Mad Cave Studios to Publish The Last Starfighter Comic Series

Mad Cave Studios is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with THE LAST STARFIGHTER, the 1984 American sci-fi adventure film directed by Nick Castle (Escape from New York) and written by Jonathan Betuel (My Science Project, Theodore Rex). A cult-classic that pioneered CGI and inspired generations of fans, the film followed Alex Rogan, a teenager whose video game skills transformed him into an intergalactic hero.

Now, more than 40 years later, Mad Cave will publish a brand-new comic book series that picks up directly after the film, expanding the universe and reigniting the Starfighter legacy. The project will be led by Betuel and producer Paul Davidson (Electric Dreams, A Radical Shift of Gravity, Tim Ginger), with Quantum Leap, Arrow, and Warehouse 13 writers Benjamin Raab and Deric A. Hughes, interior artist Willi Roberts (Norse Mythology), and colorist Francesco Segala (2000 A.D., G.I. Joe).

“Greetings, Starfighters! I’m thrilled to be collaborating with the stellar team at Mad Cave and Paul Davidson to elevate Starfighter into the multiverse,” said Jonathan Betuel. “Long overdue, we’re all eager to chronicle the Herculean undertaking of Alex Rogan as he finds himself charged with rebuilding the legendary starfighter legion.”

The team at Mad Cave Studios shares that excitement:

“Starfighters, you have been recruited by the Star League to defend the frontier, alongside Mad Cave Studios!” said Mark Irwin, President of Mad Cave. “We are excited to bring Jonathan’s vision to comic fans everywhere!”

“The Last Starfighter is a property that is near and dear to many of us here at Mad Cave,” added Mike Marts, EVP & Editor-in-Chief. “We’re truly honored to be the ones bringing this revered IP back to comic shelves everywhere.”

For the team, this project is a dream come true:

“The Last Starfighter was and still is a childhood obsession that I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to work on,” said Paul Davidson. “Jonathan created an iconic story for the ages, and now Mad Cave, Ben & Deric, Willi, and Francesco are the All-Star team helping us bring it to a new generation.”

About Jonathan Betuel:

The creator of the beloved cult classic The Last Starfighter, Jonathan Betuel created a landmark sci-fi adventure that continues to resonate with fans across generations. He also wrote and directed Disney’s My Science Project, a time-bending teen comedy about misfits who stumble on alien technology. Beyond screenwriting, Betuel co-founded Luma Pictures, the visual effects studio behind hundreds of films, where his artist-first philosophy has helped shape modern genre storytelling.

About Paul Davidson:

The founder of 27th Hour and former head of IDW Entertainment has developed projects tied to fan-favorite titles, including Netflix’s Locke & Key, Apple TV+’s Surfside Girls, and CBC’s Essex County. At 27th Hour, he’s producing a remake of the cult classic Electric Dreams, a series spin-off of Robert A. Heinlein’s JOB: A Comedy of Justice, and film and TV adaptations of acclaimed graphic novels such as Penny Nichols, A Radical Shift of Gravity, Constellations, Tim Ginger, and the upcoming sci-fi tale H2O.

This new chapter marks only the beginning of a bold publishing initiative, setting the stage for an expanded Starfighter universe that will resonate across generations. With Mad Cave Studios and this amazing team at the helm, the mission is clear: reignite the legend and carry it into the future. The Last Starfighter #1 series is slated for release in June 2026. This is only the beginning—additional details, covers, and sneak peeks are coming soon!

Get the latest news on Mad Cave Studios on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to check out the full lineup of new releases, licenses, and celebrated creator-owned titles!

Author Profile

Al Mega

I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!