jean-Luc Picard to head off for more exciting adventures. Interestingly, the network has every intention to make Picard a fully immersive experience. Even before the show's release date has been announced, CBS confirmed that they will be releasing two different prequels ahead of the series premiere.
It has already been confirmed that Star Trek: Picard will air sometime in early 2020, almost 18 years since Patrick Stewart portrayed Jean-Luc Picard in the 2002 film Star Trek: Nemesis. However, Picard isn't the only one who will be returning in the highly anticipated series. The trailer that debuted at the 2019 San Diego Comic-Con confirmed that Jeri Ryan will reprise her role as Seven of Nine along with Brent Spiner who returns as Data. In addition to that, Jonathan Frakes is expected to make an appearance as William Riker.
It's certainly a huge television event and CBS All Access is intent on helping fans prepare for Jean-Luc Picard's return. The network announced at Star Trek Las Vegas that there will be two prequel publications that will be released ahead of the show's premiere. This includes a novel as well as a three-part comic book series. Both publications are expected to be released before Picard airs early next year.
According to a press release, the IDW comic book series will be titled Star Trek: Picard-Countdown and will be penned by Mike Johnson and Kirsten Beyer, who also serves as the show's producer. The comics will reportedly follow the the captain of the USS Enterprise as he goes on "a mission that would go on to change [his] life." Although details were not fully revealed, there is a huge possibility that the same mission will lead to Picard's resignation from Starfleet. This would explain why Picard is now making wines in the show's trailer.
While Star Trek: Picard-Countdown is all about the captain, the prequel novel is expected to introduce the new characters that will show up in the CBS show. The Last Best Hope will be written by Una McCormack and is set to give fans a glimpse at the lives of the new characters before they end up working with Picard. However, there is also a possibility that established Star Trek characters will appear in the book.
Star Trek: Picard-Countdown will be available starting November while The Last Best Hope will be published by Simon & Schuster early next year. Star Trek: Picard is then set to premiere on CBS All Access in 2020.
