Star Trek Confirms Species 8472 Is Still an Extinction-Level Threat

Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek #25!

Although Star Trek fans believe the galaxy is at peace with Species 8472, the franchise just confirmed they are still a massive, extinction-level threat. Introduced in Star Trek: Voyager’s third season, Species 8472 has the distinction of being the one race even the Borg fear–and for good reason. Voyager encountered Species 8472, and Janeway seemingly brokered an agreement, but as revealed in Star Trek #25, she had second thoughts.

Star Trek #25 was written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Liana Kangas. Trapped in Fluidic Space, the Theseus runs afoul of Species 8472. A few of the aliens beam aboard the Theseus, attacking the crew. They are able to fend off the invaders, and Tom Paris tries to keep their spirits high. He mentions safeguarding the crew’s loved ones. As Species 8472 beams off the ship, one of them ominous says: “Love? We have never heard of it.” Also in the issue is a briefing from Janeway, in which she second guesses the “peace” with Species 8472.

Species 8472 Ended the Borg's Run as Star Trek's Most Powerful (and Scariest) Alien Race

After They Were Done with the Borg, Species 8472 Would Most Certainly Have Attacked the Federation

Since their debut in 1989, the Borg have been regarded, rightfully, as one of the Star Trek franchise’s most terrifying enemies—but Species 8472 makes them look weak. Native to the mysterious realm known as “Fluidic Space,” Species 8472 cannot be assimilated by the Borg. Assimilation is how the Borg learn and adapt, but since they cannot do this to 8472, they are at an extreme disadvantage. The Borg seek out Janeway’s help in turning back Species 8472. Reasoning that the Federation would be 8472’s next target, Janeway enters into an agreement with her former enemy.

Janeway noted all of this in the text piece, where she attempts to rationalize the peace agreement she brokered with Species 8472. After the incident with the Borg, Species 8472 realized Janeway’s worst fears, as they began preparations for an invasion of the galaxy. She was successful in convincing them otherwise, but the text piece reveals that, even years later, she still has her doubts about Species 8472, and whether they are trustworthy or not. Janeway concedes that if Species 8472 ever did attack the Federation, it would be easy pickings for them.

Is Species 8472 Still the Biggest Threat to the Star Trek Universe?

Captain Janeway Still Does Not Trust Species 8472

Species 8472’s actions in Star Trek #25 seem to confirm Janeway’s suspicions. They openly attack the Theseus and her crew, apparently ignoring the armistice they signed with Janeway. However, it is worth noting that Species 8472 were in panic mode themselves, as the consequences of Lore’s destruction of the Prime universe were being felt, even in Fluidic Space. Fluidic Space was “cooking” and 8472 were lashing out at anyone that got in their way. With this in mind, Species 8472 may still mind the peace agreement, or at least under better circumstances.

Yet the events of Star Trek #25 serve as a jarring reminder of how powerful Species 8472 is, and just how big a threat they pose to the galaxy. They could have very well overtaken the Theseus, and if they had not been in survival mode themselves, killed the crew. Furthermore, Species 8472 has no conception of love or empathy, which makes them terrifying opponents who cannot be reasoned with in standard ways. This makes it unusual they would even enter into a peace agreement in the first place, considering they could easily cause an extinction level event.

Star Trek #25 is on sale now from IDW Publishing.