IDW Publishing today revealed the next step in the expansion of its "Star Trek" comics, announcing a new miniseries based in a setting rarely explored on television or in the movies.

"Star Trek: Starfleet Academy," written by regular "Trek" writer Mike Johnson, with co-writer Ryan Parrot and artist Derek Charm, will tell stories in tow timelines. The first will feature new characters attending the Academy "now," while the other will visit Kirk, Spock and the rest of the Enterprise crew while they were in training. Eventually, the timelines will meet as the story brings them together.

Johnson will also continue to script the "Star Trek" ongoing series, which is set firmly in the new movies' canon. To celebrate its 50th issue, the series will bring the classic "Mirror Mirror" storyline into continuity.

Check out Tony Shasteen's cover for "Star Trek" #50 below, along with IDW's full press release.

Official Press Release

Following this year's Comic-Con launch of the epic crossover Star Trek/ Green Lantern comic book, IDW announced two more new comic book projects slated for 2015.

This October will see the release of Star Trek #50, marking one of the longest-running Star Trek comic-book series by any publisher. Mike Johnson continues his stint with this special anniversary issue that kicks off an epic, three-part adventure that will introduce the classic "Mirror/Mirror" storyline into the new film-based universe. Issue #50 will also boast additional bonus content, including behind-the-scenes looks at the entire 50-issue run, along with hints about where the series is going. It will all be surrounded by a gorgeous wraparound cover by series artist Tony Shasteen.

In December, IDW is adding a new dynamic to Star Trek lore with the debut of a new miniseries, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. The comic follows Kirk, Spock, Uhura and some surprise faces while they are still cadets-in-training at Starfleet Academy, set in the period just prior to the opening of the 2009 mega-hit film. At the same time, you'll meet the all-new "current day" class of Starfleet cadets, full of compelling young characters from all over the galaxy. The past and the present collide when a mystery bridges the two timelines. This vibrant series, designed to be an entry point for diverse groups of readers, is written by Mike Johnson and Ryan Parrot, with art by fan-favorite creator Derek Charm.

"IDW is proud to have been partnered with Star Trek for nearly a fifth of its lifespan so far," said IDW Editor-In-Chief Chris Ryall. "As these new comic book projects, and many others coming soon, will show, we've got plenty of exciting new ways to bring Star Trek stories to the fans."

"The fan enthusiasm surrounding Starfleet Academy, much like Harry Potter's Hogwarts, or X-Men'sXavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, shows that the educational lives of our most beloved heroes makes for fantastic stories," said IDW editor Sarah Gaydos. "I am so excited to flesh out a new chapter in the lives of the Enterprise crew, while introducing you to a great new team of recruits - - ready to boldly go!"