I Can't Believe Star Trek Just Brought Back This One Animated Series Species

Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek: Defiant #18!

I cannot believe that Star Trek just brought back an underused species from the Animated Series. Star Trek: The Animated Series aired for two seasons in the 1970s and helped keep the franchise alive before its return later that decade. The show now occupies a nebulous spot in Trek canon, but in Star Trek: Defiant #18, one species introduced to the mythos makes a shocking return.

Star Trek: Defiant #18 is written by Christopher Cantwell and drawn by Angel Unzueta. Chief O’Brien has left Earth to find Worf and his crew, who have become embroiled in a Romulan coup. O’Brien tracks the Defiant to the Delta Triangle. The ship is seemingly deserted, but O’Brien learns that six Kzinti are on board. The cat-like aliens are attempting to plunder the derelict ship, but cannot access the computer core, which is encrypted.

O’Brien tries to stealthily observe them, but his allergies get the best of him, and before long, he is in a firefight with the Kzinti.

Star Trek: The Animated Series Kept the Franchise Alive During its “Wilderness Years.”

The Kzinti Have a Cool Science Fiction Pedigree

Star Trek went off the air in 1969, but soon found its audience in syndication, who demanded more adventures with Kirk and Spock. Their prayers were answered in 1973 with the premiere of Star Trek: The Animated Series. Many of the principals, both behind and in front of the camera, returned for the show. Star Trek: The Animated Series took advantage of the medium, depicting exotic aliens and environments that would have been impossible on live action television. The Animated Series pushed the boundaries of what Star Trek was capable of.

The Kzinti creator Larry Niven adapted the race from his own works, called
The Man-Kzin Wars.

The Kzinti, introduced in the episode “The Slaver Weapon,” were one of The Animated Series’ unique contributions. Created by legendary science fiction writer Larry Niven, the Kzinti were a felinoid (cat-like) species. Known throughout the galaxy as scavengers, the Kzinti have had a tense relationship with Earth, going back to the late 21st century. A Kzinti currently serves aboard the USS Cerritos (of Lower Decks fame), indicating relations have at least thawed considerably. The exact canonicity of the Animated Series is up for debate, but the Kzinti are worthwhile additions to the Star Trek lore.

The Kzinti Have the Potential to Be Amazing Star Trek Villains

The Kzinti Need to Make a Star Trek Return

And now Christopher Cantwell and Angel Unzueta have brought the Kzinti back, if only for a brief moment. The Kzinti might prove difficult to pull off on live-action television, but they are perfect for comics and animation. Unlike other cat species seen on Star Trek, like the Caitians, the Kzinti are a threat. They have formidable technology and nearly overpowered O’Brien on the Defiant. While not a threat on par with the Romulans or the Breen, the Kzinti have great potential as Star Trek villains. I cannot believe they came back, but I am glad they did.

Star Trek: Defiant #18 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!